Getting started

How to choose a username on Orbit

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Your username is the first thing anyone sees before they read a single message from you, so it is worth a moment of thought at sign-up.

What makes a good username

Short and easy to type wins over clever. Long usernames get truncated in chat bubbles and mention suggestions, which makes it harder for people to tag you correctly.

Avoid usernames that are only numbers or that copy an existing well-known handle from another app, since group members may assume it is the same person.

  • Letters, numbers and underscores only
  • No spaces or special symbols
  • Case is preserved but search is not case-sensitive

Usernames and privacy

You do not need to use your real name. Many members pick a username unrelated to their identity elsewhere, which is fine as long as it is not impersonating someone else or a brand.

Changing your username later

You can update your username from your profile in Settings. Old messages keep showing the name that was current when they were sent for a short period in some views, but your profile and mentions update immediately across the app.

If your preferred name is taken

Usernames are unique across Orbit. If yours is taken, try adding a number, a short word, or an underscore rather than random characters that are hard to remember or type.

Frequently asked questions

Can two people have the same username?
No, usernames must be unique across Orbit so mentions and searches always point to one person.
Does changing my username cost coins?
No, changing your username is free and can be done as often as you like from Settings.
Will my old messages show my new username?
Your profile updates immediately, and mentions and your name in the chat list will reflect the change straight away.

Still stuck? Contact support or browse the full Help Center.