You cannot change your username directly in the Play Store app or website
Your Play Store username is tied to your Google Account, not to the Play Store itself. This means you cannot edit it from within the Play Store. Instead, you change it by editing your Google Account profile, which then updates everywhere you use that account — including the Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, and any other Google service.
The name that appears on your Play Store profile comes from your Google Account's display name. If you want a different name to show when you post reviews, rate apps, or appear in multiplayer games, you need to change your Google Account name first.
Key Takeaways
- Your Play Store name comes from your Google Account display name, so you change it in Google Account settings, not in the Play Store app.
- You can change your display name on any device by going to myaccount.google.com, clicking "Personal info," and editing the name field.
- The change takes effect when ready across all Google services, including the Play Store, but may take a few hours to show in some apps.
- Your Google Account username (the part before @gmail.com) cannot be changed and is separate from your display name.
How to change your name in Google Account settings on a phone
Open any web browser on your phone and go to myaccount.google.com. You may be asked to sign in with your Google password. Once you are signed in, look for a section called "Personal info" — this is usually near the top of the page.
Tap "Personal info" and look for the name field. You will see your current first and last name. Tap the pencil icon or the name itself to edit it. Type in the name you want to use, then tap "Save." The change takes effect right away, though it may take a few hours to show up in the Play Store app on your phone.
How to change your name on a computer
Go to myaccount.google.com in your web browser and sign in if you are not already signed in. On the left side of the page, click "Personal info." You will see your name listed near the top.
Click on your name or the pencil icon next to it to edit it. Type in your new first and last name, then click "Save." Your new name will show up in the Play Store and other Google services within a few hours. If you do not see the change right away, try signing out of the Play Store app and signing back in.
What happens when you change your display name
Your new name will appear on your Play Store profile, in app reviews you write, and in any multiplayer games that show player names. The change is visible to anyone who looks at your profile or reads your reviews. If you have posted reviews under your old name, those reviews will now show your new name.
Changing your display name does not affect your Google Account username — the part that comes before @gmail.com. That username stays the same and cannot be changed. Your username is what you use to sign in to your account, while your display name is what other people see.
If you want a different name just for gaming
Some games let you set a separate in-game name that is different from your Google Account display name. If you want your Play Store profile to show one name but your gaming profile to show another, check the game's settings. Many multiplayer games have a "profile name" or "player name" option that overrides your Google Account name just within that game.
This is useful if you want to keep your real name on your Play Store profile but use a nickname or gaming handle in specific games. The setting is usually found in the game's menu under "Settings," "Profile," or "Account."
Troubleshooting: your new name is not showing up
If you changed your name but the Play Store still shows your old name, try signing out of the Play Store and signing back in. On most Android phones, go to Settings, then Apps, then Google Play Store. Tap "Storage" and then "Clear cache." This removes temporary files that might be holding onto your old name.
If that does not work, sign out of your Google Account entirely. Go to Settings, then Accounts, find your Google Account, and tap it. Look for a "Remove account" or "Sign out" option. Then sign back in. This forces your phone to read your current account information, including your updated name. The change should show up in the Play Store within a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Gmail address or username?
No, your Gmail username (the part before @gmail.com) cannot be changed once it is created. You can only change your display name, which is what appears on your profile. If you need a completely different email address, you would need to create a new Google Account.
Will changing my name affect my apps, games, or purchases?
No. Your apps, games, and purchases are tied to your Google Account, not to your display name. Changing your name will not delete anything or affect what you own. Only the name that shows publicly will change.
How long does it take for the name change to show everywhere?
The change takes effect when ready in your Google Account settings, but it may take a few hours to show up in the Play Store app, in your reviews, or in games. If you need it to update faster, try signing out and back in to the Play Store.
Can I use special characters or emojis in my Play Store name?
Google Account display names accept letters, numbers, spaces, and some punctuation, but not emojis. Stick to standard characters. If you try to use characters that are not allowed, Google will show you an error message and ask you to use different ones.
What if I share my device with other people?
Each person should have their own Google Account on the device. When you change your display name, it only affects your account. Other people's accounts and their Play Store profiles will not be affected, as long as they are signed in with their own Google Account.