Can't Change Telegram Username [Ultimate Fixing Guide 2024]

Written By Farhan Max

Are you having trouble changing your Telegram username? Do you want a solution and fix this problem?

Then you landed on the right page!

Telegram is a reliable communication platform, but changing your username in it can be a pain! When I faced this same issue, I sat in front of my PC and started researching. After spending a couple of hours, I finally found the reasons, fixed them myself.

cant-change-telegram-username

What is a Telegram username?

The telegram username is a unique identity given to the users to interact with other users inside the app. It helps the users to be found when searched and communicate with each other without sharing sensitive informations, like the phone number.

This post will explain why you can’t change your Telegram username and deliver the methods to fix the issue. Later,  I’ll also show you how to change your Telegram username easily.

So, read the whole post, and don’t skip any parts!

Why You Can’t Change Telegram Username 

You can’t change your Telegram username because you’re trying to change it to an already used username. You cannot change your Telegram username to something already been used, and it needs to be unique. Also, you need an internet connection to do it.

If you can’t change your Telegram username, several reasons are behind it. I’m listing the reasons with explanations behind why you can’t change your Telegram username below. Go through them and locate which one is causing you the problem.

Here are the reasons why you cannot change your Telegram username:

1. Using an Already Occupied Username 

Trying to change your Telegram username to one that’s already been used by someone else will hold you back from changing your Telegram username. Telegram doesn’t allow duplicate usernames, and you’ll fail to change the username if you try to do so.

You can only change your username if it’s not been used by anyone in Telegram yet. You cannot change your Telegram username to something that has been used before, and telegram restricts using duplicate usernames to avoid confusion and misunderstandings.

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2. Corrupted Cache Files 

One of the leading causes behind your inability to change the Telegram username is corrupted cache files.

It is related to both Telegram PC and Mobile app. If the previous session’s cache files collide with the current sessions’ ones, Telegram will malfunction, and issues will arise eventually like can’t change Telegram username.

It’s the same for the Telegram mobile app. Continuous usage generates loads of cache files, and if not cleaned, they begin to conflict with newer cache files and hampers Telegram’s operations. In that case, you’ll face various issues, and one of them can be your inability to change your Telegram username.

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3. Slow Internet Connection

If you can’t change your Telegram username, a slow internet connection can be one reason.

Telegram is a web-based app that requires seamless connectivity with the internet to relay communications and user interactions. A poor internet connection will hamper Telegram’s connection with it’s server, and you can’t perform basic operations like changing username.

Changing your username on Telegram requires a working internet connection. An unstable internet connection will not only cause you issues like this, but it will also affect your productivity.

Continuing to use a slow internet connection, you’ll continuously face issues.

How to Fix Can’t Change Telegram Username 

Let’s discuss the issue that brought you here and get you all fixed up. This section will show you the methods to fix the reasons mentioned above to resolve the Telegram username changing problem.

As you can see, there are several reasons why you can’t change your Telegram username. I figured out the solutions to every issue I mentioned behind today’s problem.

I’m listing the methods with simple step-by-step guides to help you solve why you can’t change the Telegram username issue.

Read the guides thoroughly before applying to avoid any inconveniences.

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Here are the methods to fix can’t change Telegram username issue: 

1. Choose a Unique Telegram Username

I’ve told you that choosing an already occupied username will cause your inability to change your Telegram username. Telegram doesn’t allow duplicate usernames. If you try to do that, Telegram won’t let it, and you’ll fail to change your username.

You can only change your username if it’s not been used by anyone in Telegram yet. So, choose a unique username and use it as your Telegram username, and it’ll make your username changing process easier if you have a unique username.

If you don’t have any unique username ideas, I’ve made a list and discussed how to utilize it to generate a unique username for Telegram. You’ll find it at the end of this post. Follow it to find a unique Telegram username.

2. Clear Telegram’s Cache Files

If you cannot change your Telegram username suddenly or after the 30-days restriction is over, then you’ve to clear Telegram’s cache files.

Previous cache files can conflict with your current files and restrict you from changing your Telegram username. That’s why you need to clear the Telegram cache files on your smartphone.

Here are the steps to clear Telegram’s cache files from your device:

For Telegram Desktop Application:

  • Press Win+R keys on your keyboard to open the Run command box.
  • Type %appdata%/Telegram Desktop\tdata\user_data\cache inside the box and press the Enter key.

run-telegram-desktop-data-user-data-cache

  • Press Ctrl+A keys to select all files inside the folder.
  • Right-click on the selected files and click Delete.

telegram-desktop-data-user-data-cache-delete

For Telegram Mobile Application:

  • Open Settings on your smartphone.
  • Head over to App Info or Application Manager. 
  • Search the Telegram app and tap on it.
  • Tap on Storage and cache.
  • Tap on Clear cache.

telegram-mobile-app

Now open the Telegram app again and change your username without any hassle.

3. Use a Stable Internet Connection

Always use a stable internet connection while using the Telegram app. It is a data-hungry app, and you won’t be able to use it on a poor internet network. Otherwise, there will be various issues. For example, you can’t change your Telegram username using an unstable network.

I told you before that Telegram is one of the most popular social communication platforms, and it needs a seamless internet connection to function properly. 

An unstable internet connection will interrupt the connection between Telegram and it’s remote server. These interruptions are the reasons why you can’t change your Telegram username.

So, check your router and its configuration and search if there are any issues with your internet connection. If you can’t find any problems, contact your network admin and ask for their help.

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How to Change Telegram Username on Desktop App

Changing your username on Telegram is a cakewalk, and you only need to perform a few clicks. Don’t worry if you don’t know the whole process. I’ve made a step-by-step guide to show you the process app. Follow the guide to change your Telegram username on the Telegram desktop app.

Here are the steps to change your Telegram username using the Telegram Desktop app:

  • Open the Telegram desktop app and sign in with your account. 
  • Click the three horizontal bar menu icon at the upper-left corner of your screen and select Settings.

telegram-upper-left-corner-of-your-screen-and-select-settings

  • Click Edit profile.

telegram-edit-profile

  • Click on the edit icon beside username.

telegram-edit-icon-beside-username

  • Enter your new username on the empty field and check if it’s available for use. To set your username, click Save.

telegram-new-username-on-the-empty-field

That’s how to add a username on Telegram. You can send it to your friends or people to find you on the platform. In this way, you don’t have to share your number with other people on Telegram.

Remember that you can change your username anytime you want, and all you have to do is go to your Settings again and edit your current username.

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How to Change Your Username on Telegram Mobile App

If you’re using the Telegram app on your mobile and don’t want others to find your phone number on Telegram, you can use your username instead and share it with others to connect. People can locate your profile by entering your username on the search bar.

Changing your Telegram username using the Telegram mobile app is pretty straightforward, and you only need a few minutes to finish the task. 

Don’t worry if you don’t know the process. I got your back. Follow the step-by-step guidelines below I made for you to help you through the process.

Here are the steps to change your username on Telegram mobile app: 

  • Open the Telegram app on your smartphone. 
  • Tap on the three horizontal bars on the top-left corner to expand menubar.
  • Tap on Settings.
  • Tap on username beside the @ icon.
  • Tap on Edit username.

telegram-user-name

  • Type your preferred username in the username field.
  • Change the alphabet and add letters with your desired username if it’s not available. 
  • Tap on the blue checkmark icon to save the username.

telegram-user-name-edit

Other people can now find you on Telegram using only the username.

Remember that the minimum number of characters for a username is five. You can use a combination of letters, numbers, and underscores inside your username to make it unique.

How to Choose a Unique Telegram Username

Choosing a unique Telegram username can be a painful job. In most cases, the first username you’ve selected is already occupied by someone else, and you can’t use that too because Telegram doesn’t approve duplicate usernames.

To help you choose a unique Telegram username, I’ve made a list of ideas. Try to follow them while choosing a username for your Telegram username.

Here are the steps to make a unique Telegram username:

  • Use your full name to create a unique Telegram username.
  • Use the name of anything relevant to you if you want to avoid using your real name. 
  • Write your username in another language to make it stand out from the crowd. 
  • Use numbers and uppercase, lowercase letters in username to make it unique. 
  • Do not use personal info, like your email address, as a Telegram username. 
  • Avoid using your phone number as your username. 
  • Use a fraction of a memorable number to make a unique username. 
  • Add your country name with your username to make it unique. 
  • Use a username that doesn’t match your password in any case. 
  • Don’t use 18+ terms inside your username.

Use these ideas to make your Telegram username unique and secure.

FAQ 

Why can’t I change my username on Telegram?

You can’t change your username on telegram because of corrupted cache files. If Telegram does not permit changing your username, it may not be working properly because of corrupted cache files, and clearing its cache files will fix the issue.

Should I use my real name on the Telegram?

You can use your real name on the Telegram app if you choose. But, Telegram does not require your real name. Users who have your phone number in their contacts will see you by their saved name, not your screen name.

How can I add my name to Telegram?

To add your name in Telegram, open Telegram settings> tap on username beside the @ icon>tap on Edit username>type your preferred username in the username field>>tap on the blue checkmark icon to save the username.

Is Telegram’s username unique?

Telegram’s username is unique as it’s the only way to find your account without having your phone number. Also, Telegram generates an URL consisting of your username to share with other users to see you on Telegram.

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Conclusion

It’s frustrating if you can’t change your Telegram username. If you can’t change your Telegram username suddenly, try clearing the cache files of the Telegram app. It’s a working fix for both Telegram desktop and mobile apps.

Hopefully, these methods will help you overcome the can’t change Telegram username issue.

If you’ve any further queries, comment below. Our experts will get to you right away!

About The Author
Farhan Max is a tech geek with a particular interest in computer hardware. He's been fascinated by gaming since childhood and is now completing his undergraduate studies while researching and testing the latest tech innovations. Alongside his love for all things geeky, Farhan is also a skilled photographer.

3 Comments..

  1. I reclaimed successfully a username on telegram. That was a couple of months ago. I was now ready to start using it for my group or channel and it is not longer available. When I try to choose the username for my group telegram says ‘sorry this username is invalid’ – when I try with username bot it says ‘sorry this username can’t be used on telegram at the moment’.
    Could you advise what is the problem here? Apparently I not longer have it, someone else not longer has it but at the same time I can’t claim it or choose it.
    Would be great if you can help me out.

    Reply
  2. Hello. I have 2 accounts. On the first account, I made a username. Then, I made the second account without a username and I wanted to transfer the username from the first account that I made to the second account.

    For this reason, I deleted my username from the 1st account until this username will be available to claim and transfer to the 2nd account. But, after the deletion of the username on the 1st account, on the 2nd account although it says that the username is available two types of errors appear;

    1- Although the username was removed already successfully from the 1st account and on the 2nd account the selected username color is green and it says that the username is available, the error message appears and it says that “This Username is Already Taken’!!!

    2- Then after 3-4 time attempts to change it and all failed and see the same error message, the error message is changed and this time it says ‘An Error Occurred”.

    After this happened, I put back the username on the 1st account and it changed back successfully.

    Then, I cleaned the cash and repeat the steps all over again after 2 hours. The same results with one new one appeared;

    On the 1st account after 2 hours, I tried to remove the username and make the box empty to be able to put the selected username on the 2nd account, but unlike the first attempt, this time the username box on the 1st account could not be empty and it does not allow me to delete it/or even change it to a new username.

    So, I could not try for the second time to see whether I can change my username on the 2nd account or not.

    Hope you can help me.

    Regards,

    Reply
    • Hello,
      To transfer a username from one Telegram account to another, ensure you’ve removed the username from the first account. However, users often encounter errors when attempting to claim the username on the second account. Despite the system showing the username as available, errors like “This Username is Already Taken” and “An Error Occurred” persist. After reassigning the username to the first account, attempting to clear the username box for a second transfer may result in the box not becoming empty. To troubleshoot, wait for some time, clear the cache, and attempt the process again

      Reply

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