How to Change Your Username on GitHub?

Your GitHub username is a key part of your online developer identity. Whether you’re rebranding, aligning with your personal or professional brand, or simply updating an outdated username, GitHub makes it easy to change your username without affecting your existing repositories, commits, and contributions.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process of changing your GitHub username, along with best practices to ensure a smooth transition.

Important Considerations Before Changing Your Username

1. Impact on Repository URLs
   • After changing your username, all your repository URLs will automatically redirect from the old username to the new one. However, it’s a good practice to update any links to your repositories in documentation, websites, or shared locations.
2. Maintained Commit History
   • Your contributions and commit history will remain intact and associated with your new username.
3. Username Availability
   • You can only change your username to one that is not already in use by another GitHub user.
4. Third-Party Tools and Services
   • Update integrations, SSH keys, and any third-party tools or services that rely on your GitHub username.

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Steps to Change Your GitHub Username

Step 1: Log in to GitHub

1. Go to GitHub.com and log in to your account.
2. Navigate to your profile by clicking your avatar in the top-right corner.

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Step 2: Open Account Settings

1. Click on Settings in the dropdown menu.
2. In the settings sidebar, click Account Settings under the Account section.

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Step 3: Change Your Username

1. In the Account Settings, locate the Change username section.
2. Click Edit next to your current username.

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Step 4: Check Availability

1. Enter your desired new username.
2. GitHub will verify if the username is available. If it’s taken, you’ll need to try a different username.

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Step 5: Confirm Your New Username

1. Once you’ve entered a valid and available username, click Change username.
2. Review the information in the confirmation dialog to understand the impact of this change.

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Step 6: Update Repository URLs (Optional)

While GitHub redirects old repository URLs to the new ones, it’s best to update the URLs in:

• Local Git repositories (.git/config file or git remote set-url command).
• Documentation or README files.
• Any bookmarks or references to your repositories.

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How to Update Local Git Repositories

After changing your GitHub username, update the remote URL for your local repositories to reflect the new username:

1. Open your terminal and navigate to your local repository: cd /path/to/your/repository
2. Update the remote URL: git remote set-url origin https://github.com/new-username/repository-name.git
3. Verify the new URL: git remote -v

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Best Practices After Changing Your Username

1. Inform Your Team or Collaborators
   • Notify collaborators or team members about the username change to avoid confusion.
2. Update Your Profile Links
   • If you’ve shared your GitHub profile on social media, personal websites, or resumes, update the links to reflect your new username.
3. Test Your Integrations
   • Verify that any integrations with CI/CD pipelines, Git clients, or third-party applications continue to work correctly.
4. Backup Repository URLs
   • Keep a record of old repository URLs temporarily to ensure smooth redirection during the transition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I revert to my old username?

Yes, you can revert to your old username if it hasn’t been claimed by another user. However, it’s recommended to decide carefully to avoid frequent changes.

Q2: Will my followers and stars remain intact?

Yes, your followers, stars, and forks will remain associated with your new username.

Q3: Do I need to update my SSH keys?

No, your SSH keys will continue to work without any changes since they are tied to your account, not your username.

Q4: What happens to links shared publicly?

GitHub automatically redirects your old profile and repository URLs to the new ones, but you should update shared links for consistency and clarity.

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Conclusion

Changing your GitHub username is a straightforward process that allows you to realign your developer identity. By following the steps outlined above and updating the necessary links and configurations, you can ensure a seamless transition without disrupting your workflow or online presence.

Remember, a clear and professional username can help you make a stronger impression in the developer community.