You can change your TikTok username directly in the app settings, and it takes about two minutes

Open TikTok and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Then tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the top right. Scroll down and tap "Settings and privacy," then "Account," then "Username." The field will show your current username — tap it, delete the old one, type your new username, and tap "Save."

TikTok will tell you immediately if the username is already taken or contains words it doesn't allow. If your new name is available, the change takes effect right away. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it, so if you think you might want it back later, take a screenshot of your profile first.

You can change your username as often as you want, but TikTok does not let you change it more than once every 30 days if you keep the same email address. If you try to change it again within 30 days, the app will show you a message saying when you can change it next.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to your profile, tap the menu icon, then Settings and privacy > Account > Username to reach the change screen.
  • Your new username must not already be taken and must follow TikTok's content rules, or the app will reject it.
  • The change happens instantly once you tap Save, and your old username becomes available for others to use.
  • You can change your username again after 30 days have passed since your last change.
  • Changing your username does not affect your followers, videos, or any other account data.

What happens to your old username after you change it

Once you save a new username, your old one is no longer yours. TikTok releases it back into the pool of available usernames, and another person can claim it within a few minutes. This means if you change your mind later, you cannot simply change back — someone else may have already taken it.

Your followers will not be affected by the username change. They can still find you by searching your new name, and any videos you posted under your old username stay on your account. The only thing that changes is the name people see next to your profile picture and in search results.

Usernames TikTok will not allow

TikTok blocks usernames that contain certain words or patterns. The app does not publish a complete list, but common reasons for rejection include usernames that look like they impersonate someone else, contain hate speech or slurs, or include words TikTok flags as adult content.

If your chosen username is rejected, try removing numbers, changing the spelling slightly, or adding an underscore or period. For example, if "jane_smith" is taken, you could try "jane.smith" or "janesmith1." TikTok usernames can be 2 to 24 characters long and can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.

If you cannot find the username option in settings

Make sure you are on the latest version of TikTok. Open your phone's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store), search for TikTok, and tap "Update" if an update is available. Older versions of the app sometimes have settings in different places.

If you have updated and still cannot find the username setting, try logging out and logging back in. Tap your profile icon, scroll to the bottom, tap "Log out," then log back in with your email or phone number. This refreshes your account connection and often fixes display problems in the settings menu.

Changing your username on a business or creator account

The process is identical whether you have a personal account, a Creator Account, or a Business Account. All three account types use the same Settings and privacy menu to change the username. The only difference is that Business Accounts may have additional settings below the username field related to your business category or contact information.

If you have a verified account (marked with a blue checkmark), your verification status stays with your account after you change the username. You do not need to re-verify or do anything special — the checkmark simply moves to your new name.

Usernames with special characters and spacing

TikTok usernames cannot contain spaces. If you want to separate words, use an underscore (_) or a period (.) instead. For example, you could use "jane_smith" or "jane.smith" but not "jane smith."

Usernames are case-insensitive, meaning TikTok treats "JaneSmith" and "janesmith" as the same username. When you type your new username, TikTok will accept it regardless of how you capitalize the letters, but the app will display it exactly as you typed it on your profile.

What to do if someone else took your old username

If you changed your username and later want to reclaim your old one, you can try searching for it and sending a message to whoever has it now. However, TikTok does not have a formal process for reclaiming old usernames, and the person who claimed it has no obligation to give it back.

If the person using your old username is impersonating you or using it to scam others, you can report them. Tap their profile, tap the three dots in the top right, and select "Report." Choose "Impersonation" as the reason. TikTok will review the report, but there is no may provide they will take action or return the username to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my username affect my followers or videos?

No. Your followers stay with you, your videos remain on your account, and your watch history and likes are unchanged. Only the name displayed next to your profile changes. People who follow you will see your new username the next time they visit your profile.

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Only if no one else has claimed it. Once you change your username, it becomes available for anyone to use. If someone else has already taken it, you cannot get it back through TikTok's settings. You would have to contact that person directly and ask them to change theirs.

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere on TikTok?

The change is instant in your settings, but it may take a few minutes to appear in search results and on other people's feeds. If someone searches for your old username, they will not find you, but searching your new username will show your profile right away.

What if TikTok says my username is unavailable but I cannot find anyone using it?

TikTok sometimes reserves usernames for accounts that are temporarily inactive or suspended. The username may also be held by a deleted account that TikTok has not yet released back into circulation. Try a slight variation, like adding a number or underscore, and try again in a few days.

Can I use the same username on multiple TikTok accounts?

No. Each TikTok username must be unique across the entire platform. If you have multiple accounts, each one needs its own username. You can switch between accounts using the profile menu without changing usernames.