Bluesky Handle Checker
Bluesky handles look like web addresses: name.bsky.social by default, or a domain you own, such as yourname.com. This checker looks up the bsky.social version through Bluesky's public API. If you own a domain, you can use that as your handle instead.
Bluesky handle rules
| Minimum length | At least 3 characters. |
|---|---|
| Maximum length | For .bsky.social: up to 18 characters before the suffix (30 total). Custom domains: up to 30 characters in total. |
| Allowed characters (.bsky.social) | Letters, numbers and hyphens. Underscores, spaces, exclamation marks and periods are not allowed. |
| Reserved handles | Some handles are reserved for system use and return a "Reserved Handle" error. |
| Custom domains | Create the account with a .bsky.social handle first, then switch to your domain by adding a DNS TXT record. |
Sources: Bluesky Support: suggested handle format, Bluesky Support: set your domain as your handle, AT Protocol: handle specification. Last reviewed 2026-10-13. Platforms change their rules; the linked help pages are the final word.
How to check a Bluesky handle
- Type just the first part, for example mia for mia.bsky.social. Avoid underscores and periods, which bsky.social handles do not accept.
- We ask Bluesky's public AppView API (app.bsky.actor.getProfile) about <name>.bsky.social. It is an open API, so blocks are rare, but a deactivated or suspended account can still hold a name that looks free.
- Manual check: open bsky.app/profile/<name>.bsky.social. An error saying the profile cannot be found suggests no account uses it.
- For a domain handle, the question is whether you control the domain, not whether a name is free on Bluesky.
Bluesky handle taken? What you can do
- Use a hyphen between words: mia-draws.bsky.social.
- Skip the suffix entirely by verifying a domain you own, which also proves to followers that the account is really yours.
- Organizations often use a subdomain, such as mia.example.com, to give staff handles under the company domain.
- Report impersonating accounts in the app; Bluesky's community guidelines prohibit impersonation.
How to change your Bluesky handle
- Open Settings, then Account, then Handle.
- Type a new .bsky.social handle, or choose the option to use your own domain.
- For a domain, add the TXT record Bluesky shows (host _atproto) at your DNS provider, then verify.
- Save, then update the handle anywhere you have shared it.
Reserved and restricted names
Bluesky reserves some handles for system use, and those return a "Reserved Handle" error even though no profile exists. Impersonation is against Bluesky's community guidelines, and a verified domain handle is the simplest way to show you are who you say.
Tips
- A domain handle stays yours as long as you keep the domain; renewing it on time matters.
- Handles are case-insensitive, so mixing capitals in a domain does not create a new handle.
- Bluesky is built on the open AT Protocol, so your handle also works in other apps that use it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an underscore in a Bluesky handle?
Not in a .bsky.social handle. Bluesky allows hyphens there, but not underscores, spaces, exclamation marks or periods.
How do I use my own website as my Bluesky handle?
Start with a .bsky.social handle, then in Settings choose to use your own domain and add the TXT record Bluesky gives you to your DNS.
How long can a Bluesky handle be?
Up to 18 characters before .bsky.social, or 30 characters in total for a custom domain.
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WhatsMyName Apps is an independent tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by Bluesky, the WhatsMyName project, Sherlock or Maigret. Results are leads to verify.