In the bustling realm of social media, your online identity serves as your calling card. It helps you connect with others, express your thoughts, and foster conversations. If you are a part of this digital ecosystem, you might have wondered about changing your identity markers – your username or display name, especially on platforms like Twitter.
Twitter offers its users the liberty to change their username and display name as often as they please, with no restrictions whatsoever. It’s a freedom that can be fun, and at times necessary, allowing you to refresh your online persona or adjust your privacy levels. This blog post serves as your friendly guide to changing your username and display name on Twitter, regardless of the device you use.
The Basics: Username vs. Display Name
First, let’s demystify the difference between your Twitter username and display name. Your username, also known as your Twitter handle, is what begins with the “@” symbol. It uniquely identifies you on Twitter and forms part of your profile’s URL address.
On the other hand, your display name is what shows up on your posts and profile. It does not have to be unique and allows for a bit more personal flair. Now that we’re clear on the terms, let’s get to the how-tos!
How to Change Your Twitter Username/Handle
On Windows, Mac, Linux, or Chromebook
Time needed: 10 minutes
Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully:
- Log in to Your Twitter Account
Open your preferred web browser and go to Twitter’s official website. Enter your login details (username or email and password) to access your Twitter account.
- Click on the ‘More’ Button
Once logged in, look for the ‘More’ button on the left side of your Twitter interface. It’s represented by three dots and is the last option on the menu.
- Choose “Settings and Privacy“
A new menu will pop up when you click ‘More.’ From this menu, select ‘Settings and privacy.’ It’s where you control your account’s settings and preferences.
- Access “Your Account”
Under the ‘Settings’ tab, you’ll find various options. Click on ‘Your Account,’ which is where you can view and modify your account’s basic information.
- Click on “Account Information“
In the subsequent menu on the right, click on ‘Account Information.’ This contains all your key account details, including username, password, and associated email or phone number.
- Enter Your Password
Sometimes, for added security, Twitter might prompt you to enter your password before you can access sensitive account information. If prompted, type in your password and click ‘OK.’
- Click on ‘Username’
Once you’ve accessed your account information, find and click on ‘Username’ from the right-side menu. This is the unique identifier associated with your Twitter account, starting with the “@” symbol.
- Type in Your New Username
Beneath ‘Username,’ you’ll find a text box. Here, enter your desired new handle. As you type, Twitter will automatically check to see if the handle is available, alerting you if it’s already in use.
- Save Your Changes
Once you’ve found an available username you’re happy with, conclude the process by clicking on the ‘Save’ button located in the bottom right corner of the screen.
On Android or iOS/iPhone
- Open the Twitter mobile app.
- Tap on your profile icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
- On the menu that appears, tap on Settings and Privacy.
- From the list, tap on Account.
- Under Login and Security, tap on Username.
- Type in your desired username. If this is available, a green checkmark will appear.
- Tap on Done.
How to Change Your Display Name on Twitter
On Windows, Mac, or Chromebook
- Open your Twitter account and go to the Home page.
- Click on your profile picture.
- Click on the Edit Profile button in the lower right of your profile banner.
- In the Name text box, type in the display name that you wish to use.
- When you’re done, click on Save in the upper right of the window.
On Android or iOS/iPhone
- Open the Twitter mobile app.
- On the home page, tap on your profile pic in the upper left corner of the screen.
- Tap on Profile.
- Tap on the Edit Profile button located in the lower right corner of the banner pic.
- Under Name, type in the name that you want to be displayed on your Twitter account.
- Tap on Save in the upper right corner of the screen.
Customizing Your Twitter Experience
Beyond changing your username and display name, Twitter allows you to personalize your account in various ways. You can update your profile picture, tweak your page’s appearance, and even enable dark mode.
Here’s a bonus tip: If you want to add a bit of flair to your Twitter handle, consider including symbols or emojis in your display name. Just remember, this trick only works for display names, not usernames, as they only allow alphanumeric characters and underscores.
Explore similar articles:
- How to download and utilize Canvas for desktop
- Twitter Security Flaw Exposing Private Posts to Unintended Users
- Twitter Deleting Inactive Accounts, Follower Numbers Decline
Wrapping Up
Twitter offers its users the unique freedom to pick and modify their digital identities as often as they want, making profile customization on Twitter a fun and easy experience. Now that you know how to change your Twitter username and display name, go ahead and give it a try. If you are still experiencing difficulties changing your name; reach out to the Twitter helpdesk. After all, a little change can be a good thing! Enjoy your new online persona and happy tweeting!
Frequently Asked Questions
A Twitter username needs to be at least four characters long and not more than 15 characters. On the other hand, your display name can be a single character and have a maximum length of 50 characters.
Unlike other social media platforms, Twitter doesn’t limit how often you can change your username or display name. You have the freedom to change it as many times as you want.
No, the Twitter display name and username are different. The username (or handle) is your unique identifier on Twitter, while the display name is what’s shown on your posts and your profile.