Couchsurfing profiles got a refresh. They're cleaner, easier to read, and better at helping you connect with the right people. As part of the update, your existing profile information was securely brought over so you didn't lose a thing.
That said, with millions of profiles making the move and a fresh new look, a few things might appear a little different. Here's what changed, and why it's actually a good thing.
Was My Data Transferred Securely?
Yes, completely. All your profile data was migrated securely. Nothing was lost in the move. If something looks different, it's because of the updates described below — not because your data went missing.
What Happened to My Username?
What used to be your "username" is now your "handle." If your old username was in a valid alphanumeric format, it carried over automatically as your new handle. If it had special characters or formatting that isn't supported, a new handle was generated for you, and you had a chance to update it during onboarding (or anytime later by editing your profile).
Your handle is what you'll use when posting in Communities and Events, and it's how other members can search for you.
What Changed With Interests?
Couchsurfing now uses a curated list of standardized interests. Before, members could type in anything they wanted, which made it harder to actually connect you with people who share your passions. The new list means better recommendations, more relevant search results, and a smoother way to find your people across the community.
Your old interests were mapped to the closest match in the new list. Most of the time, the match is spot-on. Sometimes, it might not be a perfect fit.
What you should do: Pop over to your profile and take a quick look at your interests. Tweak, add, or swap them out so your profile reflects who you are today.
What Happened to My Photos?
All your photos came along for the ride. If something looks off or you think a photo is missing, see the section at the bottom of this article on how to flag it.
This is also a great excuse to refresh your gallery. A few updated photos can go a long way toward making a strong first impression on hosts, travelers, and future friends.
What Happened to Image Descriptions?
Image descriptions are no longer part of profiles. The new design keeps things focused and easy to browse, so members can quickly get a sense of who you are at a glance.
Why Do I See Trips I Didn't Create?
Every stay is now connected to a trip. Before, it was possible to have a stay without one, so to make sure your full hosting and travel history came through cleanly, trips were automatically created for any past stays that didn't already have one.
These auto-generated trips are based on the dates and locations of your previous stays. If something doesn't look right, you can delete or duplicate the trip:
- Scroll to the bottom of your Trips page to find your past trips
- Click the trip you want to manage
- In the upper right corner, choose Delete or Duplicate
What About My Chats?
All your chats came over too. Your conversation history is intact, so you can pick up right where you left off.
What Should I Do Next?
If anything on your profile doesn't look quite right, a quick update is all it takes:
- Check your handle and make sure it's what you want
- Review and update your interests to reflect what you're into now
- Add or replace photos to keep things fresh and current
- Review your trips and update any auto-generated ones if needed
- Fill in any other profile sections you'd like to complete
Your profile is one of the most important things you've got on Couchsurfing. Keeping it up to date means better responses to stay requests, more meaningful connections, and a stronger presence in the community.
Still Think Something's Missing?
If after a careful look you believe data from your profile didn't come through, our support team can take a look. Submit a ticket through Report an Issue → Missing Data and we'll investigate.
Need more help? Get in touch. You can also reach us anytime through Settings → Contact Support.