Change your display name in three steps

To change the name that appears on your X profile, open the app or website, tap or click the menu icon (three horizontal lines), and select Settings and privacy. Go to Account, then Account information, and you will see a field labeled Name. Type your new name — X allows up to 50 characters — and click Save. The change takes effect when ready across your profile, posts, and replies.

You can change your display name as often as you want. There is no waiting period between changes, and you do not need to verify your identity or provide documentation. The name you choose does not have to match your legal name, your email address, or your username (the handle that starts with @). Many people use nicknames, business names, or pseudonyms on X without restriction.

If you are on a mobile device and cannot find the menu icon, look for your profile picture in the top left corner of the home feed (iOS) or top right (Android). Tap it, then follow the same path: Settings and privacy → Account → Account information → Name.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name is separate from your username (@handle) and can be changed at any time without waiting periods or verification.
  • The name field accepts up to 50 characters and can include spaces, numbers, and special characters.
  • Changes appear when ready on your profile, in your posts, and in replies to other users.
  • You can use a legal name, business name, nickname, or pseudonym — X does not require proof of identity.
  • If you change your mind, you can revert to your old name or pick a new one using the same steps.

Where to find the name field on desktop

On a computer, log into X and click your profile picture in the top right corner. Select Settings and privacy from the dropdown menu. On the left sidebar, click Account, then Account information. The Name field appears at the top of the page. Type your new name and press Save.

The desktop interface shows your current name in a text box. You can clear it entirely and type a new one, or highlight the existing text and replace it. X does not require you to keep any part of your old name.

What happens to your old name after you change it

Your old display name disappears from your profile when ready. Anyone viewing your account will see only the new name. However, if someone quoted or screenshotted a post you made under your old name, that old name will still appear in the quote or image — X cannot retroactively change text in other people's posts or screenshots.

Your username (the @handle) does not change when you update your display name. If your username was @janedoe and you change your display name to "Jane Smith," your username stays @janedoe. This is why many people change their display name but keep the same username for consistency.

Name changes on mobile apps

The process is identical on the official X app for iPhone and Android. Tap your profile picture, go to Settings and privacy, select Account, then Account information, and edit the Name field. Save your changes and they will sync across all devices within seconds.

If you use a third-party app to access X, the name change option may not be available in that app. In that case, use the official X app or the website to make the change. Third-party apps can display your updated name once you change it, but they cannot process the change themselves.

Restrictions and things to know

X does not filter or block most display names, but the platform does remove names that violate its terms of service — for example, names used to impersonate a real person or organization, or names containing hateful slurs. If X removes your name, you will receive a notification explaining why and will need to choose a different one.

You cannot use a name that is identical to another user's current display name, but you can use the same name as someone else if their name is different now. For example, if another user was called "Alex" last month but changed their name to "Alexander," you can now use "Alex" as your display name.

Changing your display name does not affect your verification status (the blue check mark), your follower count, or your posting history. All of those remain attached to your account.

Why you might want to change your name

People change their display names for many reasons: to rebrand a business account, to use a nickname instead of a legal name, to reflect a new job or role, or straightforward because they prefer a different name. Some users change their name seasonally or for specific events. Since X allows unlimited changes with no waiting period, you can experiment without consequence.

If you manage multiple accounts, you can give each one a distinct display name to keep them organized. For example, you might have one account for professional posts and another for personal use, each with a different name to signal its purpose to followers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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, and you can revert to any previous name at any time. straightforward follow the same steps and type your old name back in.

Does changing my name affect my followers or the people I follow?

No. Your follower list and the accounts you follow remain exactly the same. Your followers will see your new name on your profile and in your posts, but they will not be unfollowed or notified of the change.

What is the difference between my display name and my username?

Your display name is what appears on your profile and in posts — it can have spaces and special characters and can be changed anytime. Your username is your @handle, which is permanent and cannot contain spaces. You can change your username, but it requires a different process and has a waiting period.

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

Yes. X allows numbers, spaces, punctuation, and emojis in your display name. The 50-character limit counts each emoji as one character, so a name with many emojis will use up your character allowance faster than text alone.

Will my old name show up in search results after I change it?

No. X search indexes your current display name, not your old ones. If someone searches for your old name, your account will not appear in the results — only your new name will be searchable.