Before you set your heart on a handle, make sure it’s one X will actually let you use. Here’s a quick reference for the rules as they stand at the time of writing.
Quick reference
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | Up to 15 characters, above a minimum length X enforces for new usernames |
| Characters | Letters A–Z, numbers 0–9, and underscores _ |
| Not allowed | Spaces, hyphens, periods, emoji, and other symbols |
| Case | Not case-sensitive: @Mara and @mara are the same handle |
| Reserved words | Usernames can’t contain “Twitter” or “Admin” |
| Display name | Separate from the username, and doesn’t need to be unique |
Short handles are grandfathered
You’ll see accounts with one-, two- or three-character handles. These were registered before X’s current minimum length applied, and new usernames that short generally can’t be created today. Before you watch a very short handle, check that it meets the current minimum in X’s settings.
Username vs display name
Your username (the @handle) is unique and is what people type to mention you. Your display name is the bold name above it: it can be longer, include spaces and emoji, and doesn’t have to be unique.
That means you can often keep your brand in the display name while you wait for the ideal username.
What happens when you rename
- Followers, posts and DMs stay with you. Renaming doesn’t reset your account.
- Your old handle is released immediately. Anyone can claim it straight away, so if you’re swapping to a new handle, know that the old one is up for grabs.
- Old mentions and links don’t follow you. Posts that mentioned your old
@handlenow point to whoever takes it next.
Tip: if you’ve built any reputation on your current handle, consider keeping it on a second account instead of releasing it.
Handles X can take back
Owning a handle isn’t absolute. X can reclaim or reassign usernames in cases such as:
- Trademark violations. If a handle uses a registered trademark in a misleading way, the trademark holder can report it.
- Impersonation. Accounts pretending to be a person or organization can be suspended.
- Squatting and selling. Registering handles to sell them breaks X’s rules (see why buying handles is risky).
If you represent a brand, the trademark route may get you a handle faster than waiting. Check X’s current policy for the process.
Before you add a handle to your watchlist
- Check it’s 15 characters or fewer (and not shorter than X’s current minimum), using only letters, numbers and underscores.
- Make sure it doesn’t contain a reserved word.
- Remember that case doesn’t matter, so there’s no point watching
@Maraand@maraseparately.
Rules can change, so for the authoritative version, see X’s Help Center.