Discord Users Need to Update Their Usernames ‘In Coming Weeks:’ Here’s Why!

Discord users need to update their usernames soon as a new policy ditches the previous format, which resembles other gaming services like Steam and Xbox.

This time, the gaming messaging service now requires users to create their new usernames to make searching for other people on the platform a lot easier.

Discord Users Need to Update Their Usernames 'In Coming Weeks'

(Photo : DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images)
This picture taken on Januray 22, 2021 in Rennes, western France, shows a smartphone screen featuring messaging service applications WhatsApp, Signal, telegram, Viber, Discord and Olvid.

Since Discord debuted, users have been accustomed to usernames, which end with four digits, allowing them to have similar names to other people. What sets them apart are their unique numbers.

But as the messaging service grows, things are about to change. According to IGN, the app will soon require all its users to think of a new username.

To streamline the platform, Discord announced the phase-out of current username mechanics in favor of a simpler version. So if you have been clinging to your name on the platform for several years, you need to let go of it in the next few weeks.

The Verge reports that the gaming communication platform is adopting a new username format, which no longer includes the four numbers. Instead, users will have to change their handles into a unique alphanumeric username. And similar to TikTok and Twitter, it will rock an "@" symbol.

The co-founder of Discord, Stanislav Vishnevskiy, admits that the new username mechanics in the messaging platform is a "big change." He acknowledges that problems might arise as users embrace their updated usernames. However, the co-founder assures that they will ensure the process goes "as smoothly as possible."

Besides the new username, Discord is also rolling out display names, which enable users to include emojis and other special characters apart from their unique handles.

As per PC Gamer, the new username mechanics should actually make the lives of their users a tad simpler. Instead of memorizing a four-digit "discriminator," they could search for their friends using a unique handle.

Vishnevskiy believes some of the existing usernames on Discord are too "complicated" or "obscure." And as such, some find them hard to remember.

Older Users May Choose Their New Names Sooner

The major change on Discord is rolling out slowly, allowing users to get the hang of it first. The new requirement will initially debut to long-time users of the platform. So if you signed up for the gaming communication service years ago, you might get your hands on a new username earlier than most.

While a new username rule is right around the corner, the previous version will continue to work. It could still be used to search your friends if you have been used to doing so.

In other words, you do not have to remind all your friends that you have recently changed your username on Discord. The old one will still work fine. There's no need to sweat it.