Where to find the display name setting on X
Your display name on X (formerly Twitter) is the name that appears next to your profile picture and above your posts. It is separate from your username — the @handle that comes after the @ symbol. To change it, log into X on a web browser or open the X app on your phone, then tap or click your profile picture in the top left corner and select "Settings and privacy".
From there, go to "Account" and then "Account information". You will see a field labeled "Name" — this is your display name. Click or tap into that field, delete the current text, type your new name (up to 50 characters), and click "Save". The change takes effect when ready across all your posts and profile.
Key Takeaways
- Your display name is what appears next to your profile picture; your username (@handle) is different and cannot be changed as easily.
- You can change your display name from Settings and privacy > Account > Account information on any device where you are logged in.
- Display name changes are public and visible to everyone who views your profile or sees your posts.
- X does not limit how often you can change your display name, but changing it very frequently may confuse people who follow you.
What happens when you change your display name
When you update your display name, the change appears when ready on your profile and on all your past posts. Anyone viewing your account will see the new name right away. Your followers do not receive a notification that you changed your name, but if they visit your profile or see your posts in their feed, they will see the new name.
Your username (@handle) stays the same, so people can still find you by searching for your @handle or by clicking links to your profile. Changing your display name does not affect your follower count, your direct messages, or any of your posts — only the name displayed next to them changes.
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 correct a misspelling, to use a nickname instead of a legal name, or to rebrand their account's purpose. Some people change their display name seasonally or for events. Unlike your username, which is tied to your account identity and harder to change, your display name is meant to be flexible.
If you use X for professional purposes, you might want your display name to match your real name or your business name so people recognize you. If you use it for personal or hobby accounts, you can use any name you choose, as long as it does not violate X's rules against impersonation or hateful content.
Display name rules and what X will not allow
X does not allow display names that impersonate real people, public figures, or organizations in a way designed to deceive. For example, you cannot use "Elon Musk" as your display name if your account is not actually Elon Musk's account, and you cannot use the exact name of a major company if you do not represent that company. X's automated systems and human reviewers monitor for this.
You also cannot use display names that include hateful slurs, threats, or content that violates X's terms of service. If you choose a name that breaks these rules, X may ask you to change it or may suspend your account. Beyond those restrictions, you have freedom to use almost any name — including names that do not match your legal identity, names in languages other than English, or names with numbers and symbols.
Keeping your display name consistent across platforms
If you use the same account name or display name across multiple social media platforms, changing it on X only affects X. You will need to change it separately on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, or any other platform where you have an account. Many people keep the same display name across platforms so their audience can recognize them, but that is a choice, not a requirement.
If you are changing your display name because you are rebranding or moving away from a topic, consider updating your bio and profile picture at the same time. This makes the change clearer to people who follow you and helps them understand what your account is about now.
What to do if you cannot change your display name
If the "Save" button does not work or you get an error message, first check that your new name does not violate X's rules — it should not impersonate anyone or include hateful content. If your name follows the rules, try logging out and logging back in, or try changing it on a different device (web browser instead of app, or vice versa).
If the problem continues, your account may have a restriction or suspension in place. Check your Settings and privacy > Account > Account status to see if X has flagged your account for any reason. If you see a message there, follow the steps X provides. If you do not see a message and the problem persists, you can contact X Support through the "Help Center" in Settings, though response times vary.
Display name versus username: which one matters for privacy
Your display name is public and visible to everyone, so it does not protect your privacy. Your username (@handle) is also public. If you want to keep your real name private on X, use a display name that does not reveal your identity — a nickname, a pseudonym, or an account name related to your interests rather than your legal name.
Keep in mind that even if your display name and username do not include your real name, people may still be able to identify you through your profile picture, your bio, your posts, or by linking your account to other information about you online. If privacy is a concern, review your entire profile to make sure you are comfortable with what you are sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username (@handle) the same way I change my display name?
No. Your username is harder to change and is tied to your account identity. You can change it, but only once every 30 days, and you must go to Settings and privacy > Account > Account information > Username. Your display name can be changed as often as you want.
Will my followers be notified if I change my display name?
No. X does not send a notification when you change your display name. Your followers will see the new name the next time they visit your profile or see your posts in their feed, but they will not receive an alert about the change.
What if someone else is using a display name I want?
Multiple people can have the same display name on X — display names are not unique. Only usernames (@handles) are unique. If you want a specific display name and someone else has it, you can still use the same name because X allows duplicates.
Does changing my display name affect my verification badge?
No. If your account has a verification badge (the blue checkmark), it stays with your account regardless of what display name you use. The badge is tied to your account identity, not to your display name.
Can I use special characters or emojis in my display name?
Yes. X allows numbers, symbols, and emojis in display names. You can type them directly into the name field. Keep in mind that very long names with many special characters may look cluttered on mobile devices.