To change your name on Twitter (now referred to as X), update your profile’s Display Name in settings, which is separate from your unique username and is visible to followers and other users. This guide explains how this change affects your profile, provides step-by-step instructions for the web and mobile apps, notes character limits and restrictions, and outlines timing and visibility so you can make the update smoothly and avoid common errors.
Display Name vs Username: Understanding the Difference
Your Display Name is the public label that appears above your username on profiles, in timelines, search results, and notifications. It is meant for readability and can be changed frequently. Your Username (the handle starting with “@”) is a unique, permanent identifier used to find and tag you. Changing your Display Name updates what others see at a glance, while your username remains the same unless you specifically change it through a separate process that often requires higher privileges or verification.
Step-by-Step: Change Your Display Name on X
Follow these steps on the X website or app to update your Display Name. The interface may vary slightly depending on platform updates, but the core path remains consistent.
On the X Website (desktop)
- Log in to X via a web browser and open Settings and Support (or More).
- Select Settings and privacy, then click on Your X profile.
- Edit Profile, locate the Name field, update the text, then confirm the changes by tapping or clicking Save.
On the X iOS or Android App
- Open the app, go to your Profile, and tap the three dots (more) or Edit Profile.
- Update the Name field with your new display name and tap Save.