Yes, you can change your display name on TikTok whenever you want

TikTok lets you change the name that appears on your profile as often as you like. This is called your display name or username, and it takes about two minutes to update. You can do it from the mobile app or a web browser, and the change shows up when ready to everyone who visits your profile.

The display name is separate from your handle — the @username that appears in your bio and in links to your profile. Handles are harder to change and have different rules. This guide covers both, so you know which one you're actually changing and what to expect.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name (the readable name on your profile) can be changed as often as you want with no waiting period.
  • Your handle (the @username) can only be changed once every 30 days, and some handles cannot be changed at all if they are linked to a business account.
  • Both changes are made in your account settings under "Edit profile," and both take effect when ready.
  • Changing your display name does not affect your followers, messages, or video history — everything stays attached to your account.

How to change your display name in the mobile app

Open TikTok and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Then tap "Edit profile" near the top of the screen. You will see a field labeled "Name" — this is your display name. Tap it, delete the current text, type your new name, and tap "Save" at the top right.

Your new display name appears on your profile when ready. Anyone who visits your account will see the updated name right away. You can change it again at any time with no restrictions.

How to change your display name on a web browser

Go to TikTok.com and log in. Click your profile icon in the top right, then click "Settings and privacy." Click "Account," then "Edit profile." You will see the "Name" field — click it, clear the old text, type your new name, and click "Save."

The change takes effect when ready in the browser and on the mobile app. If you are logged in on multiple devices, the new name will show on all of them within a few seconds.

What you need to know about handles and the @ symbol

Your handle is the @username that appears in your bio and in the URL of your profile. It is different from your display name. For example, your display name might be "Sarah Chen" but your handle might be @sarahchen22. The handle is what people type when they search for you or mention you in comments.

Handles follow stricter rules than display names. You can only change your handle once every 30 days. If you have a business or creator account, your handle may be locked and cannot be changed at all — this happens when the handle is tied to a verified badge or brand partnership. To change your handle, go to "Edit profile" the same way you would to change your display name, but look for the "Username" field instead of "Name."

What happens to your account when you change your name

Changing your display name does not affect your followers, messages, videos, or any other part of your account. Everyone who follows you will still follow you. Your videos stay in your account. Direct messages stay in your inbox. The only thing that changes is what appears at the top of your profile.

If you change your handle, the old handle becomes available for someone else to claim after 30 days. Any links to your old handle will stop working. If you have shared your profile link in other places (like a website or Instagram bio), those links will break if you change your handle. For this reason, many creators keep the same handle and only change their display name.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing your name

Do not confuse your display name with your handle. The display name is the readable text at the top of your profile — you can change it as much as you want. The handle is the @username — you can only change it once a month. If you try to change your handle more than once in 30 days, TikTok will show an error message and block the change until the waiting period is over.

Do not use special characters or emojis in your handle. TikTok only allows letters, numbers, periods, and underscores in handles. Display names can include spaces and most characters, so if you want to use special symbols, put them in your display name instead. Also remember that handle changes break old links to your profile, so think twice before changing it if you have shared your profile URL in other places.

What to do if you cannot change your handle

If you see a message saying you cannot change your handle, it is probably because you changed it within the last 30 days. Wait until the 30-day period is over and try again. You can check when you will be able to change it next by going to "Edit profile" and looking at the "Username" field — TikTok usually shows you the date when the change will be allowed.

If you have a business account or a verified badge, your handle may be permanently locked. This is TikTok's way of protecting brand accounts from being changed by someone who gains access to the account. If your handle is locked and you need to change it, contact TikTok support through the app by going to "Settings and privacy," then "Help," then "Report a problem."

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my followers see my old name after I change it?

No. Your followers will see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see you in their feed. The change is when ready across the app. Old videos you posted will show your new name, not the name you had when you posted them.

Can I change my name back to what it was before?

Yes. There is no limit on how many times you can change your display name. You can change it back to your old name, or to any other name, whenever you want. If you are changing your handle back, you have to wait 30 days between changes.

What if someone else took the handle I want?

If another user has claimed the handle you want, you cannot use it. You will have to choose a different handle. TikTok does not have a waitlist for handles, so if the handle is taken, your only option is to pick something else or wait to see if that user abandons the account.

Does changing my name affect my verified badge?

No. Your verified badge stays with your account no matter what name you use. The badge is attached to your account, not to your name. You can change your display name as many times as you want and keep your verification.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my handle?

No. Handles can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. If you want to use spaces or emojis, put them in your display name instead. For example, your handle could be @sarah_chen but your display name could be "Sarah Chen ✨".