Telegram username availability checker
Type a name to check Telegram’s username rules and whether it is already taken by a user, bot, channel or group. Short names that are only sold on Fragment are flagged too.
Telegram username rules
A username is the public @name that people use to find you, your channel, group or bot. It also forms the link t.me/name. The rules are the same for every account type:
- 5 to 32 characters.
- Only Latin letters a–z, digits 0–9 and underscores.
- Must start with a letter and can’t end with an underscore.
- Not case-sensitive:
@MyChanneland@mychannelare the same name. - Each username can be used by only one account, channel, group or bot at a time.
How the checker works
First the tool checks the rules in your browser. Then it reads the public page at t.me/name. If that page shows a profile, the name is in use and we show what it belongs to. If not, no public account uses it, which usually means it is free.
“Looks available” is not a guarantee. Telegram can reserve names, some names are held for sale on Fragment, and a name released by another account can take time to become free. The final check happens when you try to set it: Telegram tells you immediately whether it is available.
How to set or change a username
- Your account: Settings → tap your profile → Username.
- Channel or group: open it → tap the title → Edit → Channel/Group Type → Public, then type the link name.
- Bot: the username is chosen when you create the bot with @BotFather.
Changing a username breaks the old t.me link. Tell your audience first, and update links in your bio, website and ads.
Fragment and collectible usernames
Telegram sells some usernames, including all 4-character names and many short or premium names, as collectible usernames on Fragment, a marketplace paid in TON. A collectible username is owned like an asset: it can be attached to your account or a channel and resold. If a name you want shows as taken or reserved, its Fragment page will tell you whether it is on sale or at auction.
Choosing a name for a new channel
A short username that contains your topic is easier to remember and helps the channel show up in Telegram search. Check that the same name is free on other platforms if you plan to cross-promote. Once the channel is live, read how to create and set up a Telegram channel, and give it a starting audience with Telegram members.
Related guides and services
- How to create a Telegram channel — set it up properly from day one.
- Channel & group finder — see which names competitors use.
- Telegram members — a starting audience for a new channel.
Frequently asked questions
Enter it in the checker above. If t.me/name shows a profile, it is taken. You can also try to set it in Telegram, which tells you instantly.
5 characters for a free username. 4-character names exist but are only available as collectible usernames on Fragment.
Not directly. A username only becomes free when its owner changes it or the account is deleted. Some names are also held by Telegram.
No. Each username can be used by one account, channel, group or bot at a time.
No, subscribers stay. But the old t.me link stops working, so anyone with the old link or ad can no longer reach you.