Fix: “Your Username Could Not Be Changed” Error on X

The error “Your username could not be changed” appears when you try to update your X (formerly Twitter) username to a new one, even if it meets all the platform’s requirements. This message usually indicates that the system has rejected the request due to technical limitations or account-level restrictions.

The most common underlying causes include:

• A previously used or suspended username that remains locked in the database.
• Recent handle changes, since X may restrict multiple updates within a short time-frame.
• Technical issues in the app or browser version you’re using, including unsupported characters, caching problems, or regional limitations.

In the guide below, we’ll explain these causes in more detail and provide clear step-by-step methods to help you bypass the block and complete your username change successfully.

1. Spam-Click the “Save” Button

This issue can sometimes happen because of a temporary delay or a brief communication glitch between your account and X’s servers. Clicking the “Save” button multiple times forces repeated requests to the server. Once the connection stabilizes, one of those requests may be processed successfully, allowing the username to update.

• Click the Save button several times while attempting to change your username.

2. Wait Out the Rate Limit

If you’ve tried changing your username too many times within a short period, X’s rate limit can temporarily block further changes. Waiting for this cooldown period allows the system to reset and process your next request without error.

• Wait several hours (up to 24 hours) before attempting the change again.

3. Use VPN

If your IP address has been temporarily flagged after repeated attempts, connecting through a VPN can help. A new IP address can bypass temporary regional or network-based restrictions and allow the change to go through.

1. Close the Twitter app or browser tab completely.
2. Enable a VPN and connect to a different region or country.

3. Reopen Twitter and try changing your username again.

4. Try on Desktop

If the username change keeps failing on your phone, switching to the desktop version often works better. The desktop site connects more directly to X’s servers, avoiding mobile app bugs, cached data, or UI limitations that can cause the error.

1. Visit twitter.com in your browser and sign in to your account.
2. Go to Settings & Privacy > Your Account > Account Information > Username.
   
3. Enter a new username and click Save.