Change Your Display Name and Username on X

X lets you change two separate 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 restrictions—you can only change it once every 30 days, and X may hold your old username for a short time before releasing it.

Both changes happen in your account settings and take effect when ready. Your old display name disappears right away, but people who followed you before the change will still see your new name when they visit your profile.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name can change unlimited times, but your username (@handle) can only change once per 30 days.
  • Both changes are made in Settings and Privacy under Account, then Your Account, then Username or Display Name.
  • When you change your username, X may reserve your old one for a few minutes to a few hours before another user can claim it.
  • Changing your name does not affect your followers, messages, or posts—they stay attached to your account.
  • If your desired username is taken, you will need to choose a different one; X does not have a waitlist for usernames.

How to Change Your Display Name

Open X on your phone or computer 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. Tap or click Account, then Your Account, then Display Name.

Delete your current name and type the new one. X allows up to 50 characters, including spaces and special characters. When you are done, tap or click Save. The change appears on your profile and in your posts when ready.

How to Change Your Username

Follow the same path: Settings and Privacy > Account > Your Account > Username. Delete the @ symbol and your current username, then type your new one. Usernames can be 4 to 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores—no spaces or special characters except the underscore.

X will tell you when ready if the username is already taken. If it is, try a variation: add a number, use an underscore, or shorten it. Once you find one that is available, tap or click Save. The change takes effect right away, but remember you cannot change it again for 30 days.

What Happens to Your Old Username

When you change your username, X temporarily reserves your old one so that no one else can claim it when ready. This window lasts anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. After that period, another user can register it.

If you want to keep your old username, do not change it. Once someone else takes it, you cannot get it back unless that person gives it up. There is no way to request a username from another user or to put your name on a waitlist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not forget the 30-day waiting period on usernames. If you change your @handle and then when ready realize you made a typo, you will have to wait a month before you can change it again. Type carefully and double-check before you save.

Do not assume your old username will stay reserved forever. If you change your mind within a few hours, you might still be able to change back, but if you wait a day or two, someone else may have claimed it. If you are unsure about a change, test it first by writing down what you want to change to, then make the switch only when you are certain.

Do not use special characters in your username except underscores. X will reject spaces, hyphens, periods, and other symbols in the @handle, even though they work in your display name.

If Your Desired Username Is Taken

X does not have a system to request a username from another user or to reserve one for later. If the username you want is taken, your only options are to choose a different one or wait to see if that user abandons their account (which can take years).

Try variations: add your birth year, use an underscore in the middle, add a number at the end, or shorten the name. Many people use formats like firstname_lastname or name2024 when their first choice is gone. Pick something you can live with for at least 30 days, since changing again will require another month-long wait.

What Does Not Change When You Update Your Name

Your followers stay the same. People who followed you before the name change will still follow you after. Your direct messages, posts, and likes all remain attached to your account. Your profile URL changes if you change your username (it becomes x.com/yournewusername), but old links to your profile will redirect to your new username automatically.

Your verification badge, if you have one, stays with your account. Changing your name does not affect your account history or any of your settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you changed your display name, you can change it back anytime. If you changed your username and want to go back, you must wait 30 days, and even then, your old username might be taken by someone else. If it is taken, you cannot reclaim it.

How long does it take for a name change to show up?

Display name changes appear when ready. Username changes also take effect right away, though it may take a few minutes for the change to show across all of X's servers. If you do not see it after five minutes, refresh your browser or restart the app.

Will my followers see my old name in their notifications?

No. Once you change your name, your followers will see your new name everywhere—in notifications, on your profile, and on your posts. Old posts you made will show your new name, not the name you had when you posted them.

Can I use special characters or emojis in my username?

No. Your username (@handle) can only contain letters (a–z, A–Z), numbers (0–9), and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and emojis are not allowed in usernames. Your display name, however, can include any characters and emojis you want.

What if I see an error message when I try to save my new name?

Common reasons include: the username is already taken, you are trying to change your username again within 30 days of your last change, or the name contains forbidden characters. Check that your username has no spaces or special characters except underscores, and verify the name is not already in use. If the error persists, try logging out and back in.