How to change your display name on TikTok

Your TikTok display name — the one other users see on your profile — can be changed in your account settings at any time, and the change takes effect when ready. You do not need to create a new account or lose your followers. Go to your profile, tap the three lines in the bottom right, select "Settings and privacy," then "Account," then "Username." Type your new name and tap "Save."

TikTok usernames must be between 2 and 24 characters, can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but cannot include spaces or special characters like @ or #. If the name you want is already taken, TikTok will tell you and you will need to choose something else. You can change your username once every 30 days, so if you make a mistake, you will have to wait a month before trying again.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name is changed through Settings and privacy > Account > Username, and the change is when ready.
  • Usernames can be 2 to 24 characters and can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but not spaces or special characters.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, so choose carefully before you save.
  • Changing your username does not affect your followers, videos, or account history — everything stays with your account.

What happens to your account when you change your username

When you change your username, your old username becomes available for someone else to claim. Any links to your old profile — shared in messages, posted on other websites, or saved by other users — will no longer work. If someone else takes your old username before you realize you want it back, you cannot reclaim it.

Your followers, videos, likes, and comments all stay with your account and are tied to your new username. People who follow you will continue to see your content in their feed. The only thing that changes is the name they see when they visit your profile or click on your username in a comment.

Changing your display name versus your username

TikTok has two separate name fields that do different things. Your username is what appears in your profile URL and what people type to search for you — this is what you change in the Settings menu described above. Your display name is a separate field that appears at the top of your profile and can include spaces, emojis, and special characters.

To change your display name, go to your profile, tap "Edit profile," and change the text in the "Name" field at the top. Display names can be up to 30 characters and do not have the same restrictions as usernames. You can change your display name as often as you want with no waiting period. Many users keep a straightforward username for searchability and use the display name field for personality — for example, username "sarah_chen" with display name "Sarah ✨ artist."

Why you might want to change your name

People change their TikTok names for many reasons: they want a more professional username before explore for brand deals, they started a new account focus and want the name to match, they are uncomfortable with how much personal information their old name revealed, or they straightforward changed their mind about what they wanted to be called.

If you are changing your name for privacy reasons — because your username includes your real name or location — remember that the change only affects your username going forward. Your old videos, comments, and any public information you posted before the change are still there under your old name in TikTok's records and in search results. Changing your username is a fresh start for new users finding you, but it does not erase your history.

Changing your name on a business or creator account

If you have a TikTok Creator Fund account or a Business account, the process for changing your username is the same as a regular account. The 30-day waiting period still applies. However, if you have verified status (the blue checkmark), changing your username does not affect your verification — you keep the checkmark with your new name.

If you are using TikTok for business and have shared your profile link in marketing materials, email signatures, or advertising, changing your username will break those links. Before you change, search for your old username in your own marketing materials and update them to the new one. Some creators wait until they have a planned content break to change their username so followers have time to adjust.

What to do if you cannot change your name

If you see an error message when you try to change your username, the most common reason is that you changed it within the last 30 days and are trying to change it again too soon. TikTok will show you the date you can change it next. If you are within the 30-day window, you will have to wait.

If the username you want is taken, try variations: add a number, use an underscore, or add a descriptor like "official_" at the start. If you get a message that your username violates TikTok's community guidelines, the name likely contains language TikTok flags as inappropriate. Choose a different name and try again. If you continue to have problems, you can contact TikTok support through the app by going to Settings > Help > Report a problem.

Protecting your account while you change your name

Changing your username is a normal account action and does not put your account at risk. However, it is a good time to check your account security. Go to Settings > Account > Phone number and Email to make sure the contact information on file is current and belongs to you. If someone else has access to your account, they could change your username without your permission.

If you notice your username changed and you did not do it, change your password when ready. Go to Settings > Account > Password, enter your current password, and create a new one that is long and unique — at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. If you cannot log in, use the "Forgot password?" option on the login screen to reset it through your email or phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my old username back after someone else takes it?

No. Once you change your username, it becomes available for anyone to claim. If someone else takes it before you change your mind, TikTok does not have a process to reclaim it. Think carefully before you save a new username.

Will my followers see that I changed my name?

Your followers will not get a notification that you changed your username. They will see the new name the next time they visit your profile or see you in their feed. If they have your old profile link saved, that link will no longer work.

Can I use special characters or emojis in my username?

No, usernames can only include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. If you want to use emojis or special characters, use your display name field instead, which has no character restrictions.

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere on TikTok?

The change is when ready on your profile and in new content you post. However, it may take a few hours for the change to appear everywhere — in search results, in other people's follower lists, and in older comments you made. If it has been more than a few hours, try logging out and back in.

What if my username is reported or flagged by TikTok?

If TikTok flags your username as violating community guidelines, you will see an error message when you try to save it. Choose a different username that does not contain language TikTok considers inappropriate. If you believe the flag is a mistake, you can report it through Settings > Help > Report a problem.