What to do when your handle is taken
Guide
Checked 25 Oct 2026, 04:49 UTC
You usually can't get a taken handle back, even from an inactive account. Pick a close version that's available on every platform you need.
Can you get a taken handle back?
Rarely. Each platform decides, and none releases a name on request.
| Platform | What it says |
|---|---|
| Names are first come, first served and can't be reserved; for an inactive account, add a period, number, underscore or abbreviation | |
| X | It can't release inactive usernames, and names from suspended or deactivated accounts aren't immediately available |
| TikTok | It can reclaim a username after 180 days without a login, at its own choice |
| Names go to whoever asks first, even for a Page that isn't published yet | |
| YouTube | It can change, reclaim or remove handles; selling them isn't allowed |
What makes a good close version?
One that's allowed, and available, on every platform you need. Symbols work differently on each.
| Platform | Period | Underscore |
|---|---|---|
| Yes, not first or last | Yes | |
| TikTok | Yes, not at the end | Yes |
| X | No | Yes |
| Ignored: john.smith is johnsmith | No | |
| YouTube | Yes, not first or last | Yes, not first or last |
So a period makes a new name on Instagram but not on Facebook, and doesn't work on X at all. Our checker tries versions like these and shows which one is available everywhere you picked.[1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, reported]
What if you own the trademark?
Use the platform's complaint process; see Protecting your trademark. Instagram and Threads take reports of usernames that use a registered trademark, and Apple takes claims against app names.[1, 10]
Sources (10)
- PrimaryInstagram Help Center: When an account uses your registered trademark as its username
- PrimaryInstagram Help Center: A username is claimed but seems inactive
- PrimaryX Help Center: Help with username registration (archived)
- PrimaryTikTok Terms of Service (US)
- PrimaryFacebook Help Center: What to do if the username you want isn't available
- PrimaryYouTube Help: Learn about YouTube handles
- ReportedRecurPost: Instagram username generator (Instagram doesn't publish its symbol rules)
- PrimaryTikTok Support: Changing your username
- PrimaryFacebook Help Center: Guidelines for creating a custom username
- PrimaryApp Store Connect Help: Add a new app