How to Get and Set a Telegram Username
A Telegram username is a public handle (like @yourname) that lets people find and contact you without knowing your phone number. Here is how to set or change it.
Setting Your Username
- Open Settings in Telegram.
- Tap on Username (or "Edit Profile" then "Username").
- Enter your desired username. Telegram checks availability in real time.
- Tap Save (or the checkmark).
Username Rules
- Must be at least 5 characters long.
- Can contain letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and underscores (_).
- Must be unique across all of Telegram.
- Case-insensitive: @JohnDoe and @johndoe are the same.
Changing Your Username
You can change your username anytime, as often as you want. When you change it, the old username becomes immediately available for anyone else to claim.
Username vs. User ID
Your username is optional and can change. Your User ID is permanent and numeric. For bot development and API work, always use the User ID since usernames can change. Look up any username's User ID on TelegramUserID.com.
Collectible Usernames
Telegram introduced collectible usernames on the TON blockchain. These are short or premium usernames that can be bought, sold, and transferred via Fragment.com. A user or channel can have multiple collectible usernames in addition to their regular username.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a username shorter than 5 characters?
Only through Telegram's collectible username system on Fragment.com. Regular usernames must be at least 5 characters. Collectible usernames (which are NFTs on the TON blockchain) can be as short as 4 characters.
What happens to my old username when I change it?
It becomes immediately available for anyone to claim. There is no grace period. If you have a valuable username, be cautious about changing it because someone else could take it instantly.