Username vs. Display Name — They’re Different
TikTok has two names: your display name (shown on your profile, can include spaces and emojis) and your username (the @handle, letters/numbers/underscores only). They have different rules for changing them.
Changing Your Display Name
- Open TikTok and go to your profile
- Tap Edit profile
- Tap your current Name
- Type your new display name (up to 30 characters)
- Tap Save
You can change your display name as often as you want. There’s no cooldown period. Your display name appears on your profile and next to your comments, but it’s not part of your profile URL.
Changing Your Username (@handle)
- Open TikTok and go to your profile
- Tap Edit profile
- Tap your current Username
- Type your new username (4-24 characters, letters, numbers, underscores, periods)
- Tap Save
You can only change your username once every 30 days. This is the key restriction. Choose carefully — you’re stuck with it for a month.
What Happens to Your Old Username
When you change your username, your old @handle becomes available for someone else to claim after a waiting period (typically 30 days). TikTok doesn’t reserve it for you. If you change your mind and want your old username back, it might be taken by someone else.
Your profile URL changes immediately — the old URL (tiktok.com/@oldhandle) will show a “user not found” error. Any external links to your old username will break. If you’ve shared your TikTok link anywhere (social media, business cards, websites), update those links after changing your username.
Username Requirements
- 4-24 characters
- Letters, numbers, underscores, and periods only
- Can’t end with a period
- Must be unique (not already taken)
- Can’t contain “TikTok” or violate trademark rules
If the username you want is taken, TikTok suggests alternatives. You can also try variations — adding underscores, numbers, or “official” to the handle.