FAMEPedia:Changing username

__NOINDEX__ Before requesting a username change (rename), please read through the Must Read section to know the limitations and alternatives.

For other cases, use the appropriate request page listed below.

Usernames are global, and are the same on all Miraheze projects. Requests to change a username are processed by users enabled to do so (presently onle Miraheze stewards are able to change usernames).

Requests for usernames which are offensive, promotional, disruptive, misleading, or confusing are not accepted.

Must read

 * A rename moves your contributions and userspace pages to a new name, and preserves your account preferences.
 * If the job queue is very busy, it might take a number of hours before the software re-assigns all your contributions to your new name.
 * Using your real name as a username may put you at risk of harassment.

Limitations and restrictions

 * Accounts cannot be merged or deleted. They can only be renamed.
 * It is not possible to re-assign edits identified with an IP address (made while not logged in).
 * Usernames are subject to technical restrictions.
 * Existing signatures and mentions of the old username in discussions are not affected by a rename.
 * Renames appear in the user rename log and global rename log and requests are moved to the archives. This is done in the interest of transparency.

Please consider the following alternatives to a rename

 * Although your username cannot begin with a lowercase letter, try placing lowercase on your userpage in order to display it that way.
 * If you simply want to change your "public appearance" on talk pages, you can change your signature. Note that this is not an acceptable alternative to changing your username if the name is in breach of the username policy.
 * If you want to retire from FAMEPedia, place retired or a similar declaration on your userpage. A request for a rename to something like RetiredUser123 will be declined. Users in good standing wishing to vanish completely, perhaps by way of a rename to a random character string, are an exception to this rule.
 * Users who have made very few edits are encouraged to register a new account and discard the old one. You can even copy your old watchlist to your new account. See FAMEPedia:Clean start for additional rules and details.

Other things to consider

 * Recreation of previously used usernames is prevented by the anti-spoof check to prevent impersonation..


 * If you have customised your signature you will need to alter it to use your new username, otherwise it will remain linked to your old user pages.

Request pages
If you are certain you want to change your username, use request page to avoid any delay or rejection.


 * Simple renames (confirmed email address required): use Global user account rename request''' or ask at the Stewards' noticeboard.