Spotify may finally let you swap out the random string of letters and numbers it calls a username. An APK teardown of Spotify’s Android app surfaced new UI texts for “Username” and “Edit Username,” suggesting that editable usernames could be on the way.
Android Authority discovered the strings in Spotify version 9.1.20.1132 and found language that treats the username as a social handle. That’s a notable change for a service that’s been behaving more like a social app lately, with features like jams, blends, collaborative playlists, and now direct messaging and group messaging.
Strings point to an in-app editor
The new code includes labels that would fit right into your profile settings, including a title that says “Edit username.” There’s also an internal description for a page dedicated to editing a user’s social media handle, which suggests Spotify is building an actual flow and not just tweaking the menu wording.
Spotify already assigns each account a unique username, but most newer accounts receive an automatically generated alphanumeric ID. Since this ID also serves as a unique identifier for the account, Spotify does not provide an easy way to change it. The strings suggest Spotify is testing a more human-focused layer, a handle you can select and update while preserving the underlying identifier.
Why this is important for finding people
If Spotify wants DMs and group chats to feel normal, people need names that are easy to remember and easy to type. Currently, display name searches are messy because thousands of users can use the same name and Spotify doesn’t provide a clean, global way to search for a unique handle.
The source also notes that messaging is limited to people you’ve already interacted with through Spotify’s social features. This is fine for existing friends. It’s frustrating when you’re trying to get in touch with someone new, like a co-worker, a friend of a friend, or the person who made the playlist you keep stealing.
Editable usernames won’t magically improve recognition, but they do remove a lot of the friction. It simplifies profile sharing and gives Spotify a clearer way to represent identity as it becomes more socially responsive.
What to watch next
There are still big questions. Spotify began assigning automatically generated usernames in 2018, and these identifiers are tied to accounts. Therefore, it is unclear how the service will balance a permanent ID with a changeable username. It’s also not clear when the feature will roll out or if it will be available on Android first before it spreads.
For now, consider it a strong hint, not a promise. APK teardowns can reveal features that will never ship. If you still want to get a clean slate, keep your Spotify app updated and check your profile settings for new releases. Early launches often have the best name availability.
