Twitter Username: What It Is & How to Change It

Your Twitter username (now called an @handle) is the unique identifier that appears after the @ symbol in your profile URL and when people mention you. It is different from your display name, which can be anything and is shown in bold. This article explains exactly what a Twitter handle is, how to change it on the web and in the app, and what to watch out for when you do.

What Exactly Is a Twitter Handle?

A Twitter handle is your unique username on the platform. It is always preceded by the @ symbol, like @example. The handle is used for mentions, replies, and direct links to your profile. Your profile URL is twitter.com/yourhandle. The handle is not the same as your display name: your display name is the name shown in your profile and tweets, and it can contain spaces, emojis, and any characters. The handle is strictly alphanumeric and underscores, with a maximum of 15 characters.

The term “handle” comes from CB radio slang, where operators used call signs to identify themselves. It was adopted by early online services and then by Twitter when it launched in 2006. Today, “handle” is standard terminology on Twitter and other social platforms, though it is informal in general English.

How to Change Your Twitter Handle on the Web

Changing your handle on the web is straightforward. Follow these steps:

Log in to your Twitter account in a browser.
Click the More button (three dots) in the left sidebar, then select Settings and privacy.
Click Your account, then Account information.
You may be asked to re-enter your password to confirm.
Next to Username, click the Edit icon (pencil).
Type your new desired handle. The system will check availability in real time.
Click Save when the handle is available.

If the handle is taken, you will see a red message saying “That username has been taken.” If it is available, you will see a green checkmark. After saving, your profile URL changes immediately to twitter.com/yournewhandle.

How to Change Your Twitter Handle on Mobile (iOS and Android)

The mobile app process is similar but the menu names differ slightly. Here is how to do it on the official Twitter app:

Tap your profile icon in the top-left corner.
Tap Settings and privacy.
Tap Your account, then Account information.
Enter your password if prompted.
Tap Username and type the new handle.
Tap Done (or Save) when it shows as available.

On some versions of the app, the path is Settings and privacy → Account → Username. The exact wording may vary slightly with app updates, but the flow is the same.

Choosing a New Handle: Rules and Tips

Before you change your handle, keep these rules in mind:

Handles must be 4–15 characters long (older accounts may have shorter ones, but new handles must be at least 4).
Only letters (A–Z, case-insensitive), numbers (0–9), and underscores are allowed. No spaces, hyphens, or special characters.
The handle must be unique across all of Twitter. If someone else has it, you cannot use it.
You cannot change your handle to one that is suspended or reserved.

When picking a new handle, think about how it will appear in your URL and mentions. Short and memorable is best. Avoid using numbers that look like letters (e.g., “0” for “o”) because they are hard to communicate verbally. Also, consider that your handle is public and permanent unless you change it again—anyone can see your old handle in your tweet history, so changing it does not hide your past activity.

What Happens to Your Old Handle?

When you change your handle, your old one becomes available for others to take. Twitter does not hold it for you. If you change back later, you might find that someone else has taken it. This is a common issue: people change their handle, then try to revert, and find it is gone. To avoid this, only change your handle if you are sure you will not want the old one back. There is no official way to “reserve” an old handle.

Your followers, tweets, and direct messages remain intact. Only the @username and the profile URL change. Your display name is unaffected. Any links you have shared to your profile will break, so update them if you have a website or business cards.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Here are the most common issues people run into when changing their handle:

“That username has been taken” – Try adding an underscore or a number, or try a different variation. Do not use a name that is similar to a brand or celebrity unless you have rights to it, as that could be seen as impersonation.
“You cannot change your username because it is too short” – New handles must be at least 4 characters. If you want a 3-character handle, you cannot create it now.
“You have changed your username too recently” – Twitter allows you to change your handle multiple times, but there is a cooldown period after each change (usually a few days). Wait and try again.
“You cannot use this username because it is reserved” – Some handles are reserved for official Twitter accounts or system use. Pick another.
Forgot your password? – You cannot change your handle without logging in. Use the “Forgot password” link on the login page to reset it.

Does Changing Your Handle Affect Your Account?

Changing your handle does not affect your followers, tweets, likes, or direct messages. It only changes the @username and the profile URL. However, any third-party apps that use your old handle for login or API calls may need to be updated. Also, if you use Twitter for business, your customers may be confused if you change your handle without notice. It is a good idea to tweet about the change and update your website and other social profiles.

One misconception is that changing your handle will make you lose verification (the blue checkmark). That is not true: verified accounts keep their verification even after a handle change, as long as the account remains in good standing. However, the handle change may reset some analytics or third-party integrations temporarily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Twitter handle without changing my display name?

Yes. Your display name and your handle are completely separate. You can change your handle and keep the same display name, or vice versa.

How many times can I change my Twitter handle?

There is no official limit, but there is a cooldown period after each change. You cannot change it again immediately. The exact cooldown is not published, but it is typically a few days. If you try too soon, you will see an error message.

Will my old tweets show my new handle?

No. Tweets you posted before the change will still show your old handle in the metadata, but your profile will show your new handle. When someone views your profile, they see your new handle. If they look at an individual tweet from before the change, it may display the old handle in the URL or in the tweet details, but it will still link to your profile.

Can I take a handle that someone else has abandoned?

Only if the account is deactivated or suspended. Twitter does not release handles from active accounts, even if they have not tweeted in years. You cannot “claim” an inactive handle. The only way to get it is if the account is deleted and the handle becomes available again, which is rare and unpredictable.

What if I want to change my handle to one that is already taken?

You cannot. Handles are unique. You can try adding an underscore or a number, or you can wait and hope the other account becomes inactive, but there is no guarantee. Do not attempt to impersonate that account or use a similar name to mislead people, as that violates Twitter rules.

Does changing my handle affect my direct messages?

No. Your direct messages are tied to your account, not your handle. All your message history remains intact. However, if someone has your old handle in their contacts, they will not be able to message you using that handle anymore.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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