Where to find and update your name
Your name in the McDonald's app lives in your account settings, not in a separate profile section. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then select "Account" or "My Account" depending on your app version. From there, look for "Profile" or "Personal Information"—this is where your name appears and where you can edit it.
The exact wording of menu items shifts between app updates, so if you don't see "Account" when ready, scroll down in the main menu. You're looking for anything labeled "Settings," "Profile," or "My Information." Once you're in that section, your current name will be displayed at the top, usually with an edit button (a pencil icon) next to it.
Key Takeaways
- Your name is stored in the Account or My Account section of the McDonald's app, accessible from the three-line menu at the bottom right.
- Tap the edit or pencil icon next to your name to change it, then save your changes before closing the app.
- The app will ask you to confirm your change, sometimes by sending a verification code to your email address.
- Changes usually take effect when ready, though your updated name may take a few minutes to appear on receipts or in your order history.
- If you cannot find the name field or the edit button is grayed out, sign out and sign back in, or reinstall the app.
The step-by-step process to change your name
Once you're in your profile section, tap the pencil or edit icon next to your name. A text field will appear with your current name highlighted. Delete the old name and type your new one. The app accepts first and last names, and you can use spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes—the same characters that work on a standard form.
After you've typed your new name, look for a "Save," "Update," or "Confirm" button. Tap it. The app may ask you to verify the change by entering a code sent to your email address or by re-entering your password. This is a security step to make sure someone else didn't gain access to your account. Once you've verified, your name is updated.
What happens after you save the change
Your new name takes effect when ready in your account settings. However, it may take a few minutes to show up on your order receipts, in your order history, or in any loyalty program records tied to your account. If you place an order right after changing your name, the receipt might still show your old name—this is normal and usually corrects itself within the next few orders.
If you're changing your name because you've linked your account to a payment method or rewards program, those services will see your updated name the next time you use them. You do not need to update your name separately in those systems unless they require it.
Troubleshooting if the edit button doesn't work
If the pencil icon is grayed out or doesn't respond when you tap it, the most common fix is to sign out of the app and sign back in. Tap the menu icon, scroll to the bottom, and select "Sign Out" or "Log Out." Then close the app completely and reopen it. Sign back in with your email and password, go to your profile, and try editing your name again.
If that doesn't work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. This clears out any corrupted data that might be blocking the edit function. After you reinstall, sign in and navigate back to your profile. The edit button should be active. If it still isn't, contact McDonald's customer service through the app—there's usually a "Help" or "Contact Us" option in the menu—and describe what you're seeing.
Why the app might ask for verification
When you change your name, the McDonald's app may send a verification code to the email address on your account. This is a security measure to confirm that you, and not someone else, are making the change. Check your email inbox (and spam folder) for a message from McDonald's. The code is usually a four- to six-digit number that you'll enter back into the app.
If you don't receive a code within a few minutes, check that the email address in your account settings is correct. You can update your email address in the same Account or Profile section where you change your name. If you've recently changed your email and the old one is no longer active, you may need to contact McDonald's support to verify your identity through another method.
Changing your name on a linked account or family profile
If you've linked your McDonald's app account to a family member's phone or shared device, each person needs their own login. The name you see in the app is tied to the account you're signed into, not the device. If someone else is using the app on your phone with their own account, they can change their own name by following the same steps in their own profile.
Some McDonald's accounts allow you to create sub-profiles or linked accounts for family members. If your account has this feature, each profile has its own name field. You can edit the name on any profile you manage, but you'll need to be signed into that specific profile or have admin access to the main account. Check your Account settings for an option like "Manage Profiles" or "Family Accounts" to see if this applies to you.
What information you need to change your name
You don't need any documents or verification to change your name in the app—just access to your account and the email address associated with it. The app doesn't check whether your new name matches your legal name, a government ID, or anything else. It's purely a display name for your orders and account.
If you're changing your name for a legal reason (marriage, divorce, court order), you may need to update your name with your payment method, bank, or rewards program separately. The McDonald's app itself won't require proof, but the payment processor or loyalty program might. Check with those services directly if you're unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my name in the app affect my rewards points or order history?
No. Your rewards points and order history stay with your account regardless of what name is displayed. Changing the name is purely cosmetic—it updates how your account appears to you and to McDonald's staff, but all your account data remains linked and unchanged.
Can I change my name back to what it was before?
Yes. Follow the same steps: go to Account, tap the edit icon next to your name, type the old name, and save. There's no limit to how many times you can change it, and no waiting period between changes.
What if I don't remember the email address linked to my account?
If you can't remember your email, you can still sign into the app if you remember your password. Once signed in, go to Account settings and look for "Email" or "Contact Information." Your email address will be displayed there, usually with some characters hidden for privacy. If you need to change it, you may be asked to verify the old email first.
Does the name change show up when ready on my receipt in the restaurant?
Usually within a few minutes, but not always on the very first order. If you place an order when ready after changing your name, the receipt might print with your old name. This corrects itself on subsequent orders. If it doesn't, sign out and back in before placing your next order.
Can I use special characters or numbers in my name?
The app accepts letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. Numbers and most special characters (like @, #, $) will not be accepted. If you try to enter them, the app will either reject the entry or remove them when you save.