Change your X username from your account settings

To change your username on X (formerly Twitter), open the app or website, go to Settings and Privacy, select Your Account, then Username, and type your new name. X lets you change your username as often as you want, and the change takes effect when ready. Your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim within 30 days.

The process is the same whether you use the mobile app, the web version, or X.com on a browser. You do not need to verify your email or phone number again, and changing your username does not affect your followers, likes, or past posts.

If you cannot find the Username option, make sure you are signed in to the account you want to change. Accounts that are locked or suspended cannot change their username until the restriction is lifted.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username change takes effect right away, and your old username becomes available for others to claim after 30 days.
  • You can change your username as many times as you want with no limit on how often.
  • Changing your username does not delete your posts, remove your followers, or affect your account history.
  • X usernames must be between 4 and 15 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores only.
  • If your desired username is taken, you will see an error message and must choose a different one.

Where to find the username setting on mobile

On the X mobile app for iPhone or Android, tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top left corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, then Settings.

From there, tap Your Account, then Username. The current username appears in a text field. Delete it and type your new username, then tap Save. X will confirm the change with a checkmark.

If you see a message that says the username is unavailable, that name is already taken. Try a different combination of letters, numbers, or underscores.

How to change your username on the web

On X.com or twitter.com in a web browser, click the three dots (More) icon in the left sidebar. Click Settings and Privacy, then Settings.

Click Your Account in the left menu, then Username. Type your new username in the field and click Save. The page will refresh and show your new username at the top of your profile.

On desktop, the change is when ready and you will see your new username in the top left corner of the page within seconds.

Rules for X usernames

X usernames must be between 4 and 15 characters long. You can use letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_). You cannot use spaces, periods, hyphens, or special characters like @, #, or $.

Usernames are not case-sensitive, so @JohnSmith and @johnsmith are treated as the same account. X will not let you create a username that is already taken, even if the capitalization is different.

Your username is different from your display name. Your display name is what appears above your username on your profile and can include spaces, emoji, and special characters. You can change your display name separately in the same Settings menu under Your Account.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one does not disappear right away. For 30 days, no one else can claim it. After 30 days, the old username becomes available and anyone can take it.

If you want to keep your old username reserved, you can create a second account and claim it before the 30-day window closes. Otherwise, there is no way to lock or protect an old username permanently.

Your followers, posts, and likes all stay with your account and your new username. People who followed you under your old username will still follow you under your new one.

Troubleshooting username changes

If you see an error message when you try to save your new username, the most common reason is that the name is already taken. Try adding a number or underscore to make it unique.

If the Settings menu does not show a Username option, your account may be locked or suspended. Check your email for any messages from X about account restrictions. You will need to resolve any suspension before you can change your username.

If you changed your username but it is not showing up everywhere, wait a few minutes. X sometimes takes a short time to update your username across all pages and notifications. Refresh your browser or close and reopen the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Yes, but only within 30 days of changing it. After 30 days, your old username becomes available to anyone, and you would have to claim it as if it were a new username. If someone else has already taken it, you cannot get it back.

Will my old posts still show my new username?

Yes. All your past posts, replies, and retweets will display your new username. People who saw your old posts will see your new username when they look at them again.

Do I need to tell my followers about my username change?

No. Your followers will automatically follow your new username. However, if you want people to know you changed your name, you can post about it or update your bio to mention your old username so people can find you.

What if the username I want has a space or special character in it?

X usernames cannot contain spaces or special characters. You can only use letters, numbers, and underscores. If you want a space between words, use an underscore instead, like @john_smith.

Can I reserve a username without using it?

You can create a second account and claim the username you want to reserve. However, X requires each account to have a valid email address, so you would need a separate email for the second account.