How to change your YouTube channel name: sign in to YouTube Studio on a computer, select Customization from the left menu, open the Profile tab, type your new name in the Name box and click Publish. On a phone, open the YouTube app, go to your channel, tap Edit channel (or use the YouTube Studio app), change the name and save. YouTube lets you change your channel name only twice in 14 days, and renaming a verified channel removes its verification badge. Your channel name is separate from your @handle and from your Google Account name. This guide covers every step, the difference between name and handle, the rules to know first, and fixes for when the option does not work.
Last updated: October 2026. YouTube sometimes renames menus. If something looks different, check the official YouTube Help page on managing your channel profile.
Quick Answer: How Do You Change a YouTube Channel Name?
- Go to youtube.com and sign in to the account that owns the channel.
- Click your profile picture and open YouTube Studio.
- In the left menu, click Customization.
- Open the Profile tab (called Basic info on some versions).
- Enter your new channel name in the Name field.
- Click Publish.
The new name can take a few days to show everywhere on YouTube. Your videos, subscribers and watch history stay on the channel.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Where to change it: YouTube Studio > Customization > Profile.
- Change limit: two name changes within a 14-day period.
- Verification badge: changing the name of a verified channel removes the badge.
- Handle: the @handle is edited on the same page and is separate from the name.
- Google Account name: changing your channel name does not change your Google Account name.
- Subscribers and videos: they stay on your channel after a rename.
- Delay: the new name may take a few days to appear everywhere.
YouTube Channel Name vs Handle vs URL vs Google Account Name
Most confusion comes from mixing up these four things. They live in different places.
| Item | What it is | Where you edit it |
|---|---|---|
| Channel name | The display name shown on your channel and under your videos | YouTube Studio > Customization > Profile |
| Handle | The @name people use to mention and find you | YouTube Studio > Customization > Profile |
| Channel URL | The web address, which uses your handle | Changes when you change the handle |
| Google Account name | The name on your Gmail and Google services | Google Account personal info |
Changing one does not automatically change the others. If you want everything to match, update each one on purpose.
How to Change Your YouTube Channel Name on a Computer
- Open YouTube Studio and sign in.
- If you manage several channels, switch to the correct channel first using your profile picture.
- Click Customization in the left sidebar.
- Select the Profile tab.
- Click in the Name box and type the new channel name.
- Click Publish in the top-right corner.
If the name will not save, delete any channel name translations first, then try again.
How to Change Your YouTube Channel Name on Android or iPhone
Using the YouTube app
- Open the YouTube app and tap your profile picture (or the You tab).
- Tap View channel.
- Tap Edit channel (the pencil or edit button).
- Tap the Name field and enter the new name.
- Tap Save.
Using the YouTube Studio app
- Open the YouTube Studio app and tap your profile picture.
- Choose the option to edit your channel profile.
- Change the name and tap Save.
Menu labels can differ between app versions. If you cannot find the option on your phone, use a computer, where the steps are the most reliable.
How to Change Your YouTube Handle
Your handle is the @name that appears in your channel URL. To change it:
- Open YouTube Studio and go to Customization > Profile.
- Find the Handle field and enter a new available handle.
- Click Publish.
Handles must be unique, so you may need to try a few options. YouTube limits how often you can change a handle, and your old handle link may stop working after a short transition period. Update your website, email signature and social bios right after you change it. If you are building your presence, see how to create a YouTube channel with a strong name from day one.
Rules and Limits to Know Before You Rename
- Two changes in 14 days. You can change your channel name twice in a 14-day window, so check spelling before you publish.
- Verified channels lose the badge. If your channel has a verification badge, changing the name removes it. You would need to apply again.
- Allow a few days. The new name may not appear in search and on older videos straight away.
- Follow YouTube’s policies. Names that impersonate others, mislead viewers or break Community Guidelines can be rejected or removed.
- Be careful with brand recognition. Viewers, sponsors and search results all know your old name, so change it only for a good reason.
What to Do Before You Change Your Channel Name
- Pick a name that is short and easy to spell. Search YouTube first to check it is not already used by a similar channel.
- Match your handle and branding. A consistent name, handle, banner and logo build trust.
- List every place your name appears. Websites, social profiles, email signatures, video intros and thumbnails may need updating.
- Tell your audience. Post a community update or mention it in your next video so viewers know it is still you.
- Check monetization and sponsor details. If you earn from YouTube, review the requirements in our guide to YouTube monetization requirements.
Why Can’t I Change My YouTube Channel Name?
You reached the 14-day limit
You can change the name only twice in 14 days. Wait until the window ends, then try again.
Channel name translations exist
Remove any translated versions of the name in Customization, then save the new name.
You are on the wrong channel or account
Click your profile picture and use Switch account to select the channel you want to edit.
You do not have permission
On a Brand Account channel, you need the right access level. Ask the owner to rename it or to grant you permission.
The name breaks the rules
If the name is misleading, impersonates someone or breaks the guidelines, YouTube may not accept it. Try a different name.
The app is glitching
Use a computer, update the app or clear the cache on Android. For other problems, see our tech troubleshooting guide.
Does Changing Your Channel Name Change Your Google Account Name?
No. Your YouTube channel name and your Google Account name are separate. You can edit your Google Account name in your account settings without affecting the channel. If you want a fresh Gmail identity too, read how to create a Gmail account. The same rule applies on other platforms, such as when you change your Facebook name.
Will Renaming Hurt My Subscribers or Views?
Renaming does not remove subscribers, videos or comments. The main risk is confusion. Viewers who search for the old name may find it harder to locate you for a while, so keep your handle stable, update your links and announce the change.
Keep Your Channel Safe After a Rename
- Protect your login with a strong password. See how to create a strong password and turn on 2-Step Verification.
- Watch for scam emails pretending to be YouTube. Learn how to spot a phishing email.
- Review your settings in our YouTube settings guide and our account privacy settings checklist.
- Want to start over? You can delete a YouTube channel, but renaming is safer if you only need a new identity.
- Need to filter content on your own feed? See how to block a YouTube channel.
For more guides, browse our technology tutorials. You can also confirm current options in the YouTube Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions About Changing a YouTube Channel Name
How do I change my YouTube channel name?
Open YouTube Studio, go to Customization > Profile, enter the new name in the Name box and click Publish.
How do I change my YouTube channel name on my phone?
In the YouTube app, tap your profile picture, choose View channel, tap Edit channel, change the name and tap Save. You can also use the YouTube Studio app.
How often can I change my YouTube channel name?
You can change it twice within a 14-day period.
Can I change my YouTube name without changing my Google name?
Yes. The channel name and the Google Account name are separate, so renaming the channel does not change your Gmail name.
How do I change my YouTube handle?
Go to YouTube Studio > Customization > Profile, edit the Handle field to a new available name and click Publish.
What is the difference between a channel name and a handle?
The channel name is the display name people see. The handle is the unique @name used for mentions and your channel URL.
Does changing my channel name remove my verification badge?
Yes. If your channel is verified, changing the name removes the badge.
Will I lose subscribers if I change my channel name?
No. Subscribers, videos and comments stay on your channel.
How long does it take for the new name to show?
It can take a few days to appear everywhere on YouTube.
Why can’t I change my YouTube channel name?
Common reasons are the 14-day limit, channel name translations, the wrong account or channel, missing permission on a Brand Account, or a name that breaks YouTube’s policies.
Can I change the name of a Brand Account channel?
Yes, if you have the right access. Switch to that channel and use YouTube Studio > Customization > Profile, or ask the owner to do it.
Does changing my channel name change my channel URL?
No. The URL follows your handle, not your display name. Changing the handle changes the URL.
Can I change my YouTube name back?
Yes, but each change counts toward the two-changes-in-14-days limit.
Should I change my YouTube channel name?
Only if you have a clear reason, such as a rebrand or a spelling fix. A stable name helps viewers and search results recognize you.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to change your YouTube channel name takes only a minute: open YouTube Studio, go to Customization > Profile, edit the name and publish. The real work is planning. Pick a clear name, remember the two-changes-in-14-days limit, expect a verified badge to disappear, and update your links so viewers can still find you.
Tip: Write the new name in a notes app and check the spelling before you publish. You only get two changes in 14 days.
