How to change your display name and username on X

You can change your display name (the name that appears on your profile) and your username (the @handle people use to mention you) separately on X. The display name takes effect immediately, but the username change has a waiting period if you have changed it recently. Both changes happen in your account settings, and you do not need to create a new account.

X allows you to change your display name as often as you want with no restrictions. Your username can be changed once every 30 days. If you changed your username within the last month, you will see a countdown timer telling you when you can change it again.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name (the readable name on your profile) can be changed instantly and as many times as you want from account settings.
  • Your username (the @handle) can only be changed once per 30 days, and X will show you a timer if you recently changed it.
  • Both changes are made in the same settings menu under "Account information" on web or under "Username" on the mobile app.
  • Your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim after you change it, so choose carefully if you have built a following.
  • Changing your name does not affect your followers, direct messages, or the content you have posted.

Changing your display name on the web

Open X in your web browser and click the three-dot menu icon in the bottom left corner of the screen (or top left if you are on a mobile browser). Select "Settings and privacy" from the menu that appears.

Click "Account" in the left sidebar, then click "Account information." You will see a field labeled "Name" with your current display name in it. Click on that field, delete the old name, and type your new display name. X allows up to 50 characters. Click outside the field or press Enter to save the change — it takes effect immediately.

Changing your username on the web

Follow the same path: three-dot menu, "Settings and privacy," then "Account" in the left sidebar. Click "Account information" and scroll down until you see the "Username" field. Your current username appears with an @ symbol in front of it.

Click on the username field. If you changed your username in the last 30 days, X will show you a message saying "You'll be able to change your username in X days." If the 30 days have passed, you can click "Change" and type your new username. Usernames can be 4 to 15 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores only — no spaces or special characters. Click "Save" to confirm the change.

Changing your name on the mobile app

Open the X app and tap your profile picture in the top left corner. Tap "Settings and privacy," then tap "Settings." Scroll down and tap "Account," then tap "Username" to change your @handle or "Name" to change your display name.

For your display name, tap the field, clear the old text, type your new name (up to 50 characters), and tap "Save." For your username, tap the field, type your new username (4 to 15 characters, letters and numbers only), and tap "Save." If you have changed your username recently, the app will show you how many days remain before you can change it again.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old @handle becomes available for anyone else on X to claim immediately. This means someone could register your old username and use it for their own account. If you have built a following or your old username is tied to your professional identity, think carefully before changing it.

Your followers do not automatically follow your new username — they stay following you because they are following your account, not the handle itself. Your direct messages, posts, and profile information all stay with your account. People who tagged you in posts using your old username will see that tag as a broken link, but the post itself remains.

Fixing a username that is already taken

If the username you want is already in use, X will not let you claim it. You have two options: choose a different username, or wait to see if the account holding that username becomes inactive. X does not currently release inactive usernames to new users, so a taken username will remain taken unless the current owner changes it or deletes their account.

You can add numbers, underscores, or slight variations to create a similar username. For example, if "jane_smith" is taken, you might try "jane_smith1" or "janesmith_" instead. Some people also use abbreviations or add their location or profession to make their username unique.

Troubleshooting name change problems

If you see an error message when trying to change your name, the most common cause is that you are trying to change your username before 30 days have passed since your last change. Check the message X displays — it will tell you exactly how many days you must wait. Display name changes should work immediately, so if that is not working, try logging out and logging back in.

If you are on the mobile app and the name change is not saving, make sure you tapped "Save" after typing the new name. Sometimes the app requires you to confirm the change a second time. If the problem continues, try making the change on the web version instead, which is often more reliable for account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your old username becomes available after you change it, so you can change back to it anytime after 30 days have passed since your most recent change. However, if someone else claimed your old username in the meantime, you cannot use it again unless that person changes their username.

Will my followers see my old name if they visit my profile?

No. Your profile always displays your current name and username. Your followers will see the new name the next time they visit your profile or see your posts in their feed. Old posts you made will show your new name when people view them.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my username?

No. X usernames can only contain letters (A-Z, a-z), numbers (0-9), and underscores (_). Spaces, periods, hyphens, and other special characters are not allowed in usernames, though you can use them in your display name.

What if I want to change my name but keep my username the same?

You can change your display name without touching your username. Go to Account information, change only the "Name" field, and leave the "Username" field alone. Your @handle stays exactly the same.

Does changing my name affect my verification badge?

No. If your account is verified (has a blue checkmark), the verification stays with your account regardless of name or username changes. The verification is tied to your account, not to the specific name you display.