# What usernames can I use in Tarkle?

The length, characters and other rules for a Tarkle username, and what each refusal message means.

A Tarkle username has to follow a few fixed rules. Read them before you type a name and you will not have to try names one by one.

## The rules

- **Length:** 3 to 30 characters.
- **Characters:** lowercase letters, numbers, hyphens and underscores.
- **Start and end:** the username must start and end with a letter or number, so a hyphen or underscore cannot be the first or last character.
- **Prefix:** a username cannot start with `usr_`.

Spaces at the start and end are removed, and capital letters are changed to lowercase for you, so you do not need to retype a name that only differs in case.

## What each message means

If Tarkle refuses a username, it shows one of these messages.

- **Usernames must be 3-30 characters.** The name is too short or too long. Shorten it or add characters until it is between 3 and 30.
- **Use lowercase letters, numbers, hyphens and underscores. Start and end with a letter or number.** The name contains a character that is not allowed, such as a space or a dot, or it starts or ends with a hyphen or underscore, or it starts with `usr_`. Remove the character or change the first and last character.
- **That username is reserved. Please choose another.** The name is one Tarkle has set aside. Pick a different name.
- **That username is already taken.** Someone else already uses it. Try adding a number or a word.
- **You changed your username recently. Please wait before changing it again.** Tarkle limits how often a username can be changed. Try again later.

## Related articles

- [How to update your profile on Tarkle](https://tarkle.com/help/account/how-to-update-your-profile-on-tarkle)
- [How to change your sign-in email](https://tarkle.com/help/account/how-to-change-your-sign-in-email)

Source: https://tarkle.com/help/account/what-usernames-can-i-use-in-tarkle