Ability to change username

[Cassolotl]

Folks seem to ask semi-frequently if it's possible to change usernames, so I think this might be good.

However, I did see rumours at some point that it's not possible to alter subscription info on other instances, so if I changed my username the accounts of my followers on other instances wouldn't update to my new username. I'm wondering if that's still the case?

Edit: If this isn't possible, can there be some kind of indication at registration that changing usernames isn't possible?

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• I searched or browsed the repo’s other issues to ensure this is not a duplicate.
• This bug happens on a tagged release and not on master (If you're a user, don't worry about this).

[chr-1x]

I think the main problem is that the unique identifier for an account remotely is the username. All remote instances might give alice@example.social different IDs but that string, alice@example.social, is how they identify alice as the same person.

If there's some mechanism in activitypub to effectively do a "redirect" or "symbolic link" of one handle to another this might be possible, but if not then it doesn't really seem feasible. Someone who's read the AP spec in detail might be able to give a more definitive answer here.

[nightpool]

functionally a duplicate of #177

[dysinger]

In the case of ham radio, where people want to be identified by their call sign, this is a highly desirable feature. My call sign changed. I now have to delete my account and create another account. That's a PITA.

[Cassolotl]

In light of @dysinger's comment, I'd like to reopen this issue.

[pinpox]

Any update on this? Would like to change my name/handle