You can change your Twitch username once every 60 days through your account settings

To change your Twitch name, log into your account on a web browser, go to Settings, select Channel, and click the pencil icon next to your current username. Type your new name — it must be between 4 and 25 characters, contain only letters, numbers, and underscores, and cannot start with a number. Click Save and confirm the change. The new name takes effect immediately, but you cannot change it again for 60 days.

Your display name (the name that appears on your channel and in chat) is separate from your username. You can change your display name as often as you want, but your username — the one in your channel URL — is locked to the 60-day rule. If you want to change how your name looks in chat without waiting, adjust your display name instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Twitch username appears in your channel URL and can only be changed once every 60 days.
  • Your display name is what viewers see in chat and can be changed whenever you want.
  • Usernames must be 4 to 25 characters and can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores.
  • After you change your username, your old URL will not work, so update links on other platforms if you share them.

The difference between username and display name

Twitch treats these as two separate things. Your username is permanent-ish — it appears in your channel URL (twitch.tv/yourname) and determines your channel address. Your display name is what people see when you type in chat or when they visit your channel. You can have a username like "streamer_2024" but a display name that reads "Streamer" in fancy lettering.

If you only want to change how your name looks without waiting 60 days, change your display name instead. Go to Settings, select Channel, find Display Name, and type whatever you want. This takes effect right away and has no cooldown. The username stays the same, so your channel URL does not break.

Step-by-step: changing your username

Open Twitch in a web browser and log in. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Settings.

On the left side, click Channel. Scroll down until you see your current username with a pencil icon next to it. Click the pencil icon to edit.

Type your new username. It must follow these rules: 4 to 25 characters long, letters and numbers only (underscores are allowed), and cannot start with a number. Twitch will tell you if the name is taken or breaks the rules.

Click Save. A confirmation window will appear — click Confirm to lock in the change. Your new username is now live, and your old channel URL no longer works. You cannot change it again for 60 days.

What happens to your old username and links

When you change your username, Twitch does not redirect your old channel URL to the new one. If you shared your channel link on Twitter, Discord, or your website, those links will break. You will need to update them manually.

Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it. If you think you might want it back later, you cannot reserve it — Twitch does not hold old usernames. Plan your change carefully if your current name has value or recognition.

Followers, subscribers, and chat history stay with your account no matter what name you use. Your channel, videos, and community do not disappear or reset. Only the URL and the name itself change.

Rules for choosing a new username

Twitch has specific requirements for usernames. They must be between 4 and 25 characters. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, periods, or special characters. Your username cannot start with a number.

Usernames that impersonate Twitch staff, famous streamers, or brands may be flagged or removed. Twitch does not prevent you from creating them at the moment of change, but the platform can disable your account if the name violates their terms. Avoid names that look like you are pretending to be someone else.

If your desired username is already taken

When you try to save a new username, Twitch will tell you immediately if it is taken. You cannot claim a username that belongs to an active account, even if that account has not streamed in years. Twitch does not release inactive usernames.

If the name you want is taken, you have a few options: add numbers or underscores to make it unique (like "streamer_name" instead of "streamername"), wait and check back occasionally in case the account is deleted, or choose a different name altogether. There is no waitlist or request system for taken usernames.

Changing your username on mobile

The Twitch mobile app does not let you change your username directly. You must use a web browser on a phone or computer to access Settings and make the change. Open twitch.tv in Safari or Chrome, log in, and follow the same steps as the desktop version.

Once you change your username on the web, the change appears in the mobile app automatically. You do not need to log out and back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once every 60 days?

No. Twitch enforces a 60-day cooldown between username changes. If you change your name and then want to change it again, you must wait 60 days from the date of your last change. The timer starts when you confirm the change, not when you click edit.

What if I change my username and then regret it?

You have to wait 60 days before you can change it again. Twitch does not offer exceptions to this rule. If your old username is still available, you can claim it back after the 60-day period ends, but there is no may provide it will still be unclaimed.

Does changing my username affect my followers or subscribers?

No. Your followers and subscribers stay with your account. They will see your new username the next time they visit your channel, but they do not lose their follow or subscription status. Your channel history, videos, and clips remain unchanged.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my username?

No. Twitch only allows letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and other special characters are not permitted. If you want your name to look different, use underscores to separate words (like "my_channel_name") or change your display name instead.

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

Once you change your username, your old one becomes available immediately. Anyone can claim it. Twitch does not reserve old usernames or give you a chance to reclaim them. If you think you might want it back, wait until after you change before deciding.