You can change your Twitter username anytime from your account settings

Your Twitter username — the handle that starts with @ — can be changed whenever you want, and it takes about two minutes. You do not lose your followers, your tweets, or your account history when you change it. The old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you let it go, so if you want to keep it reserved, you will need to change to something else and then change back before anyone else takes it.

The process is the same whether you use Twitter on a phone or a computer. You need to be signed into your account, and you need access to the email address or phone number linked to it if Twitter asks you to verify your identity.

Key Takeaways

  • Change your username by going to Settings and Privacy, then Account, then Username — the field is labeled "Handle" on some accounts.
  • Your new username must be between 4 and 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores only.
  • You keep all your followers and tweets when you change your username; only the @ handle changes.
  • If you change your mind, you can change back to your old username as long as no one else has claimed it in the meantime.

Steps to change your username on any device

On a phone or tablet: Open the Twitter app and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner (on Android) or top left corner (on iPhone). Tap "Settings and Privacy," then "Settings," then "Account." Look for the field labeled "Username" or "Handle" and tap it. Delete your current username and type the new one you want. Tap "Save" or the checkmark button. Twitter will tell you if the name is already taken or if it breaks the rules.

On a computer: Click the three dots next to your profile picture in the top left, then click "Settings and Privacy." Click "Settings," then click "Account" in the left sidebar. Find the "Username" or "Handle" field, click in it, delete the old name, and type the new one. Click outside the field or press Enter to save. Twitter will show you a message if there is a problem.

If Twitter says your new username is not available, it means someone else already has it. Try adding a number, an underscore, or a different spelling. If you want a username that someone else currently has, you will have to wait until they change it or abandon their account (which can take years).

Rules for what your new username can be

Twitter usernames must be between 4 and 15 characters long. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers 0 through 9, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, periods, or special characters like @ # $ % or &. Twitter will not let you save a username that breaks these rules, so you will see an error message telling you what went wrong.

You also cannot use a username that is already taken by another account. If you see a message that says the username is unavailable, someone else has it. You can try a variation — for example, adding your birth year, a number, or an underscore — but you cannot use the exact same handle.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one becomes available for anyone else to claim. This happens immediately. If you think you might want to use that old username again someday, you have two options: change to a temporary username and then change back right away, or accept that someone else might take it.

Your followers do not get notified when you change your username, and they do not unfollow you. All your tweets stay on your account under the new username. Links to your old profile will not work anymore, but anyone who follows you will see your new username the next time they open Twitter.

If you cannot find the username field

On some accounts, the username field is labeled "Handle" instead of "Username." If you are in Settings and Account but do not see either label, scroll down — it may be further down the page. On phones, you may need to scroll within the Account section itself.

If you still cannot find it, make sure you are signed in to the right account. If you have multiple Twitter accounts, you may be looking at settings for a different one. Sign out completely, sign back in to the account you want to change, and try again.

Changing your username does not affect your display name

Your username (the @ handle) is different from your display name (the name that shows at the top of your profile). You can change your display name separately, and it does not have the same character limits or rules. Many people use their real name as their display name and a shorter or more creative handle as their username.

If you want to change your display name instead of your username, go to the same Settings and Account page and look for "Name" or "Display Name." That field usually allows spaces and a wider range of characters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my followers unfollow me if I change my username?

No. Your followers stay with you when you change your username. They will see your new username the next time they visit your profile or see your tweets in their feed, but they do not get unfollowed automatically.

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

Yes, as long as no one else has claimed it. If someone else took your old username after you changed it, you cannot use it again unless they change theirs first. You can change your username as many times as you want.

What if Twitter says my username is invalid?

Twitter will reject usernames that are too short (fewer than 4 characters), too long (more than 15 characters), or contain characters other than letters, numbers, and underscores. Check the error message Twitter shows you — it will tell you what the problem is. Try removing special characters or adjusting the length.

Do I need to verify my email to change my username?

Usually not. Twitter lets most people change their username without extra verification. If Twitter asks you to verify, it will send a code to the email or phone number on your account. Enter that code and you can proceed with the change.

Can I change my username on the Twitter web app if I cannot do it in the app?

Yes. If you are having trouble in the mobile app, try going to twitter.com in a web browser, signing in, and following the computer steps above. Sometimes one version works better than the other depending on your device or account.