How to change your username on TikTok

Switching up your TikTok handle is a simple way to make your account more memorable.

Your username is how users on the app identify you. If it’s easy to recall, they’re more likely to recognize your content at a glance and find your account in the search function. On the other hand, a weak name can make your profile forgettable and difficult to track down.

Taking on a new handle can also signal a shift in your content or brand. It’s a quick way to communicate a new creative direction or emphasize a budding interest to your audience.

Whatever your reason, don’t stress – it’s actually pretty easy to edit your TikTok username. In just a few clicks, you’ll be rocking a new identity. Read on to learn how to change your TikTok username and choose the perfect replacement.

What’s in a TikTok username?

When it comes to usernames, TikTok makes the rules. As you brainstorm a new handle, knowing what is and isn’t allowed is important. Here are the parameters to keep in mind:

• TikTok usernames have a 24-character limit.
• Your handle will automatically be preceded by an “@” symbol.
• Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods and underscores.
• You can change your TikTok username a maximum of once every 30 days.

How to change your TikTok username

Once you’ve drafted a username that encapsulates your personality and is easy for followers and friends to remember, it’s time to make the change. You can edit your handle from any device using the following instructions:

On the mobile app

1. Open the TikTok app and log in to your account.
2. Tap the “Profile” icon in the bar at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select “Username” from the corresponding menu.
4. Type your new username into the available field. A green checkmark will appear if your chosen handle is available.
5. Tap “Save” in the upper right corner of the screen.

On the website

1. Open TikTok.com in your web browser and log in to your account.
2. Click on the profile icon in the top right corner of the page and select “View profile” from the drop-down menu.
3. Choose “Edit profile” below your username.
4. In the “Username” field, type your new handle. A green checkmark will appear if your chosen username is available.
5. Tap “Save” in the bottom right-hand corner of the menu.

What if you’ve forgotten your password?

If you haven’t signed in to TikTok in a while, it’s natural to have forgotten your password. Here’s how to recover your account using the TikTok login with a username, email address, or phone number:

On the mobile app

1. Open the TikTok app.
2. Tap the “Profile” icon in the bar at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select the pink “Sign up” button.
4. Navigate to the bottom of the pop-up menu and select “Log in.”
5. Tap on “Use phone / email / username.”
6. Choose to enter the phone number associated with your account. You will be sent a one-time verification code to log in.
7. If your account isn’t linked to a phone number, select the “Email / Username” login option and tap “Forgot password.”
8. Request a code to reset your password sent to your email address from the pop-up prompt.

On the website

1. Open TikTok.com in your web browser.
2. Select the “Log in” button in the top right corner of the page.
3. Tap on “Use phone / email / username.”
4. Choose to enter the phone number associated with your account. You will be sent a one-time verification code to log in.
5. If your account isn’t linked to a phone number, select the “Email / Username” login option and tap “Forgot password.”
6. Request a code to reset your password sent to your email address from the “Reset your password” menu.

FAQs about TikTok usernames

Changing your TikTok username is easy, but doing so may spur other questions. Here are the answers to common queries.

Do I need to have a username to use TikTok?

Not necessarily. You don’t need an account to use TikTok – you can view videos online without one. However, if you want to follow other creators, see personalized For You Page (FYP) content, or post videos, you need to create a TikTok account.

Don’t worry about getting creative if you just want to browse. When you sign up, TikTok will assign a random username to you. That said, if you want other users to recognize you as a creator, it’s important to come up with your own unique name.

How do I create a good TikTok username?

If you post content, your TikTok username represents your work – so it’s important to get it right.

Established creators should stick to their brand by using the same handle (or a similar one) for consistency. This way, followers from other platforms can easily convert to TikTok follows when they recognize or seek out your account on the app.

If you’re branding yourself for the first time on TikTok, focus on creating a memorable and concise username – avoid a long string of numbers or confusing spellings, as a confusing handle makes your account more forgettable. Also, try to choose a name that represents your content while setting you apart from the crowd. This helps incentivize potential followers to click on your profile because they know your content aligns with their interests.

For example, if you create ASMR cooking content, your handle could have something to do with the kitchen and include “ASMR.” On the other hand, if you’re the star of your brand and content, consider using your real name.

Should my username on TikTok be the same as my handles on other social media platforms?

If you’re trying to build a brand (or already have one that you’re extending to TikTok), it’s best practice to use the same handle across all of your social media profiles. That way, your audience can quickly and easily locate your profiles across the web.

Can I take a famous person’s name?

If you're hoping to launch a successful profile, avoid using a username similar to a famous person's. This could confuse your viewers (and theirs), costing you valuable views and followers.

If you’re considering taking a celebrity’s name, think twice – unless you actually have the same name, of course. You don’t want to run into disputes over the handle. The best course of action when brainstorming Tiktok username ideas is to be yourself.

Become better at TikTok with Linktree

TikTok is a fast-paced universe. Content creators go viral overnight, new trends emerge every day and features are constantly changing.

Stay up on the latest with Linktree. Our blog can teach you to crack the TikTok emoji codes, how to go live, and understand the app’s insider lingo, like “ratio-ing.” And be sure to try our TikTok Profile Kit, which allows creators to access their TikTok accounts via Linktree, highlight their profile and display up to six videos.

Of course, don’t forget about your TikTok bio – it’s the perfect space to link out to the rest of your web presence and solidify your brand. Add a Linktree to your profile and connect to other platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and a personal website, all in one place.