Tech & Community
Hacker News Username Availability Checker
Hacker News is the premier Silicon Valley tech forum curated by Y Combinator.
Hacker News Username Rules & Requirements
Before selecting your username, ensure it conforms to Hacker News’s official account registration guidelines:
| Minimum Length | 2 characters |
|---|---|
| Maximum Length | 15 characters |
| Allowed Characters | Alphanumeric letters, underscores, and hyphens |
| Special Restrictions | Y Combinator HN account ID. |
| Public Profile URL | https://news.ycombinator.com/user?id={username} |
| Official Registration Page | https://news.ycombinator.com/login↗ |
How to Claim or Change Your Username on Hacker News
1
Check Availability
Use the input above to confirm your handle satisfies all formatting constraints and character limits.
2
Visit Official Page
Click the "Claim on Hacker News" button to navigate directly to the verified sign up or profile settings.
3
Secure & Save
Complete registration immediately to prevent automated bots or squatters from claiming your handle.
What to Do If Your Desired Hacker News Handle Is Already Taken
HN karma and history carry high signal among engineers and startup founders.