Change Your Display Name in the TikTok App

Your display name — the name that appears on your profile and under your videos — can be changed in seconds from the TikTok app. This is the name other users see when they visit your profile or watch your content. You can change it as often as you want, and it does not affect your username (the handle that starts with @).

Open TikTok and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap "Edit profile" near the top of your profile page. Tap the field that shows your current display name, delete the text, and type your new name. TikTok allows up to 30 characters, including spaces and special characters. When you are done, tap outside the field or tap the back arrow — the change saves automatically.

If you cannot find the Edit Profile button, make sure you are looking at your own profile, not someone else's. Swipe left from the profile icon to confirm you are on your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name is what appears on your profile and under your videos, and you can change it from the Edit Profile section of the app.
  • Display names can be up to 30 characters long and can include spaces and special characters like periods or hyphens.
  • Changing your display name does not change your username (your @ handle), and other users can still find you by your username.
  • Changes to your display name take effect when ready and do not require you to log out or restart the app.
  • You can change your display name as many times as you want with no waiting period between changes.

The Difference Between Display Name and Username

Many people confuse these two because they both identify you on TikTok, but they work differently. Your username is the handle that starts with @ — for example, @cooking_with_maya. This is what people type into the search bar to find you, and it is harder to change. Your display name is just the text that appears at the top of your profile — it could be "Maya Rodriguez" or "Chef Maya" or anything else.

You can have the same display name as thousands of other users, but your username must be unique. If you want to change your username instead of your display name, that requires a different process and has a waiting period between changes.

What Happens When You Change Your Display Name

When you change your display name, the new name appears on your profile when ready. All your old videos will show the new name underneath them, not the old one. People who follow you will see the change the next time they open the app, though it may take a few minutes to update across all their devices.

Your username stays the same, so anyone who has you saved or bookmarked will still be able to find you. Direct messages and comments you left on other videos will still show your account, though the name displayed may update to your new display name depending on when they refresh their app.

Changing Your Username (Your @ Handle)

If you want to change your @ handle instead of your display name, the process is different and slower. Go to Edit Profile, tap "Username," and enter a new one. TikTok will tell you when ready if the username is taken. If it is available, you can claim it, but you must wait 30 days before changing it again.

Choose your username carefully because you will be stuck with it for a month. Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores — no spaces or special characters like hyphens or emoji.

Troubleshooting: Name Changes That Do Not Work

If you tap Edit Profile and the name field is grayed out or will not let you type, your account may have restrictions. This sometimes happens to new accounts or accounts that have violated TikTok's community guidelines. Wait a few days and try again, or check the TikTok Help Center to see if there is a specific restriction on your account.

If you changed your display name but it is not showing up on your videos or profile, force-close the TikTok app completely and reopen it. This clears the app's cache and usually fixes display issues. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and swipe TikTok away. On Android, go to Settings, find TikTok in your app list, and tap "Force Stop."

If the name field shows an error message when you try to save, you may have used a character TikTok does not allow. Remove any emoji, extra punctuation, or unusual symbols and try again with just letters, numbers, spaces, and basic punctuation like periods or hyphens.

Using Special Characters and Spaces in Your Display Name

TikTok allows spaces, periods, hyphens, underscores, and most common punctuation in your display name. You can also use emoji if you want — many creators use them to make their names stand out. However, TikTok does not allow certain characters, and if you try to use one, the app will not let you save the change.

If you want a professional look, stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and periods. If you want something more creative, try adding a single emoji at the beginning or end of your name. Test it by typing it in and seeing if the Save button becomes active — if it stays grayed out, that character is not allowed.

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 to Edit Profile and type in whatever name you want to use.

Will my followers see my old display name in their notifications?

No. Once you change your display name, it updates everywhere. Old notifications and comments will show your new name when people look at them, though the change may take a few minutes to appear on their devices.

Can I use the same display name as another creator?

Yes. Display names do not have to be unique on TikTok — thousands of people can have the same display name. Only usernames (your @ handle) must be unique. If you want a name that is already taken, you can use it as your display name without any problem.

What is the character limit for a display name?

TikTok allows up to 30 characters in your display name, including spaces and punctuation. If you try to type more than 30 characters, the app will not let you add more text. Count carefully if you are using a long name with spaces.

Do I need to verify my identity to change my display name?

No. Changing your display name requires no verification, phone number, or email confirmation. It is a straightforward edit that takes effect when ready. If your account is brand new or has been flagged, you may not be able to edit your profile at all, but that is a separate restriction from the name change itself.