Change your display name in three steps

Your Twitter display name — the one that appears above your posts and in search results — can be changed anytime from your account settings. Open Twitter on desktop or mobile, go to Settings and Privacy, select Account, then tap Edit Profile. In the Name field, delete your current name and type the new one. Twitter allows up to 50 characters. Click or tap Save, and the change takes effect when ready. Your username (the @handle) is separate and cannot be changed through this same process.

The display name change is visible to everyone right away. People who follow you will see the new name the next time they visit your profile or see your posts in their feed. You can change it back or modify it again at any time — there is no limit on how many times you can edit it, and no waiting period between changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name (shown above posts) is different from your username (@handle), and only the display name can be changed through Settings and Privacy.
  • Display name changes take effect when ready and are visible to all users, including people who do not follow you.
  • Twitter allows up to 50 characters in your display name, including spaces and most symbols.
  • You can change your display name as many times as you want with no cooldown period or limit.

Where to find the name field on mobile and desktop

On a phone or tablet, tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top left corner, then tap Settings and Privacy. Select Account, then tap Edit Profile. The Name field appears at the top of the profile editor, above the bio section. Type your new name and tap Save at the bottom of the screen.

On desktop, click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Settings and Privacy. Click Account in the left sidebar, then click Edit Profile. The Name field is the first text box in the profile editor. Type your new name and click Save Changes.

What you cannot change about your account name

Your username — the @handle that appears in your profile URL and when people mention you — cannot be changed through the display name field. If you want a different username, you must go to Settings and Privacy, select Account, then find Username. Twitter allows you to change your username once every 30 days. After you change it, your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim after 30 days.

If you change your username, your old profile URL stops working. Any links to your old @handle will not redirect to your new one, so people who bookmarked or shared your profile link will land on a broken page. Your display name change does not affect your username or profile URL.

Things to know before you change your name

Changing your display name does not affect your followers, direct messages, or any of your posts. People who follow you will continue to follow you under the new name. Your follower count, likes, retweets, and all other account data stay the same.

If you use your Twitter account for work or business, consider whether your audience will recognize you under a new name. Some people add a note in their bio like "formerly known as [old name]" for a few weeks to help followers adjust. This is optional — Twitter does not require it.

Changing your name back or undoing a mistake

If you change your name and want to revert to the old one, follow the same steps: Settings and Privacy, Account, Edit Profile, and type your previous name. There is no undo button, but you can make the change yourself when ready. If you changed your name by mistake and cannot remember what it was, check your email for any notifications Twitter may have sent, or ask someone who follows you to tell you what your old name was.

Twitter keeps a record of your account activity but does not show a public history of name changes. Only you can see that you changed your name by looking at your own account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Twitter allows letters, numbers, spaces, and most symbols including emojis in your display name, as long as the total is 50 characters or fewer. Some symbols may not display correctly depending on your device or browser, so test your name after saving it.

Will my followers be notified when I change my name?

No. Twitter does not send notifications to your followers when you change your display name. They will see the new name the next time they visit your profile or see your posts, but they will not receive an alert about the change.

How is my display name different from my username?

Your display name is what appears above your posts and on your profile — it can be anything and can be changed anytime. Your username is your @handle, which is part of your profile URL and is used when people mention you. Usernames can only be changed once every 30 days.

What happens to my old name if I change it?

Your old display name is straightforward replaced. It is not reserved for you, and no one else can claim it because display names are not unique — many people can have the same display name. Your old username, however, becomes available for others to claim 30 days after you change it.