Skip to search.

Breaking News Visit Yahoo! News for the latest.

×Close this window

Important Notice:   Yahoo! Accounts is experiencing an unusually high volume of support inquiries at this time - We are working to resolve your issues as fast as possible, but please expect a delay from our normal response times

How to create or delete an Alias

ID: SLN1591
Refers to: Yahoo! Account , Messenger 11.5 , Messenger 11 , Messenger 10 and earlier

Description

This article describes how to create and use a different identity for Yahoo! Messenger.


Resolution

How to create an alias:

  1. Select the Messenger menu| My Account Info.
    - The "Sign in to Yahoo!" window opens prompting you to sign in.

     

  2. Under "Account Settings," click Manage your Yahoo! aliases.

     

  3. Click Add an alias and a box displays with the words: "Enter new alias."

     

  4. Type your new alias in the box.
  5. Click Save.
    - If that alias is available, you can save it as your new alias. Otherwise, you'll be prompted to try again with another alias.
    • An alias can be anything you like. It can be something that describes a special interest like "SkyDivingFool," or "CookieBaker." Or you might try something like your dog's name or a variation on your favorite movie, game, or cartoon character.
    • Just remember, you want to make it suitable and fun, but not too revealing. For example, with "BoiseSkyDivingFool," or "NYCookieBaker" you might be giving away too much personal information. If your name is actually Skyler Fool or Kookie Baker, you might want to try some something different, not related to your name.

Note: You can create up to six aliases to use instead of your Yahoo! ID, so you can keep your private details private.

How to delete an alias:

  1. Select the Messenger menu | My Account Info.
    - The "Sign in to Yahoo!" window opens prompting you to sign in.
  2. Under "Account Settings," click Manage your Yahoo! aliases.
  3. Click the delete button next to the alias you wish to delete.
    - A window opens, stating: "If you delete this alias, you will no longer be able to use it to mask your Yahoo! ID".
  4. Click Delete Now, to delete the alias.
  5. Click on the Close button.


Last updated: December 14, 2012
Rate this article:
Thank you! Please complete the form to submit your rating/feedback.

Please tell us why you didn't find this helpful.

  • The article needs updating or needs additional information.
  • The article is confusing or hard to follow.
  • The article describes the correct issue, but it doesn't solve the problem.
  • Other
  • I have feedback about the product or feature.

Forgot your password?

Can't access your account? Help is on the way!

How can we help?

Yahoo! Customer Care is here to help you with your question or issue.

Copyright © 2013 Yahoo! All rights reserved.   Privacy Policy | Terms of Service