You've probably been there. You created your account back in 2016 when "EpicNinjaPanda77" sounded like the coolest thing on the planet. Now, you’re older, you’re playing Frontlines or Blox Fruits, and that name just feels... wrong. It’s cringey. You want a fresh start, but when you look at the settings, Roblox asks for 1,000 Robux just to change your username. That’s roughly ten to twelve bucks depending on your regional pricing or Premium status.
But here is the thing: most people actually just want to change their Roblox nickname, not their permanent username.
There is a massive difference between the two. One costs a small fortune in digital currency, and the other is totally free. Honestly, Roblox doesn't make this distinction super obvious to new players, leading to a lot of wasted Robux. If you want to change how people see you in-game, you don't need to break the bank. You just need to know which button to click.
The Free Way: How to Change Your Roblox Nickname Today
Let's get straight to the point because nobody likes digging through paragraphs of fluff. If you want to change your "Display Name"—which is the nickname everyone sees above your head in a server—it costs zero dollars.
First, log into your account on a browser or the mobile app. Look for that little gear icon in the top right corner. Click it. Hit "Settings." Right there, under Account Info, you’ll see two different rows: Display Name and Username.
See that little pencil icon next to Display Name? Click it. Type in whatever you want.
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There are rules, obviously. You can't just go wild. Roblox limits these changes to once every seven days. If you make a typo and hit save, you are stuck with "CoolGamerz" instead of "CoolGamer" for a full week. It's a bit of a bummer, but hey, it’s free. Your display name also has to pass the Roblox chat filters, so don't try anything edgy or inappropriate because the system will just block it or, worse, flag your account.
Why the distinction matters
Your Username is your identity's "anchor." It’s what people use to search for you, how you log in, and it starts with an "@" symbol. Your Display Name is the cosmetic mask. Since 2021, Roblox has allowed these display names to be non-unique. This means there can be five thousand people named "Guest" or "Billy" running around, but their @usernames will all be different.
If you're trying to build a brand as a developer or a YouTuber, your @username is what you should care about. If you're just hanging out in Brookhaven, the nickname is all that matters.
When You Actually Need to Spend the 1,000 Robux
Sometimes a nickname isn't enough. Maybe your @username is your real name (big mistake, by the way, for privacy reasons) or it's something so outdated that you can't stand seeing it on your profile page.
To change the actual @username, you stay in that same Settings menu, but you click the pencil next to "Username." The prompt will immediately tell you that it costs 1,000 Robux.
Is it worth it?
Rarely. Unless you are a serious creator or you’re transitioning to a professional presence within the platform, sticking to the free display name is usually the smarter move. One thing to keep in mind: if you do change your username, your old one is "burned." Nobody else can take it. It stays linked to your account history so people can't impersonate you by grabbing your discarded handle.
The "Verified" Exception
You might notice some people have a blue checkmark next to their name. This is part of the Roblox Verified Badge program. For these users, changing a name is even more strictly monitored because it affects their "official" status. If you aren't a high-earning developer or a massive influencer, you don't really have to worry about this, but it's a cool bit of trivia about how the platform's hierarchy works.
Mobile vs. Desktop: Is the Process Different?
Not really, but the UI can be a bit finicky on a phone.
On the Roblox mobile app, you tap the three dots (the "More" icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down until you see the gear for Settings. Tap Account Info. From there, it’s the exact same layout as the desktop version.
One thing I've noticed—and this is a weird quirk—is that sometimes the mobile app caches your old name. You might change it, see the "Success" message, but your old name still shows up in your profile for a few minutes. Don't panic. Just force-close the app and restart it.
Dealing with "Name Already Taken"
Here is a pro tip: your Display Name does not have to be unique. If you want to be named "Builderman," you can literally type in Builderman. However, your Username must be one-of-a-kind. If you're spending that 1,000 Robux, have a backup list of five or ten names ready. Nothing is more frustrating than spending money only to find out your dream name was taken by a bot in 2012 that hasn't logged on since.
Common Myths About Changing Names
I see a lot of "hacks" on YouTube or TikTok claiming you can change your @username for free by using a VPN or "inspect element."
Don't fall for it.
Those VPN tricks used to work years ago when display names were only being tested in specific regions like Germany. Nowadays, display names are global. Anyone telling you that you can bypass the 1,000 Robux fee for an @username change by editing the code in your browser is lying to you. They are usually trying to get you to download a "cookie logger" to steal your account.
If it sounds too good to be true, in the world of Roblox, it definitely is.
Technical Limitations to Keep in Mind
Roblox is built on some pretty old legacy code. Because of this, name changes don't always propagate instantly across every single "Experience."
- In-game Leaderboards: Some games use custom scripts for their leaderboards. These might show your old username for a while until the server restarts.
- Old Games: If you’re playing a "classic" game from 2010 that hasn't been updated, it might not even support display names. In those cases, your original @username will show up regardless of what your nickname is.
- Friend Requests: When you send a friend request, the person will see your Display Name followed by your @username in smaller text. You can't hide who you truly are.
What to Do If You're Short on Robux
If you’ve decided that you absolutely must change your @username but you’re broke, you have a few legitimate paths.
You could try the "Pls Donate" route. It's a game where people donate Robux to you through clothing or game passes. It takes a long time and a lot of standing around, but it’s a valid way to grind for that 1,000 Robux fee. Alternatively, if you have some talent in clothing design, creating a few shirts and selling them in the Catalog (now the Marketplace) is the most "professional" way to earn the currency needed for a name change.
But honestly? Just use the nickname feature. It solves 99% of the problems people have with their old accounts.
Actionable Steps for a Fresh Identity
If you are ready to pivot your Roblox presence, follow this specific order to make sure you don't regret it later.
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- Audit your current name: Is it the @username that bothers you, or just how you appear in a match? If it's just the match appearance, go to Settings and change the Display Name for free.
- Check for typos: Before you hit "Save" on a new display name, stare at it for ten seconds. You cannot change it again for 168 hours.
- Secure your account: If you are changing your name because you feel "targeted" or followed, consider also enabling 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) while you are in the settings menu. A name change won't stop a dedicated harasser if your security is weak.
- Update your socials: If you have your Discord or YouTube linked to your Roblox profile, make sure those names match your new identity to keep your "brand" consistent.
Changing your Roblox nickname is one of those small things that makes the game feel new again. It’s like getting a new skin or a new house in Bloxburg. Just remember: nickname = free, username = expensive. Choose wisely.