You can change your display name and username separately, and they work differently
Your display name is what other users see on your profile — it can include spaces, special characters, and you can change it as often as you want with no restrictions. Your username is the handle that comes after the @ symbol (like @yourname) — it's what people use to search for you and tag you in videos, and TikTok limits how often you can change it.
Most people want to change their display name, which takes 30 seconds. Changing your username is also straightforward but comes with a cooldown period that prevents you from switching it constantly. Both changes happen in the same settings menu.
Key Takeaways
- Your display name can be changed anytime and can include spaces and emoji, but your username has a cooldown period between changes.
- To change either one, go to your profile, tap the three-line menu, select "Settings and privacy," then "Account," then "Name" or "Username."
- When you change your username, your old handle becomes available for someone else to claim after a short delay.
- Changing your display name does not affect your account security or who can find you, but changing your username may break links people saved to your old profile.
How to change your display name in three steps
Open TikTok and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the top right. Scroll down and tap "Settings and privacy."
Tap "Account," then tap "Name." Delete your current name and type the new one. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, emoji, and most special characters. Tap "Save" when you're done. The change takes effect immediately.
Your display name is purely cosmetic — it doesn't change how people find you or tag you. You can change it back anytime without waiting.
How to change your username and what the cooldown means
Follow the same path: Profile > Menu > Settings and privacy > Account. This time, tap "Username" instead of "Name." Type your new username. Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, underscores, and periods — no spaces or emoji.
When you tap "Save," TikTok will tell you if the username is taken. If it's available, the change goes live immediately. However, TikTok enforces a cooldown period between username changes — you cannot change it again for 30 days. If you change your username and immediately regret it, you have a brief window (usually a few hours) to change it back without triggering the cooldown, but after that you're locked in for a month.
When you change your username, your old one becomes available for someone else to claim after a delay. Any links to your old profile (like links you shared on Instagram or in your TikTok bio) will stop working, though the account itself remains accessible if someone knows your display name.
Why your old username matters to other people
If you've been on TikTok for a while, other users may have saved links to your profile using your old username. When you change it, those links break. People who try to visit your old username will see a "user not found" message, at least until someone else claims that handle.
If you're worried about this, update your bio with a link to your new username before you change it, or post a video letting your followers know you're switching handles. You can also add a link to your new profile in your bio using TikTok's link feature.
What happens if your username is already taken
If the username you want is already in use, TikTok will show you a message saying it's unavailable. You cannot reserve a username or request that someone else release it. Your only options are to choose a different username or wait to see if the person using it ever abandons their account (which can take years, if it happens at all).
Some people add numbers, underscores, or periods to make a username available — for example, if "jane_smith" is taken, you might try "jane_smith1" or "jane.smith." These variations are technically different usernames, so they're fair game.
Changing your name on other devices
You can change your display name or username from the TikTok app on any phone or tablet. The steps are identical on iPhone and Android. If you use TikTok on a computer through the web browser, you can also change your name: click your profile icon in the top right, click "Settings and privacy," click "Account," then click "Name" or "Username."
Changes sync across all devices within a few minutes. If you change your name on your phone, it will show the new name when you log in on your computer or tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username back to one I used before?
Not immediately. Once you change away from a username, it becomes available for others to claim. If no one has taken it yet, you can reclaim it, but there's no may provide. After 30 days, you can change your username again, so you could try to switch back then if it's still unclaimed.
Will changing my username affect my followers or videos?
No. Your followers stay with you, and all your videos remain on your account. The only thing that breaks is direct links to your old profile using the old username. Your account itself doesn't change — just the handle people use to find you.
What if I see a message saying I've changed my username too many times?
TikTok limits username changes to once every 30 days. If you've hit that limit, you'll need to wait until 30 days have passed since your last change. The 30-day timer resets each time you change your username, so plan your changes carefully.
Can I use special characters or emoji in my username?
No. Usernames can only contain letters (a-z, A-Z), numbers (0-9), underscores (_), and periods (.). Display names are more flexible and allow spaces, emoji, and most special characters, but usernames are limited to keep them easy to type and search for.
Do I need to tell TikTok why I'm changing my name?
No. You don't need to provide a reason or notify TikTok. Simply go to your settings and make the change. TikTok doesn't review name changes or require any explanation.