Change your Twitter handle from your account settings
To change your Twitter handle, log into your account, go to Settings and Privacy, select Your Account, then tap Username. Type your new handle and save the change. The whole process takes about two minutes. Your new handle takes effect when ready, and Twitter will redirect anyone who visits your old handle to your new one for 30 days.
A Twitter handle is the username that appears after the @ symbol — it is different from your display name, which is what shows at the top of your profile. You can change your display name as often as you want without any restrictions, but your handle has a few rules: it must be between 4 and 15 characters, can only use letters, numbers, and underscores, and cannot be a handle someone else is currently using.
Key Takeaways
- Your Twitter handle is the username after the @ symbol, and you change it through Settings and Privacy > Your Account > Username.
- A new handle takes effect right away, and Twitter automatically redirects your old handle to your new one for 30 days.
- Your handle must be 4 to 15 characters long and can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores.
- If someone else has taken the handle you want, you will need to choose a different one — you cannot reserve a handle or request that someone else release it.
- Changing your handle does not affect your followers, direct messages, or any of your tweets.
Step-by-step: changing your handle on mobile
Open the Twitter app and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner to open the menu. Tap your profile picture at the top, then select Settings and Privacy. Choose Your Account, then tap Username. Delete your current handle and type the new one you want. Tap Save when you are done.
Twitter will show you a message confirming the change. Your new handle is live when ready. Anyone who tries to visit your old handle will see a message that says the account has moved, with a link to your new profile.
Step-by-step: changing your handle on a computer
Go to twitter.com and log in. Click the three dots (More) in the left sidebar, then select Settings and Privacy. Click Your Account, then click Username. Clear the current handle and type your new one. Click Save.
The change is when ready. Your old handle will redirect to your new one for 30 days, after which someone else can claim it if they want.
What happens to your followers and tweets when you change your handle
Your followers stay with you when you change your handle — they do not have to re-follow you. All your tweets, likes, and retweets remain on your account under your new handle. Your direct messages are not affected either. The only thing that changes is the @ symbol name people use to mention you.
If you had a custom URL like twitter.com/youroldhandle, that URL will stop working after 30 days. If you have links to your profile on a website or in a bio somewhere, those links will still work during the 30-day redirect period, but you should update them to your new handle to be safe.
Choosing a handle that is not already taken
When you type a new handle into the username field, Twitter will tell you right away whether it is available. If the handle is taken, you will see a red X and a message saying the username is not available. You will need to choose a different one.
If you really want a handle that someone else has, there is no way to request it or reserve it. You can only use a handle if it is currently unclaimed. Some people change their handles and then claim a new one, which means their old handle becomes available — but you cannot predict when that will happen or contact someone to ask them to release a handle.
Handles you cannot use
Twitter reserves certain handles for its own use, such as @Twitter, @TwitterAPI, and @TwitterSupport. You cannot claim these no matter what. Additionally, Twitter does not allow handles that impersonate real people or organizations — if you try to create a handle that looks like it belongs to a celebrity or brand, Twitter may suspend your account.
Your handle also cannot contain certain characters. Only letters (a–z, A–Z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_) are allowed. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and special characters like @ or # will not work.
What to do if you cannot change your handle
If you see an error message when you try to save a new handle, the most common reason is that the handle is already taken. Try a different one. If the error persists, log out and log back in, then try again.
If your account is locked or suspended, you will not be able to change your handle until the issue is resolved. Check your email for any messages from Twitter explaining why your account was locked. If you believe the lock was a mistake, you can request a review through the Twitter Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my handle back to my old one?
Yes, as long as no one else has claimed it. During the 30-day redirect period, your old handle is reserved for you. After 30 days, anyone can claim it. If someone else takes it, you cannot get it back unless they change their handle again.
Will my handle change affect my Twitter verification badge?
No. If your account is verified, your blue badge stays with you when you change your handle. The verification is tied to your account, not to the specific username.
How often can I change my handle?
Twitter does not limit how many times you can change your handle, but changing it very frequently can confuse your followers and may trigger a security review. Change it as often as you need to, but keep in mind that people may not recognize you right away under a new name.
What if I see my old handle is being used by someone else?
If the 30-day redirect period has ended and someone else has claimed your old handle, you cannot reclaim it. You can only use the handle if it becomes available again — which happens only if that person changes their handle or deletes their account.
Can I change my handle if my account is new?
Yes. There is no waiting period. You can change your handle as soon as your account is created, even if you just signed up minutes ago.