How to Change Your TikTok Username
Whether you're rebranding your content, fixing a typo, or simply want a more professional handle, changing your TikTok username is straightforward—but there are important rules and best practices you need to know. This comprehensive guide covers everything from the step-by-step process to what happens to your followers, videos, and old username.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Your TikTok Username
1On Mobile (iOS & Android)
- •Open the TikTok app and tap your Profile icon
- •Tap Edit Profile (below your bio)
- •Tap on your current Username field
- •Enter your new username (2-24 characters, letters, numbers, periods, underscores only)
- •Tap Save in the top right corner
- •Confirm the change if prompted (this is irreversible for 30 days)
2On Desktop (tiktok.com)
- •Go to tiktok.com and log in to your account
- •Click your Profile icon in the top right corner
- •Select Settings and privacy
- •Click Account from the menu
- •Click the pencil icon next to your Username
- •Enter your new username and click Save
The 30-Day Rule: What You Must Know
⚠️ Critical Limitation
TikTok only allows username changes once every 30 days. Once you change your username, you must wait a full month before you can change it again. There are no exceptions to this rule, not even for verified accounts.
- •Why This Rule Exists: TikTok enforces this to prevent confusion among followers, reduce impersonation attempts, and discourage spam behavior. It ensures account authenticity and user trust.
- •Test Before Committing: Before changing, test your desired username by asking friends if it's easy to spell and remember. Run it through the "Radio Test"—if you can't say it without spelling it out, choose something simpler.
- •Check Across Platforms: Use Handle Grab to ensure your new username is available on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter/X, and other platforms for consistent branding before making the change.
- •Document Your Change: Make a note of the exact date and time you changed your username. Mark your calendar for 30 days later when you can change it again if needed.
What Happens When You Change Your Username?
✓What Stays the Same
- •All your followers remain
- •All your videos and content
- •All likes, comments, and engagement
- •Your verification badge (if you have one)
- •Your display name (unless you change it too)
- •Your bio, profile picture, and settings
✗What Changes
- •Your @username in all mentions
- •Your profile URL (tiktok.com/@newusername)
- •How people tag you in videos
- •Old username becomes available to others
- •Links shared with old username may break
- •Search results may temporarily show old username
Common Problems & Solutions
Problem: "This username isn't available"
Solution: The username is taken by another user. Try variations with numbers, underscores, or slight modifications. Use Handle Grab to monitor when your desired username becomes available if the current owner changes it or deletes their account.
Problem: "You can only change your username once every 30 days"
Solution: You recently changed your username and must wait. Check when you last changed it and wait until the 30-day period expires. There's no way to bypass this restriction.
Problem: "This username isn't valid"
Solution: Your username violates TikTok's rules. Ensure it's 2-24 characters, uses only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, doesn't contain offensive content, and doesn't start/end with a period or have consecutive periods.
Problem: "Username option is grayed out"
Solution: This can happen due to app glitches or account restrictions. Try updating your TikTok app, logging out and back in, or using the desktop website instead. If the issue persists, contact TikTok support.
Problem: "I want my old username back"
Solution: Your old username becomes immediately available to others. If no one has claimed it and 30 days have passed since your change, you can change back to it. Otherwise, you'll need to wait and hope it becomes available. Consider using Handle Grab to monitor it.
Best Practices for Changing Your TikTok Username
- ✓Announce in Advance: Create a video 1-2 days before changing your username, explaining the change and showing the new handle. This prepares followers and maintains trust.
- ✓Update Everywhere: Immediately update your username on Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube, and your website to maintain consistent branding across platforms.
- ✓Pin an Announcement: After changing, create and pin a video to your profile saying "New username alert! Follow @newusername for more content." This catches viewers who visit your profile.
- ✓Keep Display Name Consistent: Your display name doesn't have the 30-day restriction. Consider keeping it the same during the transition so followers can still recognize you.
- ✓Update Your Bio: Add a note in your bio like "Formerly @oldusername" for a few weeks to help long-time followers adjust to the change.
- ✓Test Searchability: After changing, search for your new username to ensure it appears correctly and is easy to find. Check on multiple devices.
- ✓Notify Collaborators: If you collaborate with brands or other creators, inform them of your username change so they can update their records and tag you correctly.
Username vs Display Name: Understanding the Difference
Username (@handle)
- •Must be unique across all of TikTok
- •Used for mentions (@username)
- •Appears in URL (tiktok.com/@username)
- •Can only change once per 30 days
- •Must follow strict character rules
- •Cannot have spaces or special symbols
Display Name
- •Does not need to be unique
- •Appears at top of your profile
- •Not used in URLs or mentions
- •Can change anytime with no restrictions
- •Can include spaces and emojis
- •More flexible for branding
Pro Tip: Many successful creators use a simple, SEO-friendly username for their @handle and a more creative display name with emojis and personality. This gives you the best of both worlds—discoverability and branding.
Need to Secure a Taken Username?
If your dream username is already taken, don't give up! Many usernames become available when users change their handles or delete accounts. Handle Grab monitors username availability 24/7 and notifies you the instant your desired username becomes free, giving you the fastest chance to claim it.
How to Change TikTok Username FAQ
How often can I change my TikTok username?
TikTok allows you to change your username once every 30 days. This limitation prevents frequent changes that could confuse your followers and helps maintain account authenticity. Plan your username change carefully to avoid waiting another month if you're not satisfied.
Will I lose my followers if I change my TikTok username?
No, you will not lose your followers when you change your TikTok username. All your followers, videos, likes, and comments remain intact. However, followers may be temporarily confused if they don't recognize your new username, so announce the change in advance.
What happens to my old TikTok username after I change it?
Your old username becomes immediately available for anyone else to claim once you change it. It's not reserved or held for you. If you want to reclaim it later, someone else might have already taken it. Consider this carefully before changing your username.
Can I change my TikTok username if someone else already has it?
No, you cannot change to a username that's already taken by another account. TikTok usernames must be unique across the platform. If your desired username is taken, you'll need to modify it with numbers, underscores, or choose a different name. Use Handle Grab to monitor when usernames become available.
Why can't I change my TikTok username?
The most common reasons are: 1) You changed it within the last 30 days, 2) The username you want is already taken, 3) The username violates TikTok's community guidelines, 4) Your username contains prohibited characters or is too short/long (must be 2-24 characters), or 5) Temporary technical issues with TikTok's servers.
Do I need to change my TikTok display name too?
No, your display name and username are separate. Your username (@handle) is unique and used for mentions and URLs. Your display name appears on your profile and can be changed anytime without restrictions. Many creators keep a consistent display name while optimizing their username for SEO.
How do I change my TikTok username on mobile vs desktop?
The process is similar on both. Mobile: Open app > Profile > Edit Profile > Username > Save. Desktop: Log into tiktok.com > Profile icon > Settings and privacy > Manage account > Username > Save. Both methods have the same 30-day restriction and availability requirements.
Should I announce my username change to my followers?
Yes, absolutely! Create a video or post announcing your username change before or immediately after making it. This prevents confusion, maintains trust, and ensures followers can still find and tag you. Pin the announcement video to your profile for maximum visibility.
Can I change my TikTok username back to my old one?
Only if no one else has claimed it and it's been at least 30 days since your last username change. Your old username becomes immediately available to others, so act quickly if you want to reclaim it. Otherwise, you'll need to wait for it to potentially become available again.
Will changing my TikTok username affect my verification badge?
If you have a verified badge (blue checkmark), changing your username does not remove it. However, frequent username changes may be viewed unfavorably during future verification reviews. Verified accounts should maintain consistent branding to preserve their established identity.