CheckUsernames alternative: a free checker that still works
By WhatsMyName Apps · Reviewed · Editorial policy
CheckUsernames was a simple, free page for checking a name across popular social networks, and people still search for it by name. If checkusernames.com shows an error for you, here is what it did and what to use instead.
Username availability (offline). Project: checkusernames.com
What is CheckUsernames?
Its own homepage (last archived working copy, December 2023) described it as a "Social Media Username Search by KnowEm" for checking your brand, product, trademark or user name on 160 social networks. It linked to KnowEm for a deeper search of 500+ sites.
The page showed a grid of sites, from YouTube, Reddit and GitHub to older networks such as MySpace and Hi5, each marked available or taken after a search. It was free and had no sign-up.
When we checked in October 2026, checkusernames.com returned error code 522, which means the server behind it did not respond. Archived copies show the same error since at least February 2025.
How to use CheckUsernames
- Try checkusernames.com. As of October 2026 it returns an error.
- Use a free username checker that is online today.
- Confirm any "available" result on the platform before you build a brand on it.
CheckUsernames vs WhatsMyName Apps
| Feature | CheckUsernames | WhatsMyName Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Status (October 2026) | Server error 522 | Online and free |
| Social sites | 160 (per its archived homepage) | 3,165+ sites, merged from the WhatsMyName, Sherlock and Maigret lists |
| Result states | Available or taken | Four statuses: found, not found, blocked, unknown |
| Domains | Not part of the checker | .com, .net, .org, .io, .us, .app and .dev through public RDAP |
| Export | None found | JSON and CSV (no PDF) |
| Price | Free (archived) | Free, no sign-up |
Based on CheckUsernames's own documentation as of 2026-10-18. Tools change; the project page is the final word.
Pros and cons of CheckUsernames
Pros
- Free with no sign-up while it worked.
- One simple grid of 160 social networks.
- Linked to KnowEm for a deeper search.
Cons
- Not reachable as of October 2026.
- Its site list included many networks that no longer exist.
- Available or taken only, with no export.
Who CheckUsernames is for
CheckUsernames suited anyone wanting a quick, free look at a name across well-known networks. Since it is offline, a current free checker does the same job with a larger, maintained site list.
Try a username search in your browser
Free, no sign-up. Checks 3,165+ sites; the username is not stored or logged.
Frequently asked questions
Is CheckUsernames down?
Yes, as of October 2026. checkusernames.com returned error code 522 when we checked, and archived copies show the same error since early 2025.
How many sites did CheckUsernames check?
Its archived homepage says 160 social networks.
What is a free CheckUsernames alternative?
WhatsMyName Apps is free with no sign-up and checks 3,165+ sites. Namechk and Namecheckup are other free availability checkers that were online in October 2026.
Related tools and guides
- KnowEm: Username, domain and trademark check (offline)
- Namechk: Username and domain availability
- Instant Username Search: Username availability (search as you type)
- Namecheckup: Username and domain availability
- All OSINT tools compared
- OSINT username search · Reverse username lookup · Platform username checkers
- Username OSINT for beginners
Names and trademarks belong to their owners. WhatsMyName Apps is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by CheckUsernames or its authors.