How to change your TikTok name

You can change your TikTok username directly in the app's settings. Open TikTok, tap the profile icon in the bottom right, select "Edit profile," and tap the username field to enter a new one. TikTok will tell you right away if the name is taken or breaks their rules. The change takes effect when ready, and you can change it again after 30 days.

Your username is different from your display name — the display name is what appears above your videos and in comments, and you can change that as often as you want. The username is the handle people use to find you (like @yourname), and that's the one with the 30-day waiting period between changes.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your username in the app by going to your profile, tapping "Edit profile," and typing a new handle in the username field.
  • TikTok usernames can be 2 to 24 characters long and can include letters, numbers, underscores, and periods — no spaces or special characters.
  • After you change your username, you must wait 30 days before changing it again.
  • Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it, so choose carefully if you plan to switch back later.
  • If your desired username is taken, you can add a number or underscore to make it unique, or try a variation of the name you want.

Step-by-step: changing your username on mobile

Start by opening the TikTok app and tapping your profile icon — it's the person silhouette in the bottom right corner of the screen. This takes you to your profile page.

Tap "Edit profile" near the top of your profile. You'll see several fields: username, display name, bio, and other account details. Tap directly on the username field (the one that currently shows your handle with the @ symbol). The field will become editable, and you can delete the old username and type in the new one.

Type your new username and tap "Save" or "Done" — the exact button depends on your phone's operating system. TikTok will check whether the name is available and whether it follows their rules. If there's a problem, you'll see an error message telling you why (usually that it's taken, too long, or contains characters TikTok doesn't allow). If it's available, the change saves when ready.

Username rules and what TikTok won't allow

TikTok usernames must be between 2 and 24 characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, underscores, and periods. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, or special characters like @, #, $, or %. If you try to use a character TikTok doesn't allow, the app will reject it when you try to save.

TikTok also blocks usernames that violate their community guidelines — for example, usernames that include slurs, impersonate real people or brands, or are designed to mislead. If your chosen username is rejected for this reason, the app will tell you it violates their rules, and you'll need to pick something different.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This applies even if you want to change it to something completely different or switch back to your old name. The timer starts the moment you save the new username.

This waiting period exists to prevent spam and account takeover attempts. If you're unsure about a new username, test it out by telling a few friends and seeing how it feels before you commit — you'll be stuck with it for a month.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one becomes available for anyone else to claim. If you had a username for years and built recognition around it, switching to something new means losing that handle permanently. Someone else can register it within hours or days.

If you think you might want to go back to your old username later, consider whether the new one is worth that trade-off. You cannot reserve or "hold" an old username — once it's released, it's gone.

Changing your display name instead of your username

If you want to change how your name appears on your videos and comments but keep your handle the same, change your display name instead. This is the field right below the username field in "Edit profile." You can change your display name as many times as you want with no waiting period.

The display name is what people see in large text on your profile and above your videos. The username (your handle) is what people type to search for you or tag you. Many creators keep a consistent username but update their display name to reflect current projects or moods.

If your desired username is already taken

If the username you want is taken, TikTok will show you an error when you try to save it. You have a few options: add a number at the end (like @yourname123), add an underscore in the middle (like @your_name), or try a variation of the name entirely.

You can also check whether the account using that username is active. If it hasn't posted in years and looks abandoned, you could try contacting the account holder to ask if they'll release it — though most won't. There's no official process to claim an inactive username; you can only use one that's genuinely available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on the TikTok website instead of the app?

Yes. Go to your account settings on the TikTok website, find the username field, and edit it the same way you would in the app. The 30-day waiting period applies whether you change it on mobile or desktop.

What if I change my username and then want to change it back?

You'll have to wait 30 days after your first change before you can change it again. Even if you want to switch back to your original username, you still have to wait the full month. By then, someone else may have claimed your old handle.

Does changing my username affect my followers or videos?

No. Your followers stay with you, and all your videos remain on your account. The only thing that changes is the handle people use to find you. Anyone who had you bookmarked or followed will still see your content.

Why does TikTok make me wait 30 days between username changes?

The waiting period prevents spam, account takeover schemes, and rapid impersonation. It also discourages people from constantly switching names in ways that confuse their audience.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my username?

No. TikTok only allows letters, numbers, underscores, and periods. Spaces, hyphens, and symbols like @, #, or $ will be rejected when you try to save.