Why Can't I Register Certain Usernames?

This article outlines the most common issues around selecting a Twitter username. Users frequently write us with the following concerns:

1. The username I want is taken by another account
2. I think a username is available, but I see an error message when I try to select it
3. Can I get an unavailable username?
   

1. The username I want is taken!

If you try to select a username and see that it has already been claimed, you will need to select a different one. Remember the following:

1. You can also list your Real Name in your profile to provide more information to your followers.
2. Adding characters, underscores, or abbreviations before or after your desired username will help you claim a unique handle on Twitter.
   • Example: if you would like the username @lindsay but it has been claimed, consider selecting a name like @lindsay_tweets or @lindsay_fr.

2. I see an error message when I try to select my username, but I don’t think it’s taken!

Here are possible reasons why you would be unable to claim a username that seems available:

1. Usernames containing the words Twitter or Admin cannot be claimed. No account names can contain Twitter or Admin unless they are official Twitter accounts.
2. Your username cannot be longer than 15 characters. Your real name can be longer, but usernames are kept short for the sake of ease.
3. The username may be used by a suspended or deactivated account. Suspended and deactivated usernames are not immediately available for use, so you’ll need to select a different username.

If you try view a suspended user’s profile by navigating to their profile (typing http://twitter.com/[theirusername] into your browser's URL bar), you’ll see the following message:

Trying to navigate to a deactivated user’s profile will return a message like this:

3. Can I get an unavailable username?

1. Unfortunately, these usernames cannot be released at this time.
2. We are working on an automatic solution that will release usernames, but we do not have a set time frame for when this will take place.
3. Please see our Inactive Account Policy help page for more detailed information, including information for trademark holders.
   

While we work to make more usernames available, hang in there and try to think of other ways to express your Twitter identity! Remember, you can change your username at any time.

Still Need Help? Contact Support.