YouTube doesn't let you change your user ID directly, but you can change your channel name

Your user ID is a permanent number YouTube assigns when you create an account — it cannot be changed. However, you can change your channel name, which is what viewers see when they visit your channel or watch your videos. The channel name is separate from your user ID and can be updated as often as you want, though YouTube limits you to one change every 90 days.

If you're looking to rebrand your channel, change how your name appears to the public, or straightforward want a fresh start with a different identity, changing your channel name is what you need to do. This guide walks you through the steps to make that change in YouTube Studio.

Key Takeaways

  • Your user ID is a permanent number you cannot change, but your channel name — what viewers see — can be updated once every 90 days.
  • You change your channel name through YouTube Studio by going to Settings, then Basic Info, then editing the Channel Name field.
  • YouTube will show you a preview of how the new name appears across the platform before you save it.
  • If you've already changed your channel name recently, you must wait 90 days from the last change before making another one.
  • Changing your channel name does not affect your subscriber count, videos, playlists, or any other channel data.

How to access YouTube Studio and find the channel name setting

Open YouTube in your web browser and sign in to the account that owns the channel you want to change. Click your profile picture in the top right corner of the page. A dropdown menu will appear with several options. Select Create a channel if you don't have a channel yet, or YouTube Studio if you already have one.

Once you're in YouTube Studio, look at the left sidebar menu. Click Settings (the gear icon near the bottom of the menu). This opens the Settings page. On the Settings page, click the Basic Info tab at the top. This is where you'll find your channel name field and other basic channel details.

Changing your channel name step by step

In the Basic Info section, you'll see a field labeled Channel Name with your current name displayed. Click directly on the text in that field to edit it. The field will become active and you can now type. Delete your old channel name and type in the new one you want to use.

As you type, YouTube shows you a preview of how the new name will appear across the platform — in search results, on your channel header, and next to your comments. Review this preview to make sure the new name looks the way you want it to. Once you're satisfied with the new name, click the Publish button to save the change. YouTube will confirm that your channel name has been updated.

What to know about the 90-day waiting period

After you change your channel name, you cannot change it again for 90 days. This rule applies whether you're changing it for the first time or the tenth time. If you try to change your channel name before 90 days have passed since your last change, YouTube will show you an error message telling you when you'll be able to make the next change.

The 90-day timer starts from the moment you publish your channel name change, not from when you started editing it. If you're unsure when your last change was, you can check by looking at the Channel Name field in Basic Info — YouTube often displays a message showing when you can make your next change.

What happens to your content and subscribers when you change your channel name

Changing your channel name does not affect any of your videos, playlists, subscribers, or watch history. Your subscriber count stays exactly the same. All your videos remain on your channel with the same view counts and comments. Your channel URL (the web address) also does not change, so anyone who has bookmarked your channel or shared a link to it will still be able to find you.

The only thing that changes is how your name appears to viewers. Old comments you made before the name change will still show your old name in the comment history, but your channel page and new comments will display your new name. This is normal behavior and nothing to worry about.

Changing your channel name on mobile devices

If you're using the YouTube app on a phone or tablet, you can still change your channel name, but the process is slightly different. Open the YouTube app and tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Tap Create a channel or YouTube Studio depending on whether you have a channel. In YouTube Studio, tap the Settings icon (three horizontal lines or a gear icon, depending on your device).

Tap Basic Info and then tap on the Channel Name field. Edit your name the same way you would on a computer, then tap Publish or Save to confirm the change. The process takes the same amount of time and has the same 90-day restriction as changing your name on a computer.

Troubleshooting common problems when changing your channel name

If you see a message saying you cannot change your channel name yet, you have already made a change within the last 90 days. You'll need to wait until the 90-day period has passed. The error message usually tells you the exact date when you can make your next change.

If the Publish button is grayed out or not responding, make sure you've actually typed a new name that is different from your current one. YouTube won't let you publish a name that is identical to what you already have. Also check that your new name doesn't contain special characters or symbols that YouTube doesn't allow — stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and basic punctuation like hyphens or apostrophes.

If you're signed into multiple YouTube accounts, make sure you're in YouTube Studio for the correct account. You can only change the channel name for the account you're currently signed into. If you need to change the name for a different account, sign out and sign back in with that account's credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my YouTube user ID?

No. Your user ID is a permanent number assigned to your account and cannot be changed. You can only change your channel name, which is what viewers see. The channel name can be updated once every 90 days.

Will changing my channel name affect my subscribers or videos?

No. Your subscriber count, videos, playlists, and all other channel data remain exactly the same. Only the name displayed to viewers changes. Your channel URL also stays the same.

How long do I have to wait between channel name changes?

You must wait 90 days from the date you made your last channel name change before you can make another one. This applies every time you change your name, not just the first time.

What if I want to use special characters or emojis in my channel name?

YouTube allows letters, numbers, spaces, and basic punctuation like hyphens and apostrophes. Most special characters and emojis are not allowed in channel names. Stick to standard text characters for the best results.

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

Yes, you can change your channel name to anything you want, including a previous name. However, you still have to wait 90 days between changes. If you changed your name recently and want to revert, you'll need to wait until the 90-day period is over.