Changing the identifier (ID) in VKontakte is a task that worries many users. Most often, the need to change the digital profile code arises from the desire to hide old information, avoid blocking, or simply update your “digital identity.” However VK does not provide a direct function for changing ID through a mobile application on Android —this process requires workarounds, some of which are associated with risks.
In this article we will analyze all the available ways to change ID in VK from your phone: from official methods (for example, through changing your number or email) to less obvious tricks with backups and third-party services. It is important to understand that ID on VKontakte is tied to the account forever and cannot be directly edited - but it can be “reset” by creating a new profile with data transfer. We will also tell you how to minimize losses during such a transfer and avoid common mistakes.
If you are looking for a way to change ID due to blocking, the threat of hacking, or just for the sake of experimentation, carefully study each method. Some of them may lead to loss of access to the old account, therefore make a backup copy first important data (photos, correspondence, groups).
Why can’t you just change the ID in VK?
User Identifier (ID) in VK is a unique numeric code that is assigned to your account upon registration and remains unchanged forever. Unlike the nickname (@username), which can be edited in the settings, the ID is strictly assigned to the profile. This is due to the architecture of the social network:
- 🔢 Uniqueness: ID is used to identify the user in the database, links, API and internal processes.
- 🔒 Security: Changing the ID could violate the integrity of the system (for example, break links to the profile in posts or comments).
- 📊 Statistics: Actions are tracked by ID the user, activity is analyzed and advertising is targeted.
However, there are workarounds that allow effectively “change” ID by creating a new account with transferring part of the data. This is not a direct replacement of the old ID with a new one, but rather a migration to another profile. Below we will look at all working methods.
⚠️ Attention: Any manipulations with the account, except for the official functions of VK, may violate User Agreement. Use them at your own risk.
Method 1: Changing ID by creating a new account (official method)
The most reliable and legal way to “change” ID is to register a new account and transfer important data from the old one to it. This method does not break the rules VK, but it takes time to set up. Here are step-by-step guide:
- Create a new account:
Use a different phone number or email. If during registration VK offers to restore the old account, cancel this action.
- Transfer data:
Download the archive from the old account (
Settings → Security → Download archive) and upload the necessary files (photos, videos) to the new profile manually. - Set up a nickname:
In the new account, set the desired one
@usernameviaSettings → Edit profile → Nickname. - Notify your friends:
Send a message to your contacts from the old account with an invitation to the new one (for example, by exporting a list of friends).
✅ Pros: Complete legality, no risk of blocking, new “clean” ID.
❌ Cons: Loss of some data (for example, correspondence, likes, activity history), the need to re-enter groups.
Download an archive with photos and videos|Export friends list|Save important correspondence (screenshots or text)|Record data for recovery (email, number)|Unlink the old account from applications (games, services)
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Method 2: Changing ID by changing the linked phone number
If your account is linked to a phone number, theoretically you can try to “reset” part of the data by changing the number. This will not change the ID directly, but in some cases it can create the illusion of a new profile for the system. Instructions:
- Go to settings:
Open
Settings → Account → Phone. - Add a new number:
Click "Add phone" and enter a new number (not used in other accounts VK).
- Make it the main one:
After confirming the SMS, select the new number as the main one and delete the old one.
- Change email (optional):
Similarly, change the linked email to a new one in section
Settings → Account → Mail.
🔹 What does this give?:
From the point of view VK you remain the same user, but for some external services (for example, authorization via VK ID) the profile may be perceived as “updated”. However ID will remain the same.
⚠️ Attention: If you use the old number to restore other accounts (for example, mail or banking applications), deleting it from VK may complicate access to these services.
Before changing the number, check whether it is used for two-factor authentication in other services. If necessary, disable linking to VK in the security settings of these accounts.
Method 3: Using a backup copy to “transfer” ID
This method is suitable for users who want to save part of the data when moving to a new account. It is based on creating a backup copy of the old profile and partially restoring it in the new one. Important: This is not a transfer of ID, but only copying some data.
Instructions:
- Download the data archive:
In the old account, go to
Settings → Security → Download archiveand wait for the file to be generated (may take up to 24 hours). - Create a new account:
Register with a different number/mail (see Method 1).
- Recover the data manually:
From the archive, select what to transfer:
- 📷 Photos and videos (upload to the albums of the new account).
- 📝 Posts on the wall (copy the text and re-publish).
- 👥 List of friends (invite manually or via contact export).
⚠️ Restrictions:
- Correspondence, likes and comments cannot be transferred.
- Groups and publics will have to be re-created subscribe.
- Some data (for example, activity history) is lost forever.
| Data type | Can be transferred? | How to do it |
|---|---|---|
| Photo/video | ✅ Yes | Download archive → upload to new account |
| Posts on the wall | ✅ Yes | Copy text → republish |
| Friends | ⚠️ Partially | Export list → invite manually |
| Correspondence | ❌ No | Save screenshots or text copies |
| Like/comments | ❌ No | — |
What to do if the archive is not downloaded?
If VK the archive does not form (the status is “Processing”), try:
1. Update the application to the latest version.
2. Check your Internet connection (it is better to use Wi-Fi).
3. Try to request the archive from your computer via web version.
4. Wait 24–48 hours - sometimes processing takes longer.
Method 4: Alternative methods (risky)
On the Internet you can find tips on changing ID through:
- 🔄 Account reset (deleting and recovery).
- 🛠️ Use of third-party services (for example, ID generators).
- 📱 Modified versions of the application (VK Mod APK).
❌ Why is it dangerous:
- Account blocking: VK actively fights unofficial methods and can permanently ban a profile.
- Data theft: Third-party services can access your account.
- Viruses: Modified APKs often contain malicious code.
🔍 How to recognize scammers:
Any service that offers “change ID in 5 minutes” or “generate a new ID” is 99% likely a scam. VK technically does not allow you to change ID - all such offers are either useless or malicious.
Yes, if there was a 100% working method|Only if the account was already blocked|No, too much risky|Tried it - it didn’t work
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Method 5: Contact VK support (if ID is compromised)
If your ID fell into the hands of scammers or you became a victim of hacking, you can try to regain control of your account through the support service. This will not change the ID, but will help secure your profile. Proceed as follows:
- Go to the recovery page:
Open vk.com/restore in your phone browser.
- Specify the recovery data:
Enter the phone number or email associated with your account. If access is lost, select “I don’t remember the data.”
- Fill out the request form:
Describe the problem in detail (for example, “My account has been hacked, please restore access”). Attach screenshots or proof of profile ownership (for example, old photos, receipts for purchases in VK Pay).
- Wait for a response:
Cupport usually responds within 1-7 days. If the request is rejected, try again with a more detailed description.
📌 Which increases the chances of success:
- Linking to a bank card account (via VK Pay).
- The presence of old photos/videos confirming your ownership of the profile.
- Access to mail or number that were linked earlier.
⚠️ Attention: If the account was blocked for violating the rules (for example, spam or insults), support is unlikely to help. In such cases, the only way out is to create a new profile.
Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When trying to change the ID, users often encounter problems. common mistakes and ways to prevent them:
- 🔄 Deleting an old account without a backup:
Many people delete a profile without downloading the archive and lose all data. Always keep a backup before migration.
- 📱 Using questionable APK:
Installing modified versions VK can lead to password theft or blocking. Download the application only from Google Play.
- 🔒 Ignoring two-factor authentication:
If you do not enable 2FA, a new account can be hacked. Activate it in
Settings → Security → Two-factor authentication. - 👥 Mass sending of invitations to friends:
VK can block a new account for spam Invite friends in small batches (10-20 per month). day).
💡 Advice:
If you create a new account for a “clean” ID, do not use the same data in it as in the old one (for example, the same nickname or avatar). This will help avoid automatic linking by the system.
The only safe way to “change” the ID is to create a new account and transfer it. data from the old one into it. All other methods either do not work or carry the risk of blocking.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to change the ID in VK without creating a new account?
No, VK does not provide such a function. The ID is assigned once. registration and cannot be changed. All “workaround” methods boil down to creating a new profile with data transfer.
What happens if you delete the old account after transferring the data?
The old profile will be permanently deleted after 30 days (if you chose “Delete forever”). All data that could not be transferred (correspondence, likes) will be lost. impossible.
Is it possible to return the old ID after deleting an account?
No. After completely deleting a profile, its ID is released and can be assigned to a new user. It is impossible to return it.
How to hide your ID from other users?
It is impossible to hide the ID completely, but you can restrict access to profile:
- Close the page in the privacy settings.
- Disable indexing of the profile by search engines.
- Use a complex nickname instead of a direct link to the ID.
Will a new account with the same phone number have the same ID?
No, the ID is generated randomly during registration. Even if you use the same number or email (after deleting the old account), the new profile will receive a different unique code.