You can change your display name on X in under a minute from your account settings

Your display name — the name that appears on your profile and next to your posts — is separate from your username (the @handle). X lets you change your display name as often as you want, and the change takes effect when ready across the platform. You do not need to create a new account or lose your followers.

The process is the same whether you use X on a phone, tablet, or computer. You will navigate to your account settings, find the profile section, and type in your new name. The whole thing takes about 30 seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name is what people see on your profile; your username (@handle) is different and much harder to change.
  • You can change your display name as many times as you want with no waiting period or limit.
  • The change shows up when ready on your profile, in replies, and on any posts you have already made.
  • X does not let you change your username more than once every 30 days, so choose your @handle carefully.

How to change your display name on X using a phone or tablet

Open the X app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Tap your profile picture or avatar at the top of the menu. This takes you to your profile page.

Tap the "Edit profile" button (it looks like a pencil icon). You will see a field labeled "Name" at the top of the edit screen. Tap that field, delete your current name, and type your new one. X allows up to 50 characters for your display name.

When you are done, tap "Save" at the top right of the screen. Your new name appears on your profile when ready.

How to change your display name on X using a computer

Log into X on your web browser. Click the three-dot menu icon in the left sidebar (or the menu icon if you are on a smaller screen). Select "Settings and privacy" from the dropdown.

Click "Account" in the left menu, then click "Account information." You will see your current display name in the "Name" field. Click that field, clear it, and type your new name. X will show you how many characters you have used out of the 50-character limit.

Click "Save" when you are finished. The change takes effect when ready.

What happens to your old posts and followers when you change your name

Your followers stay with you. Changing your display name does not affect who follows your account or who you follow. All your old posts remain on your profile under your new name.

People who have you in their contacts or saved searches will see your new name the next time they open X. If someone has quoted or replied to one of your posts, your new name will show up on that quote or reply.

The difference between your display name and your username

Your display name is what you see on someone's profile card and next to their posts. You can change it whenever you want. Your username (the @handle that starts with @) is much more permanent. X lets you change your username only once every 30 days, and changing it can confuse people who are trying to find you.

If you want to change your username instead of your display name, go to "Settings and privacy" > "Account" > "Account information" and look for the "Username" field. Keep in mind that your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it.

What to do if you cannot find the edit profile button

If you are looking at someone else's profile, you will not see an "Edit profile" button — you will only see a "Follow" button. Make sure you are on your own profile. On the app, tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner. On the web, click your profile picture in the top left sidebar.

If you are on your own profile and still do not see "Edit profile," try logging out and logging back in. If the button still does not appear, your account may have a restriction. X sometimes limits editing on new accounts or accounts that have violated the platform's rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. There is no limit to how many times you can change your display name or how quickly you can change it. You can switch back and forth as often as you want. Just go back to your profile settings and type in whatever name you prefer.

Will people be notified when I change my display name?

No. X does not send notifications when you change your display name. People will see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see one of your posts, but they will not receive an alert about the change.

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

Yes. X allows letters, numbers, spaces, and most special characters in your display name, including emojis. You are limited to 50 characters total, so keep that in mind if you are using longer symbols or multiple emojis.

What if my display name field is grayed out or locked?

A locked name field usually means your account is new or has been flagged for unusual activity. X sometimes restricts editing on accounts less than a few days old. Wait a few days and try again. If it remains locked after a week, contact X Support through the "Help and Support" section in your settings.