How to Change Your Name on Twitter

Changing your name on Twitter, now X, is a straightforward process, but understanding the difference between your Display Name and your Username is the first step. This guide will walk you through how to change both on any device, share some professional tips for choosing the right names for your brand, and answer the most common questions you might have along the way.

What's the Difference Between a Display Name and a Username?

Before you update anything, it’s important to know the difference between your display name and your username. They serve two totally different functions and have different rules. Confusing them can lead to mistakes that make it harder for people to find and tag you.

Your Twitter Display Name

This is the name that appears in bold above your @handle on your profile and next to your tweets. Think of it as your public identity.

• Uniqueness: It does not have to be unique. You and a thousand other people can have the display name "The Marketing Pro."
• Flexibility: You can include spaces, emojis, special characters, and pretty much anything you can type.
• Length: It can be up to 50 characters long.
• Purpose: It's for branding and recognition. It’s what people will casually see and associate with your account.

Your Twitter Username (@handle)

This is your unique identifier on the platform. It starts with the "@" symbol and is what people use to tag you, mention you, and find your profile directly.

• Uniqueness: It must be 100% unique. No two accounts can have the same username.
• Format Rules: It can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores. No spaces or special characters allowed.
• Length: It must be between 4 and 15 characters long.
• Purpose: It serves as your digital address. It forms your profile URL (e.g., twitter.com/YourUsername) and is the primary way to tag you in posts.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Display Name: Your "name tag." Easy to change, flexible, and made for recognition.
• Username (@handle): Your "address." Unique, has specific rules, and is used for tagging and navigation.

How to Change Your Twitter Display Name (Step-by-Step)

Changing your display name is quick and has no negative side effects. You can update it as often as you like to promote a campaign, reflect a new job title, or add festive emojis for a holiday. You will not lose your followers, direct messages, or verification status.

On a Desktop Web Browser:

1. Navigate to X.com (formerly Twitter.com) and log in to your account.
2. In the left-hand navigation menu, click on "Profile."
3. On your profile page, click the "Edit profile" button located underneath your header image on the right.
4. A pop-up window will appear. In the "Name" field, type your new display name.
5. While you're here, you can also update your bio, location, website, and profile picture.
6. Click "Save" at the top right of the pop-up, and your new display name will be live instantly.

On the Mobile App (iOS &, Android):

1. Open the X (Twitter) app on your phone.
2. Tap on your profile picture icon in the top-left corner to open the main menu.
3. Tap "Profile."
4. On your profile page, tap the "Edit Profile" button located below your header image.
5. Tap on your current name in the "Name" field.
6. Type in your new desired display name.
7. Tap "Save" in the top-right corner. Your display name is now updated.

How to Change Your Twitter Username / @handle (Step-by-Step)

Changing your username is a more significant step that requires a bit more thought. While the process itself is simple, it changes how people find and mention you. Don't worry, changing your username will not cause you to lose followers, past tweets, or messages.

Important Things to Consider Before Changing Your Username:

• Let People Know: It's a good practice to tweet out your name change, letting your followers know about your new @handle so they can find and tag you correctly.
• Broken Links: Your old profile URL will no longer work. Anyone who has linked to your Twitter profile from a website, blog post, or another social media profile will need to update that link. Twitter does not redirect your old username.
• Old Mentions are Static: Past tweets where people tagged your old @handle will now link to an inactive profile page (or to whoever snags your old username).
• Verification Badge: Under the X Premium rules, changing your @handle might result in a temporary loss of your blue checkmark while your account is re-reviewed. This usually only takes a few days, but it's something to be aware of. For more information on this, check out our guide on how to get verified on Twitter.
• Your Old Handle is Up for Grabs: As soon as you change it, your old username becomes available for anyone else to register.

On a Desktop Web Browser:

1. Log in to your account on X.com.
2. In the left-hand menu, click on "More."
3. From the pop-out menu, select "Settings and privacy."
4. Under the "Settings" menu, click on "Your account," then "Account information."
5. You may be prompted to enter your password to confirm your identity.
6. Click on the "Username" field.
7. Type your new desired username. The system will tell you if it's already taken.
8. Once you've found an available username you're happy with, click "Save."

On the Mobile App (iOS &, Android):

1. Open the X (Twitter) app.
2. Tap on your profile picture in the top-left corner.
3. From the menu, tap "Settings &, privacy."
4. Tap "Your account."
5. Tap "Account information."
6. Tap on "Username."
7. Erase your old handle and type your new one in the text field under "New." Twitter will confirm if it's available with a green checkmark. If not, it will suggest alternatives or you can try others.
8. Once you land on an available username, tap "Done."

Best Practices for Choosing Your Twitter Names

Your names on Twitter are a core part of your brand. Whether you're an individual creator, a freelancer, or a large company, picking the right name and username helps people find you, remember you, and understand what you do at a glance.

Tips for Your Display Name:

• Be Consistent: Use the same name as you do on your website, LinkedIn, and other key social profiles. This cross-platform harmony makes you easily recognizable.
• Add Keywords: Add a keyword descriptor to your name to quickly communicate what you do. For example: "Jane Smith | B2B Content Marketing" or "Acme Design 🎨". This also helps you show up in Twitter searches.
• Keep It Professional (But with Personality): For most brands, this means using your real name or official business name. But feel free to show personality with a relevant emoji that fits your brand's voice.

Tips for Your Username / @handle:

• Short &, Memorable: The shorter, the better. It's easier to remember, type, and fits more easily into tweets when others reply to you or tag you.
• Easy to Pronounce: Try to choose a username that someone could easily say out loud. Avoid awkward number combinations or sequences of random letters if you can.
• Avoid Underscores and Numbers (If Possible): A clean handle like @postbase looks cleaner and is easier to remember than @post_base123. If your primary name is taken, first try simple variations.
• Check for Consistency: Before committing, check if your desired username is available on other key platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Threads. Owning the same handle everywhere creates a strong, unified brand identity.
• What If Your Ideal Username Is Taken?: Don't panic. You have a few options:
  • Append a clear identifier: Try adding "HQ" (e.g., @PostbaseHQ), "App" (@PostbaseApp), or "Team" (@PostbaseTeam).
  • Use a clear abbreviation: If your brand name is long, use a universally understood shortening.
  • Add "The" to the front: A classic move that works sometimes (e.g., @ThePostbase).

Final Thoughts

Updating your Twitter/X name is a simple technical process, but the right name contributes significantly to your organic social media strategy and brand-building efforts. By choosing a clear display name and a memorable username, you make it easier for your audience to find, follow, and engage with you across all platforms.

As you build out your presence on Twitter and other platforms, managing your content calendar becomes indispensable. Here at Postbase, we built our visual planner and scheduler so you can see all your content in a single place. After you’ve perfected your brand’s name and handle, you can plan and schedule weeks of content in advance, customize posts for each network, and ensure your message stays consistent without ever getting overwhelmed.