Change your YouTube name through your Google Account settings

Your YouTube name comes from your Google Account, so changing it means going into Google Account settings, not YouTube itself. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you use YouTube on a computer or phone.

YouTube displays either your channel name (the custom name you chose for your channel) or your Google Account name, depending on which one you set up. Most people see their channel name. If you want to change what appears next to your videos and comments, you change your channel name directly in YouTube. If you want to change your actual Google Account name — the one that appears across Gmail, Google Drive, and other Google services — you do that in Google Account settings instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Your YouTube channel name and your Google Account name are separate, and changing one does not change the other.
  • To change your channel name, go to youtube.com, click your profile picture, select "Create a channel" or "Settings," then find "Channel name" and edit it directly.
  • You can change your channel name once every 90 days, and the change takes effect when ready across all your uploads and comments.
  • If you do not see a channel name field, you may need to create a channel first by clicking "Create a channel" in your profile menu.

Steps to change your channel name on a computer

Start by going to youtube.com and signing in with your Google Account. Click your profile picture in the top right corner — it is a small circle with your initial or photo in it. A menu will drop down with several options.

Look for "Settings" or "Create a channel" in that menu. If you already have a channel, you will see "Settings." Click it. On the Settings page, look for the section labeled "Channel" on the left side. Click "Basic info." You will see a field labeled "Channel name" with your current name in it. Click directly on the name to edit it, type your new name, and click the checkmark or "Save" button that appears.

The change takes effect when ready. Your new name will appear on your channel page, next to your comments, and on any videos you upload from that point forward. Old videos and comments will also show your new name retroactively.

Steps to change your channel name on a phone or tablet

Open the YouTube app and tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Tap "Settings." Scroll down and tap "Channel." Tap "Basic info." You will see your channel name at the top. Tap the edit icon (a pencil) next to your name, type your new name, and tap "Save."

The mobile process is the same as the computer version — the change is when ready and applies everywhere your channel name appears. If you do not see an edit icon, make sure you are signed in to the correct Google Account and that you have already created a channel.

What happens if you do not have a channel yet

If you have never created a YouTube channel, you will not see a "Settings" option in your profile menu. Instead, you will see "Create a channel." Click or tap it. YouTube will ask you to confirm your channel name — this is usually your Google Account name by default, but you can change it right away before you finish creating the channel.

Once your channel is created, you can change the name whenever you want using the steps above. There is no penalty for creating a channel and then when ready changing the name.

The 90-day rule and what it means

YouTube allows you to change your channel name once every 90 days. This means if you change your name today, you cannot change it again for 90 days. The 90-day timer starts from the date of your last change, not from when you created your channel.

If you try to change your name before 90 days have passed, YouTube will show you a message telling you when you will be able to change it again. There is no way to bypass this rule, so choose your new name carefully. The restriction exists to prevent spam and impersonation.

Changing your Google Account name instead of your channel name

If you want to change the name associated with your entire Google Account — the one that appears in Gmail, Google Drive, and other Google services — you do that separately. Go to myaccount.google.com, click "Personal info" on the left, and look for "Name." Click it and edit your first and last name. This change may take a few hours to appear across all Google services, including YouTube.

Changing your Google Account name does not automatically change your YouTube channel name. If you have set up a custom channel name, that will stay the same. If you have not created a channel yet and YouTube is showing your Google Account name, then changing your Google Account name will change what appears on YouTube.

What to do if the name field will not let you edit

If you click on your channel name and nothing happens, or if you see a message saying you cannot change it, check these things first. Make sure you are signed in to the correct Google Account — the one that owns the channel. If you manage multiple channels, each one has its own name, and you can only edit the name of the channel you are currently signed into.

If you are signed in to the right account and still cannot edit, try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then sign back in. If you are using the YouTube app on a phone, try closing the app completely and opening it again. If the problem continues, you may need to create a channel first by going to youtube.com/channel_creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my YouTube name back to what it was before?

Yes, but you have to wait 90 days from your last change. You can change your name to anything you want, including a previous name, as long as the 90-day window has passed. There is no limit on how many times you can change it over time — only on how often you can change it.

Will changing my YouTube name affect my subscribers or watch history?

No. Your subscribers will stay subscribed, your videos will stay on your channel, and your watch history will not change. The only thing that changes is what name appears next to your channel and comments. All your content and audience stay exactly the same.

What if someone else is using the name I want?

YouTube allows multiple channels to have the same name, so you can use any name you want even if another channel has it. The difference is your channel URL and channel ID, which are unique to you. You will not be able to claim a custom URL if someone else already has it, but your channel name itself can match anyone else's.

Does changing my channel name change my YouTube URL?

Not automatically. Your channel URL is based on your channel ID, which never changes. If you have claimed a custom URL (like youtube.com/@yourname), changing your channel name does not change that custom URL. You would have to go to your channel settings and claim a new custom URL separately.

How long does it take for my new name to show up everywhere?

Your new channel name appears when ready on your channel page and on new comments and uploads. Old videos and comments will show your new name within a few minutes. In rare cases, it can take up to 24 hours for the change to appear everywhere across YouTube, but usually it is when ready.