You can change your Twitter username anytime through your account settings

Your Twitter username — the handle that starts with @ — is different from your display name. You can change it whenever you want, and Twitter doesn't limit how many times you do this. The process takes about two minutes and happens immediately, though there's a waiting period before you can change it again.

The username change is permanent in one direction: once you release your old handle, someone else can claim it within a few minutes. If you want to keep using that handle later, you'll need to change back to it before anyone else does. Twitter doesn't reserve old usernames for you.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Twitter username is the @handle shown on your profile, separate from your display name, and you can change it through Settings and Privacy.
  • After you change your username, you must wait 30 days before changing it again, so choose carefully if you plan multiple changes.
  • Your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim immediately, so if you want to reclaim it later, you need to switch back before someone else takes it.
  • Changing your username does not affect your followers, tweets, or direct messages — they all stay attached to your account.
  • If someone else has already claimed the username you want, you'll see an error message and need to pick a different one.

How to change your username on Twitter's website

Open Twitter in your browser and sign in to your account. Click the three-dot menu icon in the top left corner (or tap your profile picture if you're on mobile), then select Settings and privacy.

Go to the Account section on the left side. Find the line that says Username and click the edit icon next to it. Type your new username in the box that appears. Twitter will show you whether that username is available as you type — if it's taken, you'll see a red X and need to try something different.

Once you've found an available username, click Save. The change takes effect immediately. You'll see a confirmation message, and your profile will now show your new @handle.

How to change your username on the Twitter app

Open the Twitter app and tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner. Tap Settings and privacy, then Account. Scroll down to find Username and tap it.

The username field will open for editing. Type your new handle and watch for the availability indicator — Twitter shows a checkmark if it's available or an X if it's taken. Once you've chosen an available name, tap Save at the top of the screen.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one is released immediately and becomes available for anyone else to claim. This happens within seconds. If you think you might want that username back in the future, you need to switch back to it before someone else does.

The 30-day waiting period only applies to changing away from your current username — it doesn't protect your old handle. If you change from @jane to @jane_2024, then later want to go back to @jane, you can do that right away, but only if no one else has claimed @jane in the meantime.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

After you change your username, Twitter requires you to wait 30 days before changing it again. This applies whether you're switching to something completely new or going back to an old handle. The timer starts the moment you save your new username.

If you try to change your username before 30 days have passed, you'll see a message telling you when you can change it next. There's no way to skip this waiting period, so make sure you're happy with your choice before you save it.

What stays the same when you change your username

Your followers don't go anywhere. Everyone who followed @jane will automatically follow @jane_2024 — you don't lose followers when you change your handle. Your tweets, likes, and retweets all stay on your account. Direct messages with other users remain intact and still show your new username.

Your profile URL changes to match your new username, so any links people saved to your old profile won't work anymore. If you have a website or social media bio that links to your Twitter profile, you'll want to update those links to point to your new username.

Troubleshooting username changes that don't work

If you see an error saying the username is unavailable, someone else has already claimed it. Try a variation — add numbers, underscores, or abbreviations. Twitter usernames can be 1 to 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores, but not spaces or most special characters.

If you're getting an error message even though the username appears available, try refreshing the page or closing and reopening the app. Sometimes the availability check takes a moment to update. If the problem persists, sign out completely, sign back in, and try again.

If you're on a work or school account managed by an organization, you may not have permission to change your username. Contact your account administrator to see if this restriction applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to one I used before?

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it. Once you release a username, it's available for anyone to take. If you want to go back to an old handle, you need to switch to it before someone else does. There's no reservation system that holds old usernames for you.

Will my followers see my old username anywhere?

No. Your followers will see your new username everywhere — on your profile, in their feeds, and in notifications. Twitter doesn't show a history of your past usernames to other users. Only you can see your username change history in your account settings.

What if I change my username by mistake?

You can change it back immediately if no one else has claimed your old username. If someone else has already taken it, you'll need to pick a different name. There's no undo button, so if you make a mistake, act quickly to reclaim your old handle before it's taken.

Does changing my username affect my verification badge?

No. If your account is verified (has a blue checkmark), that verification stays with your account when you change your username. The verification is tied to your account, not to your specific handle.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my username?

No. Twitter usernames can only contain letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and underscores (_). You cannot use spaces, hyphens, periods, or other special characters. If you try to use them, Twitter will show an error and won't let you save the change.