Change Your Display Name in Twitter Settings

Your Twitter display name — the one that appears above your posts and in search results — is separate from your username (the @handle). You can change your display name directly in Twitter's account settings without losing your account history or followers. The process takes about two minutes.

Open Twitter on your phone or computer and tap or click the three-dot menu icon in the top left corner. Select Settings and privacy, then choose Account. Look for the field labeled Name — this is your display name, not your username. Click into that field, delete the current text, type your new name, and click Save. Twitter will confirm the change when ready.

Your new display name appears on your profile and next to every post you've made, including old ones. Followers see the change right away. You can change your display name as often as you want, and there is no waiting period between changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name is the readable name on your profile; your username is the @handle, which is harder to change and affects how people find you.
  • Change your display name through Settings and privacy > Account > Name, then save the change.
  • Display name changes take effect when ready across your entire account history.
  • You can change your display name as many times as you want without any restrictions or waiting periods.
  • Changing your display name does not affect your followers, direct messages, or any of your posts.

What Happens to Your Username When You Change Your Display Name

Your username — the @handle that starts with an @ symbol — does not change when you update your display name. These are two separate things. Your username is how people mention you in tweets and how they find your profile through search. Your display name is just the readable text that appears above your posts.

If you want to change your username instead, that is a different process and has more restrictions. Twitter allows you to change your username once every 30 days. Go to Settings and privacy > Account > Username, type your new @handle, and click Change. The old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you release it.

Changing Your Name on a Business or Verified Account

If your account has a blue verification checkmark, you can still change your display name the same way — through Settings and privacy > Account > Name. The verification stays with your account regardless of what name you use. However, Twitter's verification team may review your account if your new name no longer matches the person or organization you represent.

If you run a business account and want to change the legal name associated with your account (for tax or payment purposes), that is handled separately through Twitter's business settings or by contacting Twitter support. A display name change alone does not update billing information.

Common Mistakes When Changing Your Twitter Name

The most common mistake is confusing your display name with your username. People often think changing their name will change their @handle, which it will not. If you want a different @handle, you must go to the Username field, not the Name field. Remember that usernames can only be changed once every 30 days.

Another mistake is not realizing that your old display name disappears completely. If you change from "Sarah Johnson" to "S. Johnson," anyone who knew you by your old name will see the new one everywhere — on your profile, on all your old tweets, and in search results. There is no way to keep both names visible at once.

Some people also assume they need to create a new account to change their name. You do not. Changing your display name keeps your account, followers, and post history intact. The only reason to create a new account is if you want to keep both names active at the same time, which requires two separate accounts.

If You Cannot Find the Name Field in Settings

If you are using Twitter on a phone and cannot see the Name field, make sure you are in the right menu. Tap the three-dot icon (or your profile picture in some versions), select Settings and privacy, then tap Account. Scroll down until you see the Name field. It appears near the top of the Account settings, above the Username field.

On a computer, the Name field is in the same location: Settings and privacy > Account. If the field is grayed out or locked, it usually means Twitter is temporarily preventing changes — this can happen if you just changed your name very recently or if there is unusual account activity. Wait a few hours and try again.

Changing Your Name Back or Making Multiple Changes

You can change your display name back to what it was before, and you can do this as many times as you want. There is no limit on how often you change your display name, and no waiting period. If you change your mind five minutes after updating your name, you can revert it when ready.

This is different from your username, which has a 30-day waiting period between changes. If you change your @handle, you cannot change it again for 30 days. But your display name has no such restriction — change it as often as you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my name affect my followers or direct messages?

No. Your followers stay with your account, and all your direct messages remain in your inbox. The only thing that changes is what name appears on your profile and next to your posts. Your followers will see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see your tweets.

Can I use special characters or emojis in my display name?

Yes. Twitter allows letters, numbers, spaces, and most special characters in your display name, including emojis. Your display name can be up to 50 characters long. However, your username (@handle) has stricter rules — it can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores.

What if someone else took my old display name?

Display names are not unique — many people can have the same display name at the same time. If you change your name and later want to use your old name again, you can do so even if someone else is also using it. Your username (@handle) is what makes your account unique, not your display name.

Does changing my name affect my Twitter history or search results?

Your new name appears on all your old tweets and in your profile history. If someone searches for your old name, they will not find your account — they would need to search for your username (@handle) instead. Your tweets themselves do not change, only the name displayed next to them.

Can I change my name if my account is suspended or locked?

No. If your account is locked or suspended, you cannot make any changes until the issue is resolved. Contact Twitter support to address the suspension first, then you can change your name once your account is active again.