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How to Change Your Name on Twitch, in 5 Steps

twitch mobile app

How to Change Your Name on Twitch, in 5 Steps

Key Points

  • To change your name on Twitch, log into your account, go to your Twitch profile, click on settings, click the pen icon next to your username, type your new username, and click update.
  • Twitch has rules for choosing a username to ensure everyone is respectful.
  • If you need help choosing a new Twitch name, you can make a list of ideas, use a username generator, or change up your desired username by adding symbols or changing letters.

Twitch is a great place to live stream your favorite video games or nearly anything you want. But to grow a following and appeal to your audience, you’ll also need a really cool username. We’re about to show you how to change your name on Twitch!

The process is simple, but naturally, there are some rules. If you’re struggling to understand the concept or process of changing your Twitch name, don’t worry, we’ve covered all the must-know information below.

How to Change Your Name on Twitch

We’ll start by teaching you how to change your name on Twitch. If you’re having difficulty coming up with a really good name, or you don’t know the rules, read the other sections, then come back. But if you’re confident and ready to get started, you’re in the right place.

Head over to the Twitch website and log into your account. Then, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to Your Twitch Profile

After you log into Twitch, you’ll see your profile icon in the top right corner. Click it to access the dropdown menu with more options.

Twitch website
Your profile icon is the small round image containing either a stylized person or a mini version of your profile picture and is located at the top right corner of the page.

©History-Computer.com

Step 2: Click Settings

When the menu appears, click Settings.

Twitch home
Select “Settings” (next to the stylized gear icon) from the menu.

©History-Computer.com

Step 3: Click the Pen Icon Next to Username

Ensure the Profile tab is highlighted at the top and scroll down until you see your current Twitch name. Then, click the pen icon in the box to enter the editing screen.

Twitch website Profile Settings
Click on the stylized icon of a pen at the right end of the “Username” field, next to your current username.

©History-Computer.com

Step 4: Type Your New Username

A new pop-up window will open. Select the Username box and start typing your new Twitch name.

Twitch Username Update menu
Carefully type your new username into the text field.

©History-Computer.com

Step 5: Click Update

When you have the perfect username, click Update at the bottom of the window.

Twitch Username menu
Once you have entered your new username, the “Update” button will no longer be grayed out. Note, your new username must conform to Twitch’s guidelines.

©History-Computer.com

Your username will update and go on display for everyone to see. But do keep in mind, the next time you log into Twitch with your username, you must use the new one.

Change Your Name on Twitch: The Rules

These days, you can’t choose just any username. There are some rules. While most of us pick relatively harmless Twitch handles, the company implemented a username policy to keep everyone respectful.

Here are some of the rules you should review before changing your name on Twitch:

  • It can’t break the law (clearly)
  • It must be free of violence and threats
  • No hate speech or conduct
  • Don’t use your name to harass people
  • Don’t copy anyone else’s username
  • Don’t reference hate groups, terrorist organizations, or try to exploit children

Clearly, there are just some names you shouldn’t display on Twitch, so before you change your name, ensure others won’t see it as a violation.

If You Need Help With Choosing a New Twitch Name

Naturally, everyone on Twitch will see your username. So it needs to be simple enough for people to type in the search bar and catchy enough for people to recognize. While this may seem simple, you may need some help to come up with ideas for the perfect Twitch name.

But don’t worry, if you’re struggling (your author definitely struggled), we’ll help you through the process!

Make a List

We’ll start with the basics. Grab a pen and paper and jot down your ideas. If you don’t have any, make a list of words or phrases that represent who you want to be on Twitch. Then, choose words and mash them together to see how they look.

If you have the fortunate problem of coming up with too many really good names for Twitch, make a pros and cons table. Then, narrow it down until you have the name you want to change to on Twitch.

Use a Name Generator

For our readers who find themselves completely lost, there are username generators available online for free. For example, JimPix has one where you can input your name and get a series of usernames. NordPass is another great username generator where you add keywords to get username ideas.

Take advantage of free username generators to get better ideas before you change your name on Twitch.

Change It Up

What happens when you choose the perfect Twitch name, but you can’t change it because someone else has it? Well, you can start the entire process over, or change it up! Of course, starting over is a bit tedious when you’ve set your sights on something that really represents who you are and what your channel is about.

When you can’t completely start over, try adding some symbols or changing letters. For example, if your desired username is History-Computer but that’s taken, try Hist0ry_C0mputer. This is an easy way to get your username while keeping it simple enough for your fans to find you!

Wrap Up

Twitch makes it so easy to change your username. The hardest part is coming up with something that perfectly represents your channel. Fortunately, there are ways around that too! Follow the steps above to change your name, or read through our sections for more help with understanding the guidelines or picking your new name.

Summary Table

StepInstructions
Step 1Go to Your Twitch Profile
Step 2Click Settings
Step 3Click the Pen Icon Next to Username
Step 4Type Your New Username
Step 5Click Update

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Twitch suspend my account if it violates the username policy?

In many instances, no. However, Twitch will let you know that you need to change it. If you see a message from Twitch letting you know that your name violates the company’s policy, log into your Twitch account and follow the steps above.

Can I change my Twitch name on the mobile app?

No. But if your smartphone or tablet is the only thing you have handy, you can open a mobile web browser, request the desktop site, and change it there.

Why can't I change my username?

If you haven’t verified your current username, you can’t change it. Verify your email, then try changing your username again.

How often can I change my Twitch name?

You can only change your Twitch name every 60 days. So, make sure the one you choose is one you’ll be happy with for two months.

How long before Twitch recycles forfeited usernames?

It will be at least six months before you or anyone else can claim your username again. However, Twitch doesn’t always recycle usernames. If the one you want isn’t available, review the final section of this article and choose a new variation of the one you do like.

What happens to the usernames of inactive accounts?

Twitch will close accounts that have been inactive and eventually make the username available again. But we don’t know how long this process will take. However, we do know that Twitch re-releases usernames in batches rather than continuously.

If a friend was able to get their favorite username, you should definitely try the one you want too.

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