Change Your TikTok Username in Three Steps

You can change your TikTok username directly from your phone or computer in under a minute. Open TikTok, tap your profile icon in the bottom right, select "Edit profile," and change the name in the username field. TikTok lets you change your username once every 30 days, and the change takes effect when ready across your account.

Your username is the handle that appears with an @ symbol — the one people use to tag you or search for your account. It is different from your display name, which is the full name shown on your profile. You can change your display name as often as you want, but the username has the 30-day limit.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your TikTok username once every 30 days, and the change happens right away.
  • Go to your profile, tap "Edit profile," and type your new username in the username field — it must be 2 to 24 characters and can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.
  • Your username cannot contain spaces or special characters other than periods and underscores, and TikTok will tell you if the name is already taken.
  • If you have already changed your username recently, you will see a message telling you when you can change it again.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Phone or Tablet

Open the TikTok app and tap the profile icon — it looks like a person's head and shoulders — in the bottom right corner of your screen. This takes you to your profile page.

Tap the "Edit profile" button near the top of your profile. It usually appears below your display name and profile picture. This opens a form where you can change several things about your account.

Find the username field and tap it. The current username appears there with an @ symbol in front. Delete the old username and type your new one. Remember that usernames are 2 to 24 characters long and can only use letters, numbers, periods, and underscores — no spaces or other symbols.

Tap "Save" or "Done" at the top or bottom of the screen, depending on your phone's operating system. TikTok checks whether the username is available and either saves it or tells you it is already taken. If it is taken, try a different combination.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Computer

Go to TikTok.com and log into your account. Click your profile icon in the top right corner — it is usually a small circle with your profile picture.

Click "Edit profile" from the menu that appears. This opens your profile settings page in your browser.

Locate the username field and click it to select the text. Clear the old username and type your new one, following the same rules: 2 to 24 characters, letters and numbers only, plus periods and underscores.

Click "Save" at the bottom of the form. TikTok will confirm the change or let you know if the username is unavailable. Once saved, your new username is live on your account.

Rules for Choosing a New Username

Your username must be between 2 and 24 characters long. It can contain uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, periods (.), and underscores (_). Spaces and other special characters like hyphens, commas, or exclamation marks are not allowed.

TikTok does not allow usernames that are already taken. If you try to save a username that someone else has, the app will show an error and ask you to choose a different one. You can try variations — adding a number, a period, or an underscore — to make your preferred name available.

Your username is permanent until you change it again, and you can only make one change every 30 days. Choose something you are comfortable with, because changing it frequently can confuse people trying to find you.

What Happens When You Change Your Username

Your new username takes effect when ready. Any videos you have posted, your follower count, and all your content stay with your account — nothing is lost. People who follow you will still see your account in their feed, and your old username stops working right away.

If someone else had your old username saved as a favorite or in their contacts, that link will no longer work. They will need to search for your new username to find you. You cannot reserve or hold onto an old username, so if you change it, someone else can claim it.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If you see a message saying you cannot change your username yet, you have already changed it within the last 30 days. TikTok will show you the exact date when you can change it again. You will have to wait until that date passes before making another change.

If the username you want is not available, TikTok will tell you it is taken. Try adding a number at the end, using an underscore or period in the middle, or choosing a different name altogether. You can also check whether the username exists by searching for it — if no account appears, the name may be reserved by TikTok or held by an inactive account.

If you are on a phone and the "Edit profile" button does not appear, make sure you are logged into the correct account. Log out and log back in, then try again. On a computer, clear your browser cache or try a different browser if the form does not load.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once every 30 days?

No. TikTok limits username changes to once every 30 days. If you have already changed it recently, you will see a countdown showing when you can change it again. You cannot bypass this limit.

What is the difference between my username and my display name?

Your username is the handle with the @ symbol that people use to search for or tag you — it has the 30-day change limit. Your display name is the full name shown on your profile, and you can change it as often as you want. Both appear on your profile, but only the username is searchable.

If I change my username, will my followers still see my videos?

Yes. Your followers stay with your account, and your videos remain on your profile. The change does not affect your content or your follower list. However, anyone who had your old username bookmarked or saved will need to search for your new username to find you again.

Can I use special characters like hyphens or commas in my username?

No. TikTok only allows letters, numbers, periods, and underscores in usernames. Hyphens, commas, spaces, and other special characters will cause an error when you try to save.

What if someone else takes my old username after I change mine?

Once you change your username, your old one becomes available for anyone else to claim. TikTok does not reserve old usernames for previous owners. If you think you might want it back, change to something else instead.