Change your display name and username on X in a few steps

X lets you change two different things: your display name (the name that appears above your posts) and your username (the @handle people use to mention you). You can change your display name as often as you want, but your username has limits—you can change it once every 30 days. Both changes happen in your account settings and take effect when ready.

The process is the same whether you use X on a phone, tablet, or computer. You do not need to contact X support unless something goes wrong with your account access itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name can be changed as many times as you want, but your username (@handle) can only be changed once every 30 days.
  • Both changes are made in your account settings under "Account information" and take effect right away.
  • Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it, so choose carefully.
  • Changing your name does not affect your followers, posts, or direct messages—they stay attached to your account.
  • If you cannot access your account, you will need to reset your password or contact X support before you can make any changes.

How to change your display name

Your display name is what appears at the top of your profile and above every post you write. Open X and tap or click the three-dot menu icon in the top left corner (on mobile) or look for your profile picture in the top right (on desktop). Select "Settings and privacy," then "Settings."

Go to "Account information" and tap or click "Account." You will see a field labeled "Name"—this is your display name. Delete the current text and type the new name you want. You can use up to 50 characters, including spaces and most symbols. When you are done, tap or click outside the field or press Enter. The change saves automatically.

How to change your username (@handle)

Your username is the @handle that appears in your profile URL and that people use to mention you. Follow the same path as above: three-dot menu (mobile) or profile picture (desktop), then "Settings and privacy" > "Settings" > "Account information" > "Account."

Look for the field labeled "Username." Tap or click it and delete your current @handle. Type your new username—it can be 4 to 15 characters long and can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores. X will tell you right away if the username is already taken. When you find one that is available, tap or click outside the field or press Enter. The change takes effect when ready, but you cannot change it again for 30 days.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one becomes available for anyone else to claim. This happens right away. If you think you might want that username back later, do not change it unless you are sure. You cannot reserve an old username or ask X to hold it for you.

Your followers, posts, and direct messages all stay with your account no matter what username you use. People who followed you under your old username will still be following you under your new one. Links to your old profile will not work, but X usually redirects them to your new profile for a while.

If you cannot access your account settings

If you cannot log in to X, you will need to reset your password before you can change your name. Go to the X login page and tap or click "Forgot password?" Enter the email address or phone number linked to your account. X will send you a reset link or code. Follow the instructions in that email or text message to create a new password.

If you do not have access to the email or phone number on your account, or if you think your account has been hacked, you will need to contact X support. Go to help.twitter.com and look for the "Contact us" option. Be ready to provide information that proves you own the account, such as a phone number or email address you used to sign up.

Changing your name on a business or verified account

If your account has a blue checkmark or is a business account, the same steps explore—you can still change your display name and username the same way. However, if your account is verified, X may have guidelines about what your name should be. Changing it to something that does not match your real identity or business name could result in X removing your verification badge.

If you are changing the name of a business account, make sure your followers will still recognize you. A sudden name change can confuse people and may cause some to unfollow. Consider posting a message explaining the change before or after you make it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can change your display name back anytime. For your username, you can only change it once every 30 days, so if someone else has claimed your old @handle, you cannot get it back unless they change theirs first. Plan your username changes carefully.

Will my followers see the change happen?

Your followers will see your new name the next time they look at your profile or see one of your posts. X does not send a notification about name changes, so some followers may not notice right away. If the change is important to your brand or identity, consider posting about it.

What if the username I want is taken?

If a username is taken, X will tell you when you try to use it. You will have to choose a different one. You can try adding numbers, underscores, or abbreviations. Usernames are case-insensitive, so @MyName and @myname are the same account.

Does changing my name affect my direct messages?

No. Your direct messages stay in your inbox and the inboxes of the people you messaged, no matter what name you use. The conversation history does not change.

Can I change my name if my account is suspended?

No. If your account is suspended, you cannot make any changes until the suspension is lifted. You will need to contact X support to resolve the suspension first.