What is a primary user ID?

When you have multiple user IDs, one of the user IDs is made the primary user ID. Passwords and Keys will attach the primary user ID by default with your key information, while encrypting or signing, unless you explicitly choose another user ID instead.

To change the primary user ID in a PGP key:

  1. Select the GnuPG keys keyring from the left side panel.

  2. Select the Personal PGP key from the list.

  3. Right click on the selected key and select Properties ▸ Names and Signatures.

  4. Select the new primary user ID from the list and click Primary.

The user ID will move to the top of the Names and Signatures list to become your primary user ID.

Sync your keys after changing your primary user ID to update the remote copies of your key.