How to change your name on X

You can change the name displayed on your X profile in your account settings without losing your username or post history. The process takes less than a minute: go to Settings and Privacy, select Your Account, then Account Information, and edit the name field. X does not limit how many times you can change it, and the change appears when ready to other users.

The name you change is the display name — the text that appears above your username (the handle that starts with @). Your username itself cannot be changed without creating a new account, but your display name can be anything you want and can be changed back anytime.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name is separate from your username; you can change the name but not the @ handle without starting over.
  • The name change happens in Settings and Privacy under Your Account, in the Account Information section.
  • There is no limit to how many times you can change your name, and the change takes effect when ready.
  • X does not require you to verify your identity or wait a cooling-off period between name changes.
  • Your posts, followers, and account history remain unchanged when you update your display name.

Step-by-step instructions for desktop

Open X in your browser and sign in to your account. Click the three-dot menu icon in the left sidebar (or the More option if you are on a smaller screen), then select Settings and Privacy.

In the Settings menu, click Your Account on the left side. Then click Account Information. You will see your current display name in a field at the top of the page. Click on the name field, delete the current text, type your new name, and click Save.

The change appears on your profile and in other users' feeds when ready. You can return to this same location anytime to change it again.

Step-by-step instructions for mobile app

Open the X app and tap the three-line menu icon (hamburger menu) in the top left corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, then tap Your Account.

Tap Account Information. You will see your display name at the top. Tap the name field, clear the current text, enter your new name, and tap Save. The change takes effect when ready on your profile and in your timeline.

What you can and cannot change

Your display name — the readable name on your profile — can be changed to anything you want, including spaces, numbers, and special characters. There is no character limit beyond what fits in the field, and X does not restrict how often you change it.

Your username (the @ handle) cannot be changed without creating a new account. If you want a different username, you must start a new X account. However, you can change your display name as many times as you want while keeping the same username and account.

Your bio, profile picture, and header image are separate from your name and can be edited in the same Account Information section if you want to update those too.

Why you might want to change your name

People change their X display name for many reasons: to reflect a new job or role, to use a nickname instead of a legal name, to rebrand a business account, or straightforward because they want a fresh look. Since there is no penalty and no waiting period, you can experiment with different names without consequence.

Some users change their name temporarily to promote an event or campaign, then change it back. Others use it to indicate they are away or unavailable. X treats each change the same way — it happens when ready and does not affect your account in any other way.

What stays the same after a name change

Your username (@ handle), follower count, following list, and all your posts remain exactly as they were. People who follow you will see your new name on their timeline, but the change does not unfollow anyone or remove you from lists.

Direct messages, bookmarks, likes, and retweets all stay attached to your account. If someone has linked to your profile or mentioned your username, those links and mentions still point to you — they use your @ handle, not your display name, so they are not affected by the change.

Troubleshooting name change issues

If the Save button does not appear or is grayed out after you edit your name, try refreshing the page or closing and reopening the Settings menu. If you are on the mobile app, make sure you have the latest version installed.

If you see an error message saying the name contains prohibited content, X may have flagged a word or phrase in your new name. Try removing or rewording the part that triggered the flag. X's content rules for display names are not always transparent, so if you are unsure what caused the block, try a simpler version of the name you want.

If your name change does not appear after several minutes, try logging out and logging back in. In rare cases, the change may take a few minutes to sync across X's servers, but this is uncommon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username instead of my display name?

No. Your username (@ handle) is permanent on your current account. If you want a different username, you must create a new X account. However, you can change your display name as many times as you want while keeping the same username.

How many times can I change my name?

X does not limit how many times you can change your display name. You can change it back and forth as often as you want, and there is no waiting period between changes.

Will changing my name affect my followers or posts?

No. Your follower count, following list, and all your posts stay the same. Your followers will see your new name on their timeline, but they will not be unfollowed or lose access to your account.

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

Yes. X allows spaces, numbers, special characters, and emojis in your display name. There is no restriction on what characters you can use, though X may block names that violate its content policy.

What if I forget what my old name was?

You can see your account history by checking your profile or looking at old posts and screenshots, but X does not provide a log of past display names. If you want to remember what you changed it from, take a screenshot before you change it.