Numeric/Alphanumeric usernames

[Guido]

Some years ago, it was possible to choose the username of your account upon creating it, but this is no longer the case. Now, all accounts are automatically assigned a randomly generated alphanumeric username that serves to make them uniquely identifiable in our system. Keep in mind that your username cannot be changed for this very reason, but you can set up a new display name at any point using this guide. This is the name that your friends will see and which can be used to search for your profile. 

You can't however log in to the app with your display name. You will have to enter either your username or your registered email address next time you log in. Also, if you've recently created your account and see the username instead of your chosen display name within the app, simply wait a while as it can take some time for all data to be synced fully after an account is created. 

Another possible option to register is creating an account via Facebook. It's fast, it's easy and it doesn't require a lot of steps because the required info to sign up for a Spotify account is being read from the Facebook profile used when signing up. The most important info being:

1. Your Facebook display name
2. Facebook profile picture
3. And your Facebook Friends

It's possible to sign up for an account with your Facebook profile, and at a later stage to opt out from sharing your Facebook information with us. This will result in some changes in your Spotify account, most notably the following:

1. Your display name will change into your alphanumeric username
2. Your profile picture won't be visible on your Spotify account
3. You won't be able to find Facebook friends on Spotify

Note that these changes don't necessarily happen instantly as the Facebook synchronization can take up to 48 hours.

If you add a new Spotify display name while your account is still connected to Facebook, it will replace your Facebook name.

If you'd like to see your name and profile picture in Spotify again, you can log in on our website and go to Privacy Settings. Check if you have opted out of Spotify processing your Facebook data. Be sure that you have not opted out if you want to have your name and profile picture visible in Spotify. It should look like this:

On Facebooks end it's also possible to prevent certain info from being shared with Spotify. So if you've opted back in but certain info, for example your list with Facebook friends is still missing, log in here and find Spotify in the list with apps. Click on 'View and edit' and you'll get the following screen:

In this screen you can further decide which information you'd like to share with Spotify. Once again, keep in mind that it can take up to 48 hours before changes take effect. You might need to log out and back in as well.

Didn't help? Search for more Spotify Answers, or create a new thread and ask the Community.