Change your display name in Spotify settings on any device

Your Spotify display name is what other users see when you share playlists, follow each other, or appear on collaborative playlists. To change it, open Spotify on your phone, tablet, or computer and go to your account settings. The steps differ slightly by device, but the setting lives in the same place: your profile menu.

On a phone or tablet, tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner, then select "Settings and privacy" or "Settings". Scroll down to find "Display name" and tap it. Type your new name — Spotify allows up to 30 characters — then save. On a computer, click your profile icon in the top right, select "Account", then find "Edit profile" and change the display name field there.

The change takes effect immediately across all your devices and is visible to anyone who views your profile or sees you on shared playlists. Your username (the handle you use to log in) stays the same and cannot be changed.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name is separate from your username and can be changed anytime through Settings on phone, tablet, or computer.
  • Display names can be up to 30 characters and appear on your profile and any playlists you share with others.
  • Changes show up immediately across all your devices and to anyone following you or viewing your profile.
  • Your login username cannot be changed, only your display name.
  • If you want to hide your profile from other users entirely, you can make your account private in the same settings menu.

Where to find the display name setting on each device

The display name option is in a slightly different place depending on what you use to listen. On iPhone or Android, open Spotify and tap the profile icon (usually your picture or initials) at the bottom right of the screen. Tap "Settings and privacy" or just "Settings" depending on your app version. Scroll until you see "Display name" and tap it to edit.

On desktop (Windows or Mac), click your profile icon in the top right corner of the Spotify window. A dropdown menu appears — select "Account" or "Profile". This opens your account page in a web browser. Look for an "Edit profile" button or pencil icon next to your name, click it, and change the display name field. Save your changes when done.

On web (spotify.com), log in and click your profile icon in the top right, then select "Account". Click "Edit profile" and update the display name field directly. The process is the same whether you use the web player or the desktop app, since both use the same account page.

What happens to your old name after you change it

When you change your display name, your old name disappears completely. Anyone who was following you will see your new name the next time they check your profile. Old playlists you created still exist under your new name — Spotify does not create a new account or reset your library.

If you shared a playlist under your old name, the playlist itself keeps your new name. The link to the playlist does not change, so anyone with the old link can still access it. Your listening history, saved songs, and followers all stay attached to your account.

Changing your name if you use Spotify Family or a shared account

If you are part of a Spotify Family plan, each family member has their own display name and profile. Change yours through your own account settings — it will not affect anyone else on the plan. Each person's listening history and playlists remain separate.

If you share a single Spotify account with someone else (not through Family), changing the display name changes it for both of you, since you are both using the same account. To have separate profiles, you would need separate Spotify accounts, or one person would need to set up a Spotify Family plan.

Changing your profile picture at the same time

While you are in your profile settings, you can also change your profile picture. On phone, tap your current profile picture in the settings menu and choose a photo from your device or take a new one. On desktop or web, click the profile picture itself in the edit profile section and upload a new image.

Spotify accepts JPG and PNG files up to 4 MB. The image is cropped to a circle, so choose something that looks good when framed that way. Your new picture appears across all your devices within a few seconds.

Making your profile private or public

By default, your Spotify profile is public — anyone can see your display name, profile picture, and public playlists. If you want to limit who can see your activity, you can make your profile private in the same settings menu. On phone, look for "Private profile" in Settings and toggle it on. On desktop or web, find the same option in your account settings.

A private profile means other users cannot see your public playlists, followers, or listening activity. They also cannot follow you. You can still follow others and create collaborative playlists, but your profile will not appear in searches or recommendations.

Troubleshooting if your name change does not save

If you change your display name but it does not stick, first check that you actually tapped the save or confirm button — some versions of Spotify require an extra step. Close Spotify completely and reopen it to see if the change took effect. If it still has not changed, log out of your account and log back in.

If the problem continues, make sure you are not trying to use a name that violates Spotify's community guidelines — names with hate speech, harassment, or explicit content may be rejected silently. Try a different name to test. If nothing works, check that your app is up to date by visiting your device's app store and installing any pending updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Spotify username?

No. Your username is the email address or handle you use to log in, and Spotify does not allow you to change it. You can only change your display name, which is what appears on your profile and playlists. If you need a different login email, you would need to create a new account.

How often can I change my display name?

Spotify does not limit how often you change your display name. You can change it as many times as you want, whenever you want. There is no waiting period between changes.

Will changing my name affect my playlists or saved songs?

No. Your playlists, saved songs, followers, and listening history all stay exactly the same. Only the name that appears on your profile and playlists changes. All your data remains attached to your account.

What if someone else is already using the name I want?

Multiple Spotify users can have the same display name. Spotify does not require display names to be unique, so you can use any name you want even if someone else has it too. Your username (login) must be unique, but your display name does not have to be.

Can I change my display name on the Spotify app for my car or smart speaker?

No. You can only change your display name through the Spotify app on your phone, tablet, computer, or through the web at spotify.com. Car systems and smart speakers do not have settings menus for profile changes. Make the change on one of those devices and it will show up everywhere.