Change your WhatsApp display name in three steps

Your WhatsApp name is the text that appears next to your messages in group chats and in your contact card when others message you. To change it, open WhatsApp, tap the three dots in the top right corner (Android) or go to Settings (iPhone), select Account, then tap your name and type the new one. The change takes effect when ready for all your contacts.

This name is separate from your phone number and your contact name in your phone's address book. Changing your WhatsApp name does not change how you appear in your contacts' phone lists — it only changes what shows in WhatsApp itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WhatsApp display name is edited through Settings or the three-dot menu, not through your phone's contacts app.
  • The change appears when ready to everyone who has your number saved, without any notification sent to them.
  • Your WhatsApp name and your phone contact name are separate — changing one does not change the other.
  • You can use any text, including spaces, numbers, and emoji, as long as it is under 25 characters.
  • If you do not see a name field in your account settings, your WhatsApp version may need an update.

Step-by-step for Android phones

Open WhatsApp and tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the screen. A menu will drop down with several options. Select Account from this menu.

Tap your current name at the top of the Account screen. A text field will open with your existing name highlighted. Delete the old text and type your new name. Tap OK or the checkmark to save the change. Your new name will show in WhatsApp within seconds.

Step-by-step for iPhones

Open WhatsApp and tap Settings at the bottom right of the screen. This is the gear icon. Tap Account at the top of the Settings menu.

Tap your current name. A text field will open. Delete the old text and type your new name. Tap Done in the top right corner to save. Your new name will appear in WhatsApp when ready.

What your contacts see when you change your name

Your contacts will see your new name the next time they open WhatsApp or refresh their chat list. They do not receive a notification that you changed your name. In group chats, your new name will appear on all future messages you send, but old messages will still show your previous name.

If a contact has given you a nickname in their phone (separate from your WhatsApp name), they will continue to see that nickname in their chat list, even though your WhatsApp name has changed. The nickname only changes if they edit it in their phone's contacts.

Name length and character limits

WhatsApp allows up to 25 characters in your display name. This includes spaces, numbers, and emoji. If you try to enter more than 25 characters, WhatsApp will not let you save the change and will show an error message.

You can use letters, numbers, spaces, punctuation, and emoji. There are no restrictions on what characters you use, as long as you stay under the 25-character limit.

If your name does not change or does not save

If you tap OK or Done and your name does not update, check that you have an active internet connection. WhatsApp must be connected to the internet to sync your name change to your account. Close WhatsApp completely and reopen it to see if the change took effect.

If the name field does not appear in your Account settings at all, your WhatsApp version may be out of date. Open your phone's app store (Google Play for Android, App Store for iPhone) and check for WhatsApp updates. Install any available update and try again.

Changing your name versus changing your profile photo

Your WhatsApp profile includes both your name and your profile photo. These are edited in the same Account menu but are separate settings. Changing your name does not change your photo, and changing your photo does not change your name. Both changes are visible to all your contacts.

Your profile photo appears as a small circle next to your name in group chats and at the top of your profile card. Like your name, your photo change takes effect when ready and does not trigger a notification to your contacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my WhatsApp name as many times as I want?

Yes. There is no limit to how many times you can change your WhatsApp name or how often you can do it. You can change it every day if you want. Each change takes effect when ready.

Will my contacts be notified when I change my name?

No. Your contacts will not receive any notification. They will see your new name the next time they open WhatsApp or refresh their chat list, but WhatsApp does not send them an alert that you changed it.

Does changing my WhatsApp name change my contact name in my phone?

No. Your WhatsApp name and your phone contact name are completely separate. Changing one does not affect the other. If you want to change how you appear in someone's phone contacts, you must edit your contact card in their phone's address book.

What happens to my old name in old messages?

Old messages you sent before the name change will still show your previous name. Only new messages you send after the change will show your new name. This applies to one-on-one chats and group chats.

Can I use emoji or special characters in my WhatsApp name?

Yes. You can use emoji, numbers, punctuation, and special characters in your WhatsApp name as long as the total is 25 characters or fewer. WhatsApp will accept and display them normally.