Bluesky Handle Formatting Rules

A Bluesky handle looks like name.bsky.social or a domain you control. It follows the AT Protocol handle specification, which treats a handle as a hostname rather than a free-form social username.

Basic syntax

Handle segments use ASCII letters, numbers, and hyphens. A segment cannot start or end with a hyphen, and underscores are not allowed. Periods separate segments, as in name.bsky.social; they do not work as arbitrary punctuation inside a segment. The full protocol allows up to 253 characters, but a provider such as Bluesky may impose shorter limits, so check its live editor for the name you want.

For example, my-brand.bsky.social follows the separator style, while my_brand.bsky.social does not. Format and availability are separate questions: another account may already use a valid spelling.

Custom domains

If you control a domain, Bluesky can use it as a handle after the required verification. Domain control is one identity signal, but people should still check the complete handle and account before trusting a profile. Read Bluesky’s domain-handle guide before changing DNS settings.

Use a Bluesky name check for initial ideas, then confirm the final result in Bluesky’s own settings.

Check the complete handle

A default handle includes the provider suffix, so a short local name is only part of the visible address. A custom domain handle follows domain-name syntax and requires verification; it is not simply a display-name change. Check the full handle for readability, not just the first label. Dots separate domain labels and cannot be inserted anywhere you like in a default provider name.

If the name you want is unavailable, try a simple variation in the account settings rather than assuming a checker can reserve it. Do not pay a third party for a promised transfer. After a change, share the complete new handle on your website and other profiles, and verify that important profile links reach the same account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a default handle include a domain I do not own? A custom domain handle requires proof of domain control. Do not enter a domain you cannot maintain.

Does capitalization create a separate handle? Domain-style handles are case-insensitive for resolution. Use a clear spelling, but do not rely on case to distinguish accounts.

Can the checker reserve my preferred name? No. It can help evaluate a candidate; availability is decided by Bluesky's account flow and may change before you save it.