What is a username?
Your username is the name you type, along with a password, to log in to DirectAdmin. It is also the name of your account on the server. Files, databases and email settings are stored under it. That is why it is not meant to be changed like a normal profile name.
Can I rename it directly?
In most cases, no. DirectAdmin does not let a user rename their own account from the panel. Some versions let the admin or reseller do it, but it can affect file paths, databases and other settings. Do not try it on a live site without a backup.
The safe way: make a new account and move your site
This works on every server. You need the admin or reseller to help, or you can ask Hostvento support.
- Create a full backup of your old account. Open Create/Restore Backups, choose the items, and click Create.
- Download the backup to your computer as an extra copy.
- Ask the reseller or admin to create a new user with the name you want. They do this in Create User.
- Restore your backup into the new account. The restore page is in the same Create/Restore Backups area for the admin or reseller.
- Open your website and check it. Test your email too.
- Update FTP programs and mail apps with the new username if they use it.
- When you are sure all works, ask for the old account to be removed.
Warning: do not delete the old account until you have tested everything. Deleting removes all its data.
If you are the admin
Check whether your DirectAdmin version has a Rename or Change Username option in the user's settings. Some versions offer it. If you do not see it, use the backup method above.
What stays the same
Your domain name does not change. Visitors will not notice anything. Only the login name and some folder names change.
Quick recap
- A username is the account's login name on the server.
- Most users cannot rename it in the panel.
- The safe way is to back up, create a new account and restore.
- Test everything before you remove the old account.
- Ask support if you need help.