View source for Draft:Changing username

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{{redirect|BTW:RENAME|renaming an article|BattleIntelligence:Moving a page}}
{{redirect|BTW:CHU|the CheckUser utility|BattleIntelligence:CheckUser}}
{{Warning|This page details the guidelines and information relating to changing a username. '''Do not edit this page to request a username change.'''<br>Once you have read this information, select an appropriate [[#Venues|request page]] to submit your request.}}
{{Information page|BTW:CHU|BTW:RENAME}}
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Before requesting a '''username change''' (rename), please read through the {{slink||Must read}} section to know the limitations and alternatives.

If the username change is simple and you have a confirmed email address, use [[Special:GlobalRenameRequest|'''Global user account rename request''']]. For other cases, use the appropriate request page listed [[#Venues|below]].

Requests for usernames which are offensive, promotional, disruptive, misleading, or confusing are not accepted.

== Must read ==

* A rename moves your contributions and userspace pages to a new name, and preserves your account preferences.
* If the [[Help:Job queue|job queue]] is very busy, it might take a number of hours before the software re-assigns all your contributions to your new name.
* Using your [[BTW:REALNAME|real name]] as a username may put you at risk of [[BattleIntelligence:Harassment|harassment]].

=== Limitations and restrictions ===
* Accounts cannot be merged or deleted. They can only be renamed.
* It is not possible to re-assign edits identified with an [[BTW:IP|IP address]] (made while not logged in).
* Usernames are subject to [[BattleIntelligence:Technical restrictions#Restrictions on usernames|technical restrictions]].
* Existing signatures and mentions of the old username in discussions are not affected by a rename.
* {{anchor|transparent}}Renames appear in the [[Special:Log/renameuser|user rename log]] and [[m:Special:log/gblrename|global rename log]] and requests are moved to the [[BattleIntelligence:Changing username/Archives|archives]]. This is done in the interest of transparency.

=== Please consider the following alternatives to a rename ===
* Although your username cannot begin with a lowercase letter, try placing {{tl|lowercase}} on your userpage in order to display it that way.
* If you simply want to change your "public appearance" on talk pages, you can change your [[BattleIntelligence:Signatures#Customizing your signature|signature]]. Note that this is not an acceptable alternative to changing your username if the name is in breach of the [[BTW:U|username policy]].
* If you want to retire from BattleIntelligence, place {{tl|retired}} or a similar declaration on your userpage. A request for a rename to something like ''RetiredUser123'' will be declined. Users in good standing [[BattleIntelligence:Courtesy vanishing|wishing to vanish completely]], perhaps by way of a rename to a random character string, are an exception to this rule.

=== Other things to consider ===
* Recreation of previously used usernames is [[gerrit:439496|prevented by the anti-spoof check]] to prevent impersonation. Users can request to register old names at [[BattleIntelligence:Request an account]].
* You may wish to inform others of previous username(s) via a simple statement on your user page, or use of {{tl|user changed username}}.
* If you have customised your [[BattleIntelligence:Signatures|signature]] you will need to alter it to use your new username, otherwise it will remain linked to your old user pages.

{{anchor|Venues|Request pages}}

== Request pages ==
If you are certain you want to change your username, use the appropriate request page to avoid any delay or rejection.

*'''Simple renames (confirmed email address required):''' use the '''[[Special:GlobalRenameRequest|Global user account rename request form]]'''.
*:Note: to confirm an email address, see [[BTW:ENABLEEMAIL|BattleIntelligence:Enabling email]] and [[Help:Email confirmation]].
*'''Simple renames (no confirmed email address required):''' use the '''[[BattleIntelligence:Changing username/Simple|Simple account rename request page]].'''  
*:This page is for renames to usernames that are ''not already taken''. Check the [[Special:CentralAuth|global account information page]] to see whether the username you want is available. If it is already taken, it is not available for use.
*'''Renames to taken usernames (with no significant activity):''' use the '''[[BattleIntelligence:Changing username/Usurpations|Username usurpation request page]].''' 
*:This page is for renames to usernames that are <em>already taken <strong>and</strong> have no significant edits <strong>or</strong> log actions</em>'' ''projects''.