Change your nickname in a server or your display name across Discord
Your nickname on Discord is different from your username. Your username is the name you chose when you created your account and stays the same everywhere. Your nickname is what appears in a specific server — you can have a different nickname in each server you join, or no nickname at all. You can also change your display name, which is what people see across all of Discord if you do not set a server nickname.
The steps differ depending on whether you want to change how you appear in one server or everywhere on Discord. Both take less than a minute.
Key Takeaways
- A server nickname shows only in that one server, while a display name shows everywhere unless someone has set a server nickname for you.
- To change your nickname in a server, right-click your own name in the member list or message, select "Edit Server Profile", and type the new nickname.
- To change your display name across all of Discord, open User Settings, go to Profiles, and edit your display name in the main profile section.
- You need permission to change your own nickname in a server — if you cannot see the option, the server owner has disabled it for your role.
- Changing a nickname does not change your username, and other people can still find you by your original username.
How to change your nickname in a single server
Open the server where you want a different nickname. Find your own name in the member list on the right side of the screen, or find one of your messages in the chat. Right-click your name and select "Edit Server Profile" from the menu that appears.
A window will open showing your profile in that server. In the "Server Nickname" field, type the new nickname you want. You can use up to 32 characters. Click "Save" when you are done. Your new nickname will appear immediately in that server only.
If you do not see "Edit Server Profile" when you right-click your name, the server owner has turned off nickname changes for your role or for everyone. You cannot change it in that case.
How to change your display name across all of Discord
Click your profile picture in the bottom left corner of Discord (on desktop) or tap your profile icon at the bottom (on mobile). Select "User Settings" from the menu.
On the left side, click "Profiles". You will see your main profile at the top. Click the pencil icon next to your username, or click directly on the display name field. Type your new display name — you can use up to 32 characters. Click "Save" when you are done.
Your new display name will show across Discord everywhere, unless someone has set a server nickname for you in a particular server. Server nicknames always appear instead of your display name in that server.
The difference between username, display name, and server nickname
Your username is what you created when you signed up. It includes a number at the end (like JamesRodriguez#1234 in older accounts, or just JamesRodriguez in newer ones). This never changes and is how people search for you to add you as a friend. You cannot change your username.
Your display name is optional and shows across all of Discord. If you do not set one, people see your username instead. You can change your display name whenever you want, and it does not affect your username or how people search for you.
A server nickname is what you appear as in one specific server. It overrides your display name in that server only. Other servers still see your display name or username. You can have a different server nickname in each server you join.
What to do if you cannot change your nickname
If you right-click your name and do not see "Edit Server Profile", the server owner has restricted nickname changes. This might apply to your role specifically, or to everyone in the server. You cannot change your nickname in that case.
If you are trying to change your display name and the "Save" button does not work, you may have changed it too recently. Discord limits how often you can change your display name — usually you can change it once every hour. Wait a few minutes and try again.
If you are on mobile and cannot find the edit option, make sure you are using the latest version of the Discord app. Update it from your app store and try again.
How server nicknames appear to other people
When you set a server nickname, only people in that server see it. People in other servers see your display name or username instead. If someone is in multiple servers with you and you have different nicknames in each one, they will see a different name depending on which server they are looking at.
Your username is always visible if someone clicks on your profile, even if you have a server nickname set. This means people can still find and add you by your original username even if they only know you by a nickname.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have the same nickname as someone else in the server?
Yes. Discord allows multiple people to have the same nickname in a server. However, it can be confusing for other members. If you want to stand out, consider using a unique nickname or adding numbers or symbols to make it distinct.
Does changing my nickname affect my friends list?
No. Your friends will still see you in their friends list under your display name or username, not your server nickname. Server nicknames only appear when you are both in the same server and they are looking at the member list or your messages in that server.
Can I remove my server nickname and go back to my display name?
Yes. Right-click your name, select "Edit Server Profile", and delete the text in the "Server Nickname" field. Click "Save". Your display name or username will show again in that server.
What happens if I change my display name — do my server nicknames change too?
No. Your server nicknames stay exactly as you set them. Changing your display name only affects servers where you have not set a specific server nickname. In servers where you have a nickname, that nickname continues to show instead.
Can I use special characters or emojis in my nickname?
You can use most special characters and some emojis in both display names and server nicknames. Discord filters out a small number of characters that cause technical problems. If a character does not work, try a different one.