How To Change Your Tumblr Username: A Comprehensive Guide

Changing your Tumblr username is surprisingly straightforward, but a few nuances exist that are crucial to understand. In essence, you simply navigate to your account settings, edit the username field, and save the changes. Let’s dive into the specifics, shall we?

The Quick & Dirty: Changing Your Tumblr Handle

Here’s the bare-bones, step-by-step guide to altering your Tumblr identity:

1. Log in to your Tumblr account. Access your account via the Tumblr website or the mobile app (iOS or Android).
2. Access Account Settings:
   • On the Web: Click on your profile icon (the little person silhouette or your avatar) in the top right corner. Then, click the “Settings” button that appears.
   • On the Mobile App: Tap the account icon (again, your avatar or the silhouette) at the bottom. Then tap the gear icon in the top right corner to access your settings.
3. Navigate to Username Settings: In the account settings, locate the “Username” field. It will display your current username.
4. Enter Your New Username: Click inside the username field. Erase your current username and type in your desired new one. Important: Tumblr will immediately check if the username is available. If it’s taken, you’ll need to try something else.
5. Save Your Changes: Scroll to the bottom of the settings page and click the “Save” button (on the web) or tap the checkmark or save icon (on the app).

That’s it! Your username is now updated. But before you start brainstorming wacky and wonderful new handles, let’s address some common questions and potential pitfalls.

Tumblr Username FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about changing your Tumblr username, designed to give you all the information you need to proceed with confidence.

1. What happens to my old Tumblr URL after I change my username?

This is a critical point. When you change your username, your old Tumblr URL will no longer be active. Anyone trying to access your-old-username.tumblr.com will encounter an error message. Tumblr does not automatically redirect your old URL to your new one.

2. Is there a way to redirect my old Tumblr URL to my new one?

Unfortunately, Tumblr does not offer a built-in feature to automatically redirect your old URL. You’ll need to manually update any links to your Tumblr blog that you’ve shared elsewhere (on social media, websites, business cards, etc.). This is a crucial step to avoid losing traffic.

3. How often can I change my Tumblr username? Is there a limit?

Good news! Tumblr doesn’t impose a strict limit on how frequently you can change your username. You can theoretically change it multiple times a day. However, constantly changing your username can confuse your followers and make it harder for people to find you. Use your best judgment.

4. Can I use spaces or special characters in my Tumblr username?

No, Tumblr usernames can only contain alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers) and hyphens (-). Spaces and other special characters are not permitted.

5. My desired username is taken. What can I do?

Finding your perfect username already snatched up can be frustrating. Here are some strategies:

• Try variations: Add numbers, initials, or underscores to your desired username.
• Get creative: Think of synonyms or related terms.
• Check for inactivity: The username might be taken by an inactive account. Tumblr occasionally releases inactive usernames, but there’s no guarantee. You can try contacting Tumblr support, but they rarely grant these requests.
• Use Tumblr URL hacks: Consider using custom domain, read more at FAQ #12.

6. Will changing my username affect my followers or who I’m following?

No, changing your username will not affect your follower count or who you are following. All your existing relationships will remain intact. Your followers will simply see your new username associated with your blog.

7. Will changing my username affect my posts or drafts?

No, changing your username will not affect your existing posts or drafts. They will all be automatically updated to reflect your new username.

8. Can I revert back to my old Tumblr username if I don’t like the new one?

If your old username is still available (i.e., no one else has claimed it in the meantime), you can absolutely revert back to it. Simply follow the same steps to change your username, and enter your original username.

9. I’m having trouble changing my username on the app. What should I do?

If you’re encountering issues changing your username on the Tumblr mobile app, try the following:

• Close and reopen the app: A simple restart can often resolve minor glitches.
• Clear the app’s cache: In your phone’s settings, find the Tumblr app and clear its cache.
• Update the app: Make sure you’re running the latest version of the Tumblr app.
• Try changing your username on the website: If the app continues to give you problems, switch to the desktop website.
• Contact Tumblr support: If nothing else works, reach out to Tumblr’s support team for assistance.

10. Will my username change automatically update everywhere on Tumblr?

Yes, your username change should automatically update everywhere on Tumblr. This includes your blog URL (the one you are changing), your display name (which is separate and can be edited independently), and any mentions of your username throughout the platform.

11. I’m locked out of my account and need to change my username to recover it. Help!

Account recovery is a separate (and often frustrating) process. If you’re locked out of your account, the best course of action is to contact Tumblr support directly. Provide them with as much information as possible to verify your ownership of the account. Changing your username might be a secondary step after you regain access.

12. What happens if I use a custom domain for my Tumblr?

If you’re using a custom domain (e.g., www.myblog.com instead of my-username.tumblr.com), changing your Tumblr username will not directly affect your domain. Your custom domain remains connected to your Tumblr blog. However, if you’ve linked to specific posts using your old Tumblr URL (e.g., your-old-username.tumblr.com/post/123), those links will break and need to be updated. This is one of the key benefits of using a custom domain – it decouples your brand from the vagaries of Tumblr’s username system.

By using a custom domain, you are essentially telling your audience “Forget about my Tumblr username. Come to my website!”. This creates a far more reliable and professional online presence. Plus, it future-proofs your brand against username changes or even platform shifts in the future. If you ever decide to move your blog off of Tumblr to another platform (e.g., WordPress, Ghost), all you need to do is point your custom domain to the new host – your audience won’t even notice the change.

In conclusion, changing your Tumblr username is a simple technical process, but it requires careful consideration of the implications, particularly concerning your old URL and external links. Take the time to plan your change and update your links accordingly to ensure a smooth transition. Good luck, and happy Tumbling!