TikTok starts us out with a random username. When you first create an account, your static username is “User########.” That’s not fun, attractive, or engaging. Another downside is that you will stick out. But not in a good way. So, do you know how to change your TikTok name?
Your TikTok username says everything about your account in one small title. You only get thirty characters to tell your friends and strangers a little about yourself. It’s more complex than an elevator speech.
One of the things about changing your TikTok username is that it’s more challenging to come up with the perfect alter ego than changing it. We’ll show you how easy it is to change your TikTok username and give you some helpful tips.
A Few Things to Consider Before Changing Your Username
Learning how to change your TikTok username is one thing, but understanding why and if you should change it is another matter entirely. TikTok and cultural norms give us a few limitations, of course. But also, consider if you’re trying to grow a following or make it simple for your friends to find you.
Some things you should think about before following our step-by-step guide below are:
- Have you changed your username recently? – Not only does TikTok limit us to periodic username changes, but your followers also may not recognize your account when you post new videos. Don’t confuse your followers with too many name changes.
- Does your username violate community guidelines? – TikTok is pretty strict and doesn’t tolerate any violations of its community guidelines. Don’t use names that others consider harmful, harassing, or threatening.
- Are you verified? – If you’re verified, we need to stop you here. Do not change your username from your profile, as explained in the first two sections. We have a section just for verified accounts further below.
- Does someone else have your username? – Only one person can have a TikTok username at a time. If you’re trying to use a popular name, consider ways to make it unique.
Now that you read through our disclaimers, it’s time to change your TikTok username.
Method 1: Change Your TikTok Username on the Mobile App
Most of us prefer to scroll through TikTok videos on our smartphones. TikTok, at one time, was only available on iOS and Android devices. So, it’s not surprising people use the mobile app more than the web browser.
The TikTok app gives us complete control over our accounts, creations, and settings. Changing your TikTok username is so simple once you learn how. Especially on the TikTok app. You can follow these steps to revamp your TikTok identity.
Step 1: Tap Your Profile Icon
Our TikTok app is part of our profile, so let’s navigate to the profile page. You can quickly get there by tapping on the profile icon at the bottom right corner of the home screen.
Step 2: Tap Edit Profile
The profile page will show your profile image, uploaded videos and drafts, and a settings menu in the top right. But we need to edit our profile. So, ignore all the other options for now and tap on the Edit Profile button under your profile picture.
Step 3: Tap on Username
The Edit Profile button takes you to a page where you can customize what others see about your account. Tap Username to change your TikTok username.
Step 4: Type Your New Username
Now, it’s time for the challenging part. Your username can be meaningful, an inside joke, your childhood nickname, or anything you want. When you decide what you’d like your new TikTok friends to call you, type it in the space at the top.
Helpful Hint: If someone else has your perfect username, try adding an underscore or some numbers.
Step 5: Tap Save
When you’re sure you typed the username you want to show the world, tap Save at the top right.
Helpful Hint: Take a few moments to think about your name. You can’t change your name again for thirty days when you hit Save.
With all of this helpful information in mind, you should be able to change your TikTok username. However, if you went through the steps above and still need a guide or if you prefer a video tutorial, we found the perfect YouTube video you can watch.
Method 2: Change Your TikTok Username on a Web Browser
Maybe you only have access to your computer right now. Or, you don’t use the mobile app. These days that isn’t a problem. You can change your TikTok username on a web browser. Log into your account, then follow these steps to let others know you have a brand new name:
Step 1: Click Your Profile Icon
TikTok’s web browser version is much different than the mobile app. You’ll see a menu on the left, videos playing in the center, and a few controls on the right.
Step 2: Click View Profile
After clicking the profile icon, a small menu will drop down. We need to go to our profile to update our TikTok username.
Step 3: Click Edit Profile
Look at the center of the page and click on Edit Profile.
While on the Edit Profile page, consider updating your profile picture and Bio to let potential followers know a little more about you.
Step 4: Type Your New Username
Now you can type your new name. Be sure to come up with something unique, catchy, and creative. Also, changing your username to something you won’t like in a few days is not a good idea because you can’t change it again for one month. So, think it through before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Click Save
When you’re sure this is the name you want to share with the world, click Save in the lower right corner. This step will instantly solidify your new username and update it on all your devices.
How to Change Your TikTok Verified Username
TikTok verification is a huge accomplishment. It means you’re officially you. But it also tells others you’re a big deal and authentic. You’ll lose your verification if you change your TikTok username. So, let’s avoid that.
Fortunately, you aren’t out of luck. Even verified TikTok users can change their usernames. But you will need to follow the Report a Problem link to change your username without incident. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Go to Your Profile
Like we did above, open TikTok and select the profile icon at the bottom right.
Step 2: Tap the Menu Icon
Tap on the three-line menu icon at the top right of your profile page.
Step 3: Tap Settings & Privacy
Notice the pop-up window at the bottom of the page. Tap Settings & Privacy.
Step 4: Tap Report a Problem
Although we aren’t reporting a problem per se, we do need to reach out to TikTok’s support team for help. So, to keep our verified badges and change our username, we’ll report a problem.
Step 5: Fill Out the Forms
Being TikTok verified is a lot of responsibility and a headache sometimes. Fill out the forms and wait for a response from TikTok.
User Who? User You!
Are you still a random user, or did you take the leap and decide that your username doesn’t suit you anymore? There’s nothing quite like finding the perfect username and seeing it proudly displayed on your social media accounts. TikTok lets you release your creativity and gives even the most minor creators a platform to express themselves.
Whether you’re a verified TikToker with thousands of followers or a newbie with zero, you can update your TikTok username if you know how to navigate the system. The process isn’t complicated, but remember that everyone can see this new name. So stop for a moment and think about it, then change it!
The image featured at the top of this post is ©DANIEL CONSTANTE/Shutterstock.com.
