Wikipedia:Changing username/Front matter
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- WP:CHU redirects here. You may be looking for Wikipedia:Requests for checkuser.
This page permits users to request, and bureaucrats to consider and carry out, username changes. It is generally only possible to rename an account to a name which is not yet taken.
- If you wish to "usurp" another username, please make your request at Wikipedia:Changing username/Usurpations and not here.
Instructions
Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure the correct processing of your request.
- Check that the username you are requesting does not yet exist. This may be done via the search function at Special:Listusers; if the name appears in the list, even if the link is red, the name is taken. Be sure to capitalize the first letter of the username, as the software does not permit usernames that begin with a lowercase letter. Do not create an account under the new name. If the name does exist, go to Wikipedia:Changing username/Usurpations.
- Copy the following text and paste it at the very bottom of the "Requests" section.
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{{subst:Renameuser|CURRENT.USERNAME|NEW.USERNAME|Reason for requested renaming.}} ~~~~ - Replace "CURRENT.USERNAME" with your current username and "NEW.USERNAME" with the username to which you wish to change. Fill in a reason where indicated.
- Be sure you have logged in under your current username. Verify that you have spelled both names correctly. Save the page.
- Check back periodically to see whether a bureaucrat has fulfilled your request or whether additional information is required. Do not be surprised if you suddenly cannot log in to your old account; this merely indicates that your request has been fulfilled.
Effects of a username change:
- When the rename has been completed, your old account will no longer exist in the database. All edits and other user data from your old account, including preferences, watchlist, and password, will have been reattributed to your new account. Your user and talk pages will be transferred to the new name. There is no need for the old name to be blocked.
- Your request will be moved to the archives and the change will appear in the user rename log in the interest of transparency. There is no provision for renaming accounts without logging the change.
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Notes
- It is not possible for bureaucrats to merge two accounts, or to reattribute edits from IP addressses. Only registered accounts can be renamed.
- This page is for requests on the English Wikipedia only. To change your username on another Wikimedia project, please ask a bureaucrat on that project or make a request on Requests for permissions.
- As an alternative, please consider changing your signature. This will change your "public appearance" on talk pages and other places where you sign your username with ~~~~.
- It may be easier for you simply to create a new account (although names too similar to existing ones are automatically blocked from creation). You can then discontinue use of the old one. It does not need to be deleted; disused accounts are harmless and may be safely ignored.
- Be aware: This change will not effect signatures you have already left on talk pages, or other places where you signed your username with ~~~~. Those pages will continue to display your signature (including the link to your old username) unless edited manually.
- Of possible interest: the Wikimedia Foundation privacy policy; "Right to vanish"
Several users provide assistance with the mechanics of this process. If you wish to help please read the linked page carefully.
