Change Your Display Name in Three Steps

Your Twitter display name — the one that appears above your posts and in search results — can be changed anytime from your account settings. You do not need to create a new account or wait for approval. The change takes effect when ready across the platform.

Open Twitter on your phone or computer and tap or click your profile picture in the top left corner. Select Settings and privacy, then Account. Find the field labeled Name and type your new display name. Twitter allows up to 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation. When you are finished, click or tap Save. Your new name appears on your profile and in your posts right away.

You can change your display name as often as you want. There is no limit to how many times you can update it, and no waiting period between changes. Your followers will see the new name the next time they refresh their feed or visit your profile.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name is separate from your username (the @handle) and can be changed anytime without affecting your account.
  • Display name changes take effect when ready and are visible to everyone on the platform.
  • You can use up to 50 characters for your display name, including letters, numbers, spaces, and emoji.
  • Your username (@handle) requires a different process and has restrictions on how often you can change it.
  • Changing your display name does not affect your followers, messages, or any of your posts.

Understanding Display Name vs. Username

Twitter has two separate names attached to your account, and they work differently. Your display name is what people see when they look at your profile or read your tweets — it can be anything you want and can include spaces, emoji, and special characters. Your username (also called your handle) is the @name that comes after the @ symbol, like @JohnSmith. Usernames cannot have spaces and are used for mentions and direct messages.

Changing your display name does not change your username. If you want to change your @handle instead, that is a separate process with different rules. You can change your username once every 30 days, and it must be between 4 and 15 characters long with no spaces or special characters except underscores.

Where to Find the Name Setting on Different Devices

The steps are slightly different depending on whether you are using Twitter on a phone, tablet, or computer, but the setting is always in the same place: your account settings.

On iPhone or iPad: Tap your profile picture in the top left corner. Tap Settings and privacy, then Account. Scroll to the Name field and type your new name. Tap Save when you are done.

On Android: Tap your profile picture in the top left. Tap Settings and privacy, then Account. Find Name and enter your new display name. Tap Save.

On a computer or web browser: Click your profile picture in the top left corner. Click Settings and privacy, then Account. Click in the Name field, clear the old name, and type the new one. Click Save.

What Happens When You Change Your Display Name

When you change your display name, the change is public and when ready. Everyone following you will see the new name the next time they visit your profile or refresh their timeline. Your old tweets keep your new name attached to them — Twitter does not show that you changed your name or when the change happened.

Your followers do not receive a notification that you changed your name. Some people may not notice the change for days or weeks. If you want to tell people about a name change, you can post a tweet explaining it.

Changing your display name does not affect your direct messages, your follower count, your likes, your retweets, or any other part of your account. People who have you blocked or muted will still have you blocked or muted. Your verification badge (if you have one) stays attached to your account.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is confusing your display name with your username. If you change your display name and then realize you wanted to change your @handle instead, you will need to go back to settings and use the username field. Remember that usernames have stricter rules — no spaces, no emoji, and you can only change it once every 30 days.

Another mistake is forgetting to click or tap Save after typing your new name. If you type a new name and then navigate away from the settings page without saving, your old name will still be active. Always wait for a confirmation message or see the save button change appearance before you leave the page.

Some people worry that changing their display name will cause them to lose followers or that their old posts will disappear. This does not happen. Your account remains the same; only the name displayed changes.

If You Want to Change Your Username Instead

Your username (the @handle) is harder to change than your display name. You can change your username once every 30 days, and it must follow specific rules: between 4 and 15 characters, letters and numbers only (plus underscores), and no spaces.

To change your username, go to Settings and privacy > Account and look for the field labeled Username (not Name). Type your new username and click Save. If the username is already taken, Twitter will tell you and you will need to choose a different one.

When you change your username, your old @handle becomes available for someone else to claim after a short waiting period. Any links to your old profile will not work anymore. If you have shared your old @handle in other places online, you should update those links to your new username.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can change your display name as many times as you want with no waiting period. Go back to Settings and privacy > Account > Name and type your old name. There is no limit to how many times you can do this.

Will my followers see that I changed my name?

Twitter does not send a notification to your followers when you change your display name. They will see the new name when they visit your profile or see your tweets, but they will not receive an alert about the change. If you want them to know, you can post a tweet about it.

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

Yes. Your display name can include emoji, accented letters, and most special characters. You have 50 characters total to work with. Your username (@handle), however, can only use letters, numbers, and underscores.

What if I cannot find the Name field in my settings?

Make sure you are in the Account section of settings, not another section like Privacy or Notifications. If you are using an older version of the Twitter app, try updating it from your device's app store. On a computer, try clearing your browser cache and logging in again.

Can I change my name if my account is suspended or locked?

No. You will not be able to access your account settings if your account is suspended or locked. You will need to resolve the issue with Twitter support first by following the instructions they provide when you try to log in.