Where to find the name change option

Your TikTok display name lives in your account settings, not in your profile itself. Open TikTok and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. From there, tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the top right, then select Settings and privacy. Scroll down and tap Account, then Edit profile. The field labeled Name is what other users see when they visit your profile.

This is different from your username, which is the handle that starts with @ and appears in your TikTok URL. Your username cannot be changed directly through settings — you have to delete your account and create a new one if you want a different username. Most people only need to change their display name, which you can do as many times as you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name is found under Settings and privacy > Account > Edit profile, and you can change it as often as you want.
  • Your username (the @ handle) cannot be changed without deleting your account, so most people only change their display name.
  • TikTok allows up to 30 characters in your display name, including spaces and special characters.
  • Changes to your display name take effect when ready across all your videos and profile, but your followers do not receive a notification.

What you can and cannot put in your display name

TikTok allows letters, numbers, spaces, and most special characters like hyphens, underscores, and periods in your display name. You have up to 30 characters to work with. There is no restriction on how often you change it — you can update your name daily if you want, and the change takes effect right away.

The main limitation is that TikTok will reject names that violate its community guidelines. This means you cannot use slurs, hate speech, or content that promotes violence or illegal activity. If TikTok rejects your name choice, you will see an error message explaining why. Try a different name that does not contain the flagged content.

The difference between your display name and username

Your display name is what appears at the top of your profile and next to your videos. It is purely decorative and can be changed when ready. Your username is your @ handle — the unique identifier that appears in your TikTok URL and is how people search for and tag you. Usernames are permanent unless you delete your entire account.

If you want to change your username, you will need to delete your current TikTok account and create a new one with a different handle. This means losing all your followers, videos, and account history. For this reason, most people only change their display name when they want a fresh look while keeping their account intact.

Changing your name on different devices

The process is the same whether you use an iPhone, Android phone, or the TikTok website on a computer. On mobile, follow the steps above: profile icon > menu icon > Settings and privacy > Account > Edit profile > Name field. On a computer, log into TikTok.com, click your profile icon in the top right, select Settings, then Account, then Edit profile. The name field works the same way on all platforms.

If you change your name on one device, the change syncs across all your devices within seconds. You do not need to update it separately on your phone and computer — TikTok keeps everything in sync automatically.

What happens after you change your name

Your new display name appears when ready on your profile, in comments you leave, and on any videos you have posted. Existing followers do not receive a notification that you changed your name, so they may not notice unless they visit your profile. Your follower count, video history, and all other account data remain exactly the same.

If you change your name back and forth frequently, other users might find it confusing, but TikTok does not penalize you for changing your name often. There is no cooldown period or limit on how many times you can change it.

If you want to change your username instead

Changing your username requires deleting your account and starting over. Before you do this, understand what you will lose: all your followers, all your videos, all your likes and comments, and your entire account history. TikTok does not restore deleted accounts, so this is permanent.

If you have decided the tradeoff is worth it, go to Settings and privacy > Account > Delete account. TikTok will ask you to confirm and may offer you a chance to change your mind. Once you confirm, your account is gone. You can then create a new account with the username you want. Keep in mind that if your old username becomes available again, someone else can claim it — TikTok does not reserve usernames for deleted accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use special characters or emojis in my display name?

You can use most special characters like hyphens, underscores, periods, and spaces. Emojis are not supported in display names on TikTok — if you try to paste an emoji, it will not appear. Stick to standard keyboard characters.

Will my followers be notified if I change my name?

No, TikTok does not send notifications when you change your display name. Your followers will only see the new name if they visit your profile or watch a new video you post after the change.

How long does it take for my new name to show up everywhere?

Your new display name takes effect when ready across all your videos, comments, and your profile. There is no waiting period. If you do not see the change right away on one device, try closing and reopening the TikTok app.

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

Yes, you can change your name to anything at any time, including a name you used previously. TikTok does not prevent you from reusing old names or changing your name as often as you want.

What if TikTok rejects my name choice?

TikTok rejects names that violate its community guidelines — typically those containing slurs, hate speech, or content promoting violence. If your name is rejected, you will see an error message. Choose a different name that does not contain the flagged content and try again.