How to Set or Change YouTube Handle/Username
As of now,YouTube has a channel nameand URL for each channel. While they are useful to some extent, they both have their own share of problems. Channel names are not unique and URLs are hard to remember. This is why they released YouTube Handles. They are like usernames for the YouTube account. As they are unique for each account and easier to remember, they come with multiple advantages. Here is how to set or change your YouTube handle or username on both desktop and mobile.
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Things to Know About YouTube Handles
Before you claim your YouTube handle, a few things to know and keep in mind.
1.YouTube handles are nothing but usernames for your channel account. Everyone can create one easily from both desktop and mobile platforms.
2.Like usernames, handles have to be unique and you cannot take a handle that is already in use on YouTube. Also, you cannot use spaces in between the handle, you can only use alphabets, period, underscore, hyphen, and numbers. Each handle name can be between 3 to 30 characters long.
4.Each handle starts with the @ sign. For example,@techwiser is TechWiser’s handle.
5.You can add this handle to youtube.com and make a custom URL. For example, youtube.com/@techwiser is the URL of the channel.
7.As they are unique for each account, you can use them to tag friends in video comments, so that they can get notified.
8.You will find the YouTube handles of other users on their channel page, comments section, Shorts feed, and also on the search results page as of now.
9.Most importantly, this should reduce spam and scam comments on YouTube. First of all, handles will be unique, so others can not comment with the same handle as the creator. Unlike the channel name, handles cannot have emojis, etc.
10.Also, YouTube is making sure that people cannot create handles that are like a URL or that include phone numbers. This makes it harder for scammers to include their contact details to scam people.
How to Set or Change YouTube Handle on Desktop
YouTube will show a card on the home page of YouTube Studio and they will also send you an email that includes a link to set the YouTube Handle. However, you can manually open theyoutube.com/handlelink to set the handle for the first time. After July 15, 2025, YouTube will automatically set a default handle for your channel, but you will have the option to change it.
1.Open the web browser of your choice, openYouTube, and make sure that you have logged in with your Google account.
3.In the pop-up, YouTube gives the option to enter the name of your channel and set the handle here. Once done, click onCreate channelto set the handle at the same time.
4.If you already have a channel, click on theprofile iconin the top right corner and select theYouTube Studiooption.
5.On YouTube Studio, scroll down and select theCustomizationoption in the left sidebar.
6.On the Customization page, select theBasic infotab at the top of the page.
7.Here you should find the handle option. As mentioned, YouTube will automatically set a handle for you, but you can change the handle’s name.
8.Once done, tap on thePublishbutton at the top right corner.
Your handle is changed and if you want to get back to the old handle, YouTube will give you 14 days’ time. After that, they will not block your old handle for you anymore and anyone can use your handle.
How to Set and Change YouTube Handle on the YouTube Mobile App
If you are on your mobile phone, you may set or change your YouTube handle directly from the YouTube app.
1.Open the YouTube app onAndroidandiOSand make sure you have logged in with the correct channel.
2.If you don’t have a channel already, tap on theprofile iconat the top right corner and then select theYour channeloption. Over there, you may set your channel’s display picture, name, and also handle name. Once done editing. tap onCreate Channelbutton to create the channel and also set your handle at the same time.
3.If you have a channel already, tapping on theYour channelwill take you to your channel’s page. Here, tap on theedit iconbeside the Analytics icon.
4.Here you should find theHandleoption. Tap on it.
5.Now you can set the handle for the first time. After August 17, 2025, YouTube will automatically set one for you, but you can change it from here. Once edited, tap onSave.
You have successfully changed your YouTube Handle. Even after changing, YouTube will redirect all the previous handle links to your new handle for 14 days. You will also block your old handle for 14 days so you’re able to get it back if you want. After 14 days, your handle will be free and anyone can choose it.
Username for Your YouTube Channel Account
As YouTube handles are like usernames, it’s always better to set them up before someone takes your preferred username. But, if you already have a custom URL, YouTube will automatically convert it into a handle and reserve it for you. Though you can change it if needed, you don’t have to rush for your handle name. Apart from handles,YouTube has many new features such as automatic Smart downloads to download videos and songsand Remix to use YouTube videos in your YouTube Shorts.
Ravi Teja KNTS
Tech writer with over 4 years of experience at TechWiser, where he has authored more than 700 articles on AI, Google apps, Chrome OS, Discord, and Android. His journey started with a passion for discussing technology and helping others in online forums, which naturally grew into a career in tech journalism. Ravi’s writing focuses on simplifying technology, making it accessible and jargon-free for readers. When he’s not breaking down the latest tech, he’s often immersed in a classic film – a true cinephile at heart.
