You can change your display name on Twitter in under a minute from your phone or computer
Your Twitter display name — the one that appears above your posts and in search results — is separate from your username (the @handle). You can change your display name as often as you want, and Twitter does not limit how many times you do it. The process is the same whether you use the web version or the mobile app.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you are on a phone or computer, but both routes take you to the same settings page. You do not need to verify your email or phone number to make this change, and it takes effect immediately across all devices where you are logged in.
Key Takeaways
- Your display name is what appears above your tweets; your @username is different and cannot be changed as easily.
- You can change your display name from Settings and Privacy on any device, and the change shows up right away.
- Twitter allows you to change your display name as many times as you want with no waiting period between changes.
- If you want to change your @username instead, you need a paid Twitter Blue subscription, and you can only change it once every 30 days.
- Your display name can be up to 50 characters and can include spaces, capital letters, emojis, and most special characters.
How to change your display name on the Twitter website
Open Twitter in your web browser and log in to your account. Click the three-dot menu icon in the top left corner of the screen (or look for your profile picture in the top right if you are using the newer layout). Select Settings and Privacy from the dropdown menu that appears.
Click Account in the left sidebar. Under the Account Information section, you will see a field labeled Name. Click on that field and type your new display name. Twitter allows up to 50 characters, and this count includes spaces and special characters. When you are done typing, click outside the field or press Enter, and the change saves automatically without any confirmation step.
How to change your display name on the Twitter mobile app
Open the Twitter app and tap the three-line menu icon (called a hamburger menu) in the top left corner of the screen. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy. Tap Account
Tap Account Information, then tap the Name field to select it. Delete your current name and type your new one. The app saves the change as soon as you tap away from the field or press the keyboard's done button. You will see your new name appear on your profile and above your tweets within seconds on your device and on other people's screens.
The difference between display name and username
Your display name is what people see when they look at your profile or read your tweets — it can contain spaces, capital letters, and special characters. Your username (your @handle) is what people use to mention you in tweets and is always lowercase with no spaces. For example, your display name might be "James Rodriguez" but your username would be @jamesrodriguez.
Changing your display name does not affect your username or how people mention you. If you want to change your @username, the process is different and requires a Twitter Blue subscription. You can only change your username once every 30 days, and it must be between 4 and 15 characters long with no spaces or special characters allowed.
What happens to your old display name
When you change your display name, your old name disappears immediately from your profile and all your tweets. People who were following you will see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see your posts in their feed. The change is visible to everyone within seconds.
Your old display name does not become available for other people to use, and there is no public history of your past display names visible to followers or the general public. However, Twitter keeps a record of your account changes on their end for security and moderation purposes, though this record is not visible to you or other users.
Why you might want to change your display name
People change their display names for many reasons: to reflect a new job or life change, to match a rebrand or business pivot, to use a nickname instead of their full name, or simply because they want a fresh start. Some accounts change their display name seasonally, for holidays, or to promote a specific event or campaign.
Unlike your username, your display name has no impact on how people find you through search or mention you in tweets. Changing it does not affect your follower count, your tweets, your direct messages, or any of your other account settings. Your verification badge, if you have one, stays with your account regardless of display name changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my display name back to what it was before?
Yes. You can change your display name to anything at any time, including a name you used in the past. Twitter does not prevent you from reusing old display names or changing your name multiple times in a row with no waiting period between changes.
Will changing my display name affect my followers or my tweets?
No. Your followers stay the same, all your tweets remain on your account, and your follower count does not change. The only thing that changes is what name appears above your posts and on your profile page.
Can I use special characters or emojis in my display name?
Yes. Twitter allows letters, numbers, spaces, and most special characters in your display name, including emojis. The limit is 50 characters total, and that count includes spaces and special characters.
What is the difference between changing my name and changing my username?
Your display name is what people see; your username is your @handle. Display names can be changed anytime for free. Usernames require a Twitter Blue subscription and can only be changed once every 30 days.
Do people get notified when I change my display name?
No. Twitter does not send notifications to your followers when you change your display name. They will simply see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see your tweets in their feed.