How to Change Your Username on TikTok (2026 Guide)

Quick answer: Open TikTok, tap Profile, tap "Edit profile", tap "Username", type your new username, then tap "Save." You can change your username once every 30 days.

How to Change Your TikTok Username (4 Steps)

1. Open the TikTok app
2. Tap "Profile" (bottom right)
3. Tap "Edit profile"
4. Tap "Username", delete the old one, type your new username, then tap "Save"

That's it. Your new username takes effect immediately across all of TikTok.

Username vs Display Name (They're Different)

TikTok has two name fields:

• Username appears in your profile URL (tiktok.com/@username) and when people @mention you
• Display name appears in bold on your profile and can include spaces and special characters

To change your display name: Same path, Edit profile, tap "Name", change it, then Save. No waiting period.

TikTok Username Rules

Your new username must follow these rules:

What Happens When You Change Your Username

• Your old username becomes available for anyone to claim immediately
• All your existing content stays on your profile
• Followers are not affected, they stay following you
• Old links to your profile (tiktok.com/@oldusername) will stop working
• People who search your old username won't find you
• DM conversations stay intact
• Any @mentions of your old username in comments/captions won't link to you anymore

Important: If you have a recognizable username with a large following, think carefully before changing it. Your audience knows you by that name. After rebranding, consider updating your content strategy too — check our TikTok content ideas for business for fresh directions.

"This username isn't available"

If the username you want is taken:

Try these variations:

• Add your niche: @sarahfitness instead of @sarah
• Add a location: @chefmike_nyc
• Use underscores: @social_rails
• Add "official" or "real": @realsarah
• Abbreviate: @srlsocial

Check availability first: Use our TikTok username checker to see if your desired username is available before trying.

For more name inspiration, check our list of 300+ cool TikTok username ideas.

How to Change Your Username Before 30 Days

TikTok enforces a strict 30-day waiting period between username changes. There's no official way around this. However:

• New accounts can change their username immediately once (since they haven't changed it before)
• Contacting TikTok support sometimes works if you have a legitimate reason (impersonation, legal name change, brand rebranding)
• You can always change your display name, that has no waiting period

While you wait, focus on creating great content. Learn how to edit TikTok videos or discover how to Stitch on TikTok to grow your account in the meantime.

Tips for Choosing a Good TikTok Username

1. Keep it short, easier to remember and type (8-15 characters is ideal)
2. Make it readable, don't use random numbers like @sarah938274
3. Match your brand, use the same username across all platforms for consistency. A consistent name also helps when people find you through TikTok DMs guide features or search
4. Include your niche, helps people understand your content at a glance
5. Avoid trends, usernames based on current trends age poorly
6. Say it out loud, if you can't easily say it in conversation, it's too complex
7. Think long-term, pick something that works even if your content evolves. Once you're set, post at the best time to post on TikTok to maximize visibility under your new name

Frequently Asked Questions