@miablue!!
@leo_22B
@samMia + Leo
@jay.kboost
@anapizza
@zoe7
@maxticket
@kikisilver
@tomRED RED
@novait’s C
@ravigo go go
@linburger
@eli12
@olaprint me
@benme + crush
@ivycloudHow to Change Your TikTok Username (and the 30-Day Rule)
Change your TikTok username in a minute, understand the 30-day limit and character rules, and pick a handle that works for LIVE and growth.
Your TikTok username is the @handle people type to find you, tag you and type into tools that connect to your account. Changing it takes less than a minute, but there are a few rules worth knowing first, especially how often you can change it and what happens to links that point to your old handle.
This guide shows how to change your TikTok username on the app, explains the difference between your username and your name, covers the character rules and the “not available” message, and finishes with tips for picking a handle that works well for LIVE and long-term growth. It also covers how to update your profile photo and bio while you’re there.
TikTok username vs name: what’s the difference?
Your username is your unique @handle used in your profile link and mentions; your name is the display name shown on your profile and can include spaces and emojis. Both can be changed, on different schedules.
| Username | Name (display name) | |
|---|---|---|
| Example | @jess.plays | Jess 🎮 Game Nights |
| Must be unique | Yes | No |
| Used in profile URL and @mentions | Yes | No |
| Spaces and emojis | No | Generally yes |
| How often you can change it | Commonly once every 30 days | Commonly reported as once every 7 days |
If you only want to tweak how your name looks, change the display name and keep the handle. That avoids breaking links.
How to change your TikTok username step by step
Go to your profile, tap Edit profile, tap Username, type a new available handle and tap Save. The steps are the same on iPhone and Android.
- Open TikTok and tap Profile at the bottom right.
- Tap Edit profile.
- Tap Username.
- Type your new username. TikTok shows whether it’s available as you type.
- Tap Save and confirm if asked.
On a desktop browser, you can usually do the same from your profile’s Edit profile button. TikTok updates its menus from time to time, so if a label looks different, look for the edit option on your profile or search TikTok’s in-app help.
How often can you change your TikTok username?
You can change your TikTok username once every 30 days. After a change, the Username field is locked until the period passes, and the app shows when you can change it again.
That limit makes it worth picking carefully. Before you save, check:
- Is it easy to say out loud on a LIVE or in a video?
- Will it still fit if your content changes direction?
- Is the same handle available on other platforms you use?
If you need a change sooner, update your display name instead. It’s commonly reported to be changeable more often.
TikTok username rules and character limits
TikTok usernames can generally contain only letters, numbers, underscores and periods, and are commonly reported to be limited to 24 characters. Spaces, emojis and most symbols aren’t allowed.
- Allowed: letters, numbers, underscores (_) and periods (.).
- Not allowed: spaces, emojis, hyphens and most other symbols.
- Periods: a username generally can’t end with a period.
- Length: commonly reported as up to 24 characters.
- Content: usernames must follow TikTok’s Community Guidelines and can’t impersonate other people or brands.
The app will tell you if a username breaks a rule, so if you see an error, try removing symbols or shortening it.
Why does my TikTok username say not available?
A username shows as not available when someone else already has it, it was recently released and is still reserved, it breaks the character rules, or it isn’t allowed under TikTok’s guidelines.
Ways to find a close alternative:
- Add a period or underscore, like jess.plays or jess_plays.
- Add a short word that describes you, such as live, games or your city.
- Use an initial or a shortened version of your name.
- Avoid long strings of numbers, which look random and are hard to remember.
Note that when you change your handle, your old one may become available to others. If you think you might want it back, don’t switch unless you’re sure.
What happens to followers and links when you change your username?
You keep your followers, videos, likes and messages when you change your username, but links and mentions that use your old @handle may stop pointing to you.
After changing, update everywhere your old handle appears:
- Links in your other social bios, website and email signature.
- Any printed material, overlays or graphics showing your handle.
- Tools and services that connect to your account by username, including streaming overlays and LIVE game tools.
- Brand partners or collaborators who tag you.
For example, Tream connects to your LIVE using your TikTok username only, and never asks for your TikTok password. If you change your handle, enter the new one in your game settings before your next stream so comments come through. You can check it in the game demo.
It’s also worth telling followers about the change in a short video or on your next LIVE so people searching the old name know where you went.
Tips for a good TikTok username for creators and LIVE
A strong creator username is short, easy to say out loud, easy to spell and tied to what you make.
- Make it speakable. On a LIVE, you’ll say it often (“follow @jess.plays”). Avoid look-alike characters like l and 1.
- Keep it short. Under about 15 characters is easier to remember and fits better on screen.
- Hint at your niche, lightly. “plays,” “cooks” or “reads” helps, but don’t lock yourself into a topic you might leave.
- Match other platforms so fans can find you everywhere.
- Skip trends and inside jokes that won’t age well.
- Don’t imitate famous creators or brands. Impersonation can get an account restricted.
Building a brand around LIVE? Pair a clear handle with a recognizable show format. See our TikTok LIVE game ideas and how to go LIVE on TikTok to get started, and how to get followers on TikTok for growth after a rebrand.
How to change your TikTok profile picture and bio
Both are in Edit profile: tap Change photo to upload a new picture, or tap Bio to edit your description, then save.
- Go to Profile and tap Edit profile.
- Tap Change photo (or your current picture) and choose a new image from your gallery or take one. Some versions also let you add a short profile video.
- Tap Bio, write a short line about what you post and when you go LIVE, and save.
- If your account is eligible, add a link in the website field.
A good bio answers “why should I follow?” in one sentence, such as “Trivia nights every Friday 8pm.” Pair it with a clear, close-up profile photo that’s recognizable at small sizes. If you’re also tidying up who can interact with you, see how to filter and turn off comments on TikTok.
Frequently asked questions
How often can you change your TikTok username?
Once every 30 days. After you change it, the username field is locked until the 30 days have passed, and the app shows when you can change it again.
Do you lose followers if you change your TikTok username?
No. Your followers, videos, likes and messages stay the same. Only your @handle and profile link change, so update any links or mentions that use the old one.
Why can’t I change my TikTok username?
Most often you changed it within the last 30 days, the name is already taken, or it breaks the character rules. Try a variation with a period or underscore, or wait until the change limit resets.
What characters can a TikTok username have?
Letters, numbers, underscores and periods. Spaces, emojis and most symbols aren’t allowed, and a username generally can’t end with a period. Usernames are commonly reported to be limited to 24 characters.
What’s the difference between name and username on TikTok?
Your username is your unique @handle used in your profile link and mentions. Your name is the display name shown on your profile, which doesn’t have to be unique and can include spaces and emojis.
Can someone take my old TikTok username?
It’s possible. After you change your handle, your old one can become available to others, so only switch if you’re sure you won’t need it back.
Written by the Tream Team. Tream is an independent product and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by TikTok or ByteDance. TikTok features and eligibility rules change, so check TikTok’s current guidelines in the app.