How to set a Telegram username

Updated 29 Oct 2026

Telegram Stars and Premium are delivered to a username, so the account that receives them needs one, and that includes yours if you're buying for yourself. Setting it takes a few seconds.

Set your username

Open Telegram and go to Settings.
On Android, tap Username under Account. On iPhone, tap Edit, then Username.
Type the username you want. Telegram tells you straight away if it's taken.
Tap the tick (Android) or Done (iPhone) to save it.

Animation: in Settings, open Account, tap Username, type a new username and save it, then send it to Oya Stars. — Settings › Account › Username, then send it to the bot. The app's screens may look slightly different on your phone.

The rules for usernames

Letters a-z, numbers 0-9 and underscores (_), starting with a letter.
At least 5 characters.
Capitals don't matter: YourName_KE and yourname_ke are the same username.
Each username belongs to one account only, so you may need to try a few.

Once you have a username, people can find you by it in Telegram's search and message you without knowing your phone number. If you'd rather not be found, you can remove it again after your order is delivered.

Back in the bot

Go back to @oyastarsbot and tap Myself again, or, if you're buying for someone else, send their username. You can type it with or without the @, or paste their t.me link. The bot checks it with Telegram and shows you the account it found before you pay.

Back to Oya Stars

Next: How to buy Telegram Stars with M-Pesa, or see today's Stars prices.