Change Your Display Name in a Few 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 lose your followers. The process takes less than a minute on either a phone or computer.

Open Twitter and tap or click your profile picture in the top left corner (on a phone) or top right (on a computer). Select "Settings and privacy" from the menu. Go to "Account" and then "Account information." Click or tap "Username" to see your current name and enter a new one. Twitter will check if the name is available in real time. Once you confirm the change, it takes effect when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name and your username are two different things — the display name is what people see, and the username is your @handle.
  • You can change your display name as often as you want with no restrictions or waiting periods.
  • Changing your display name does not affect your followers, messages, or any of your posts.
  • If you want to change your username (@handle), you can do that once every 30 days from the same Account settings menu.

Display Name vs. Username — Which One Are You Changing

Twitter uses two separate identifiers, and it matters which one you want to change. Your display name is the text that shows up above your tweets and on your profile card — it can include spaces, capital letters, and special characters. Your username is your @handle, the one that appears in your profile URL and when someone mentions you in a post. Usernames cannot have spaces and are always lowercase.

Most people want to change their display name because it is more visible and flexible. If you want to change your @handle instead, the process is in the same settings menu, but Twitter limits you to one change every 30 days. If your desired username is taken, you will see that message and cannot proceed until you choose a different one.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Desktop

On a computer, start by clicking your profile picture in the top right corner of the Twitter home page. A dropdown menu will appear with several options. Click "Settings and privacy" near the bottom of that menu.

Once you are in Settings, look for "Account" in the left sidebar and click it. You will see a section labeled "Account information" — click that. Now you will see your current display name at the top. Click on it to open an edit box. Delete the old name and type in your new one. As you type, Twitter checks availability in real time. When you are happy with the new name, click "Save" to confirm the change.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Mobile

On an iPhone or Android phone, tap your profile picture in the top left corner of your home feed. A menu will slide up from the bottom. Tap "Settings and privacy" in that menu.

Tap "Account" and then "Account information." You will see your display name listed there. Tap on it to open the edit field. Clear the current name and type your new one. Twitter will show you whether it is available as you type. Once you are satisfied, tap "Save" to explore the change. You will return to your account settings, and the new name will be live on your profile when ready.

What Happens When You Change Your Name

Your followers will see the new name the next time they refresh their feed or visit your profile. All your old tweets remain under your new name — nothing is deleted or hidden. People who have you in their direct messages will see the name change reflected there as well. Your follower count, verification status (if you have one), and all your account history stay exactly the same.

If you change your name back and forth frequently, people may get confused about who you are, but Twitter itself places no limit on how often you can do it. Some users change their display name seasonally or for events. There is no penalty for doing so.

Changing Your Username (@Handle) Instead

If you want to change your @username rather than your display name, go to the same "Account information" section. Look for "Username" in the list and click or tap it. You will see your current @handle. Click to edit it and type a new one. Twitter will tell you when ready if the username is taken. If it is available, you can save the change, but you will not be able to change it again for 30 days.

When you change your username, your old @handle becomes available for anyone else to claim. If you think you might want it back later, you cannot reserve it. Your profile URL will change to the new username, so any links people saved to your old profile URL will no longer work.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is confusing your display name with your username. You can change your display name as many times as you want, but you are limited to one username change per 30 days. If you type a username that is already taken, Twitter will not let you save it — you will see an error message and have to choose a different one.

Another mistake is assuming your old username will stay reserved for you. Once you change your @handle, anyone can claim the old one. If you change your mind within a few minutes, you might be able to change back, but if someone else grabs it first, it is gone. Do not change your username on impulse if you think you might want it back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my followers see that I changed my name?

Your followers will see the new name when they next refresh their feed or visit your profile. Twitter does not send a notification about name changes, so some followers may not notice right away. Your old tweets will show your new name, not the old one.

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

Yes, you can change your display name back anytime. If you changed your username (@handle) and want the old one back, you will have to wait 30 days before you can change again, and someone else may have claimed it in the meantime.

What if the name I want is already taken?

If your desired display name is taken, you can still use it — display names do not have to be unique. If your desired username (@handle) is taken, Twitter will show you an error and you will have to choose a different one. Usernames must be unique.

Does changing my name affect my verification badge?

No. If you have a verification badge, it stays with your account regardless of what name you use. Changing your display name or username does not remove or affect your verification status.

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

Yes. Your display name can include spaces, capital letters, numbers, and emojis. Your username (@handle) cannot — it can only use letters, numbers, and underscores, and it must be lowercase.