How to Change Your YouTube Channel Name and Handle
Step-by-step instructions from YouTube Help, the limits on changes, what happens to your old @ link and when a rename costs you the verification badge.
In short: in YouTube Studio go to Customization > Profile, edit the name or handle and click Publish (or use Edit channel in the app). YouTube allows two name changes and two handle changes within 14 days. Your old handle is held for 14 days and both links work during that time. Changing the channel name removes a verification badge; changing the handle does not.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026
Channel name vs handle: the quick facts
Independent guide. Viral In City is an independent social media agency, not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to YouTube or Google. Every rule below comes from YouTube Help, linked so you can check it at the source. We can’t change, reclaim or release a handle for you; only YouTube controls handles.
| Item | Channel name | Handle (@name) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The display name shown on your channel and videos | A unique identifier that starts with @, e.g. @youtubecreators |
| Must be unique? | No | Yes, one handle per channel |
| How often you can change it | Twice within a 14-day period | Twice within a 14-day period |
| Effect on verification badge | Removes it; you need to reapply | Does not remove it |
| Length rules | No limit stated in YouTube Help | 3–30 characters (different limits for some scripts) |
| Where to change it | YouTube Studio > Customization > Profile, or Edit channel in the YouTube app | |
Sources: Manage your YouTube channel’s profile, Learn about YouTube handles, Verification badges on channels. Checked 6 October 2026.
How to change your YouTube channel name
On a computer (Manage your YouTube channel’s profile):
- Sign in to YouTube Studio.
- From the left menu, select Customization > Profile.
- Enter your new channel name.
- Click Publish.
In the YouTube app: tap your profile picture, tap View channel, tap Edit (the pencil), then edit the name and save.
YouTube says the new name may take a few days to update across YouTube. The change only applies to YouTube; your Google Account name and picture stay the same. If you can’t update the name, YouTube Help says to delete any channel name translations first, then try again.
How to change your YouTube handle
- Sign in to YouTube Studio.
- Select Customization > Profile.
- Under Handle, type the new handle. If it isn’t available, YouTube suggests similar ones.
- Click Publish to confirm.
In the app, tap your profile picture > View channel > Edit, then tap Edit next to Handle and save. You can also go to youtube.com/handle to view or edit it (Learn about YouTube handles).
If your first choice is taken, YouTube suggests adding periods, numbers or underscores. If it still isn’t available, it’s usually because another channel already uses it or it doesn’t meet the naming guidelines (Change, view, or hide your handle).
What happens to your old handle and links
This is the part most creators worry about. According to YouTube Help (Change, view, or hide your handle):
- YouTube holds your previous handle for 14 days in case you want to switch back.
- During those 14 days, both the old and the new handle URLs work.
- After 14 days, the old handle becomes available for other users to pick.
- Any legacy personalised URLs you already have continue to work (Learn about YouTube handles).
- Your channel ID URL (youtube.com/channel/UC…) never changes, because it uses your unique channel ID (channel profile Help article).
Our advice: before you change the handle, list every place the old youtube.com/@ link appears: your website, email signature, Instagram and LinkedIn bios, video descriptions, pinned comments, end screens, printed material and paid ads. Update them within the 14-day window. For links that must never break, use the channel ID URL.
Handle naming rules
YouTube Help lists these handle guidelines (Learn about YouTube handles):
- 3–30 characters. Han and Hangul handles can be 1–10 characters; Ethiopic, Hiragana and Katakana 2–20. Mixed-script handles may have different limits.
- Letters or numbers from one of the 75 supported languages. Handles aren’t case-sensitive.
- Underscores (_), hyphens (-), periods (.) and Latin middle dots (·) are allowed, but not at the start or end.
- Not URL-like or phone-number-like, and not already in use.
- Must follow the Community Guidelines. YouTube can revoke a violating handle and generate a new one.
- Selling or transferring handles isn’t allowed, and YouTube reserves the right to change, reclaim or remove a handle at any time.
If your handle uses characters other than A–Z, 0–9 or _ - ., YouTube warns that some people may not be able to type it, and some outside apps may not display the link correctly.
Verification badge: think before renaming
If your channel has a verification check mark, a name change has a real cost. YouTube Help says a verified channel stays verified unless you change your channel name. If you rename it, the channel won’t be verified and you’ll need to reapply. Changing only the handle doesn’t remove the badge (Verification badges on channels).
To apply, YouTube lists 100,000 subscribers, 2-Step Verification on the Google Account and a complete profile (banner, profile picture, description and at least one public video). You apply in YouTube Studio under Settings > Channel > Verified badge, and YouTube reviews whether the channel is authentic and complete.
If you’re verified and only want a cleaner link, change the handle and keep the name.
Choosing a good name and handle
- Match them where you can: “Asha Bakes” and @ashabakes are easier to find than two unrelated names.
- Keep it short and spellable. People will type your handle into search after hearing it once in a video.
- Avoid dates and trends such as “2026” or a meme you’ll outgrow.
- Check other platforms so your Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube handles line up. Our free username generator can help with ideas.
- Don’t imitate another creator or brand. YouTube won’t verify impersonating channels and may take further action.
After a rename, refresh your branding too: see our YouTube banner size guide and thumbnail size guide, and update your About text with the YouTube description generator.
Rename checklist
- Decide whether you need a new name, a new handle, or both.
- Verified? Change only the handle unless the rename is worth reapplying.
- Remember the limit: two changes in 14 days for each.
- Delete channel name translations if the name won’t update.
- Update every old @ link within 14 days, before the old handle is released.
- Use the channel ID URL where a link must never break.
- Tell your audience in a community post or Short so they recognise the new name.
Want help rebranding your channel?
We plan channel names, handles, banners and descriptions as part of monthly YouTube management. Start with a free social media audit or ask for a custom quote. If you prefer chat, message us on WhatsApp at +91 8827409728. See our YouTube management service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I change my YouTube channel name?
YouTube Help says you can change your channel name twice within a 14-day period. The new name may take a few days to show everywhere on YouTube.
How many times can I change my YouTube handle?
Twice within a 14-day period, according to YouTube Help.
Will changing my channel name remove my verification badge?
Yes. YouTube says a renamed channel won’t be verified and you need to reapply. Changing only your handle does not remove the badge.
What happens to my old handle after I change it?
YouTube holds your previous handle for 14 days in case you want to switch back, and both the old and new handle URLs work during that time. After 14 days, someone else can take the old handle.
Does changing my YouTube name change my Google Account name?
No. A channel name and picture changed on YouTube are only visible on YouTube. Your Google Account name is changed separately.
Why can’t I change my YouTube channel name?
You may have used both changes in the last 14 days, or your channel has name translations. YouTube Help says to delete channel name translations before updating the name.
How long can a YouTube handle be?
3 to 30 characters for most languages. Han and Hangul handles can be 1 to 10 characters, and Ethiopic, Hiragana and Katakana 2 to 20.
Can I buy or transfer a YouTube handle?
No. YouTube’s handle guidelines don’t allow the sale or transfer of handles, and YouTube can change, reclaim or remove a handle at any time.
Want help rebranding your channel?
We plan channel names, handles, banners and descriptions every month. Get a free audit or a custom quote, or message us on WhatsApp.
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