Change your display name in settings, not your username

Twitter has two separate names: your display name (what appears above your posts) and your username (the @handle people use to mention you). Most people want to change their display name, which takes 30 seconds. Your username is harder to change and has restrictions, so we'll cover both.

The display name is what shows in large text on your profile and next to every post you write. You can change it as often as you want, to anything you want, with no waiting period. The username is the @address — like @MarcusChen — and Twitter limits how often you can change it and what characters you can use.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name (the readable name on your profile) can be changed when ready from Settings and Privacy, and you can change it back whenever you want.
  • Your username (the @handle) can only be changed once every 30 days and must be between 4 and 15 characters with no spaces or special characters except underscores.
  • Changing your display name does not affect your followers, your posts, or your account history — only what people see above your tweets.
  • If your desired username is taken, you will need to choose a different one; Twitter does not hold usernames for inactive accounts.

How to change your display name on the web

Open Twitter in a web browser and sign in to your account. In the top left, click your profile picture, then select Settings and privacy from the menu that appears.

Click Account in the left sidebar. Under "Account information," you will see your display name at the top. Click the Edit button next to it. A text box will open showing your current name. Delete the old name and type the new one. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and some symbols — Twitter will tell you if you use a character it does not accept. When you are done, click Save. The change takes effect when ready.

How to change your display name on the mobile app

Open the Twitter app and tap your profile picture in the top left corner. Tap Settings and privacy, then Account. Tap your display name at the top of the screen. A text box will open. Delete the old name, type the new one, and tap Save. The change appears right away across all your posts.

The mobile process is identical to the web version — you are editing the same display name field in the same account settings. Whether you use the app or the web browser, the change syncs when ready to both.

How to change your username (@handle)

Changing your username is more restricted. You can only change it once every 30 days, and it must be between 4 and 15 characters long. You cannot use spaces, and the only special character allowed is an underscore. Before you change it, know that old links to your profile will stop working, though people who follow you will still see your posts.

Go to Settings and privacy > Account on the web, or tap Settings and privacy > Account on the app. Scroll down to "Username" and click or tap Edit. Type the new username you want. Twitter will tell you when ready if it is already taken or if it breaks the rules. If it is available, click or tap Save. You will not be able to change it again for 30 days.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, Twitter releases your old one back into the pool. Another person can claim it after a short delay, usually within hours. If you think you might want that username back later, do not change it — change your display name instead. Your display name change does not affect your username at all.

If someone takes your old username before you realize you want it back, you cannot reclaim it. Twitter does not reserve usernames for former owners. This is why many people keep the same username for years and only change their display name when they want a fresh look.

Why your followers stay when you change your name

Changing your display name or username does not unfollow anyone or cause anyone to unfollow you. Your follower count stays the same. People who have you bookmarked or saved will still find you. The only thing that breaks is direct links to your old username — if someone bookmarked your profile page using your old @handle, that link will not work anymore.

Your posts, likes, retweets, and entire account history stay exactly as they are. The change is purely cosmetic. This is why display name changes are so safe — you can experiment with different names and change back whenever you want.

Troubleshooting name change problems

If you see an error when you try to save a new display name, the most common reason is that you used a character Twitter does not accept. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and basic punctuation. If the error persists, try signing out and signing back in, then try again.

If you want to change your username but get a message saying you have to wait, you changed it less than 30 days ago. Twitter enforces this limit strictly — you cannot change it again until the full 30 days have passed. If you want a different username right now, your only option is to change your display name instead and wait out the 30-day window.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you are changing your display name. You can change it back when ready. If you are changing your username, you can change it back only after 30 days have passed, and only if no one else has claimed your old username in the meantime. If someone else took it, you cannot get it back.

Will people still be able to find me if I change my username?

People who follow you will still see all your posts and can still find you through your follower list or by searching your display name. Direct links to your profile using your old @handle will break, but searches and follower connections work fine.

What characters can I use in my username?

Usernames can only contain letters (a–z, A–Z), numbers (0–9), and underscores. No spaces, hyphens, periods, or other symbols are allowed. Your username must be between 4 and 15 characters long.

Does changing my name affect my verified badge?

No. If your account has a verified badge, it stays with your account no matter what name you use. The badge is tied to your account, not to your name.

Can I have the same display name as someone else?

Yes. Display names do not have to be unique — many people can have the same display name. Only usernames (@handles) must be unique. This is why display names are so flexible.