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Growing to dislike your username is something that happens very often. It’s not usually the case with a social platform like Facebook or LinkedIn. But TikTok is different.
The process involves just a few easy steps for any device. That said, there are some clear rules and limitations.
When you first register, the app gives you a unique username. That handle is always “user****,” where the stars represent a string of numbers. It’s the main reason why most newcomers to the platform initially change their names, often to mirror their other social media accounts that they can link to (Instagram, YouTube, etc.).
How to Change Your Username on the TikTok Mobile App
On any mobile device, the steps involved with changing your username are usually the same.
- Launch the TikTok app and log in.
- Tap on the Me icon in the top right corner of the main screen.
- Tap on the Edit Profile option.
- Tap the Username.
- Replace your old username with a new one.
- Tap the Save button.
If the username already exists, keep changing it until you see the green checkmark under it.
How to Change Your TikTok Username on a Windows PC, MacBook, Chromebook
TikTok users are no longer confined to the TikTok mobile app. You can make updates to your profile, such as your username, on a web browser. The process is quite simple and only takes a moment.
If you prefer to use a computer, follow these steps to change your TikTok username:
- Open your favorite web browser and log into the TikTok website.
- Click on your Profile icon in the upper right corner.
- Click View Profile in the dropdown menu.
- Click Edit Profile.
- Locate your Username. Erase the existing name and type the new one.
- When you’ve completed filling out the form, click Save in the lower right corner.
Your new username will appear on your account immediately. As mentioned above, you can’t have a username someone else already has. You may need to input a few variations of the username you want until TikTok accepts one.
How to Change Your Name on TikTok
Your TikTok username is a handle that you use for others to identify your account. When you sign up for an account, you input your real name. Some users prefer to use an alias on social media, and this is why it’s important that TikTok allows its user to change their name too.
Here is how to change your name on TikTok:
- Open TikTok and tap on your profile icon.
- Tap on Edit Profile.
- Tap on Name in the About You section.
- Type the name you’d like to display on your profile.
- Tap Save in the upper right corner.
Similar to your username, your name will update instantly.
Additional FAQ
Here are some more answers to your most frequently asked questions.
Is there a limit to how many times I can change my TikTok username?
No. You can change your username on TikTok as many times as you want. You can even go back and forth. Users change their display names all the time as they switch from one type of content to another. Others change it when they don’t like it anymore. Some do it, so they don’t pop up in certain feeds anymore. However, there’s a limit regarding how soon you can change it.
Can you change your username on TikTok faster before the 30-day limit is up?
The answer is a resounding NO. TikTok developers instituted the 30-day waiting rule to prevent spamming and combat cyberbullying. While there’s no limit on how many times you can change your username in your lifetime, you can’t do it more than once every 30 days.
Can I change the date and time settings to change my TikTok username faster?
There’s a popular TikTok trick going around the internet. If you change your Date and Time settings on your device and disable the auto-adjust feature, you can skip ahead 30 days. This means that you can skip the whole month after you changed your username. While you can do this on any device, it doesn’t help you with your TikTok account. Even if you skip ahead, TikTok doesn’t rely on your device’s date and time. Although you can find this “tip” in many places, it’s a myth and nothing more.
What characters can I use in my TikTok username?
When you decide to change your username, you will see a pop-up with the rules. TikTok allows you to use letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Of course, you can’t use a period at the end of your username; it will have to be between two other characters. You can’t use other symbols in your username.
Does changing my TikTok username change the profile link?
Yes, it does. That’s why it’s best to think things through before changing your username. In a way, the 30 days waiting period also comes in handy as it gives you the time to weigh different options. Unfortunately, this also means you’re stuck with it for a month if you make a mistake.
How can I change my profile photo?
Unlike your actual username and ID, you can change your profile photo on TikTok as often as you want. From the profile menu, you can tap on the Change Photo or Change Video buttons. Upload a new file from your device and tap on the Save button. There’s no 30-days waiting period when you do this.
Can I use my computer camera to shoot a TikTok video?
If you use an external USB cam on your PC or Mac, you can use it for a TikTok video. However, this only works if you have the BlueStacks Android emulator installed. Without it, you can’t install TikTok on a computer. After installing the emulator, ensure that you allow the app access to your camera and microphone.
Final Words
Nothing about TikTok is complicated in any way. The app has a straightforward design, and it’s easy to understand and use by users of all ages. However, to get the full TikTok experience, you have to use the app on a phone.
Regarding the user name change, some people like it, and some don’t. It can be a problem if you make a mistake and change your username to something you don’t want.
What are your thoughts on how the platform handles the issue of the username/ID change? Do you wish that there was a workaround for this? Perhaps a premium version of the app that allows its users to make more frequent changes? Let us know in the comments section below.
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