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Jun 11, 2026
Want to change your Twitter/X name or username? Here's how to update them in 2026 on web and mobile.
TE Guide Framework: Every guide on this site follows our TE methodology: Understand (break down the feature), Apply (step-by-step instructions), Verify (tested on real devices). This ensures you get actionable, tested advice — not generic how-tos.
Twitter/X has three distinct names on every account, and understanding the difference is key before making any changes. Your display name is the bold text shown at the top of your profile and next to your tweets — it can be anything you want, including emojis, and does not need to be unique. Your username (also called your @handle) is your unique identifier on the platform and forms part of your profile URL (twitter.com/yourhandle). It must be unique across all of X and follow strict character rules. Your profile name is simply another term for your display name — they refer to the same thing. Most people have a different display name and username, which is completely normal and expected on the platform.
Display Name:Settings → Your Account → Account Information → Name
Username (@handle):Profile → Edit Profile → Username
Your display name is what people see first (can be anything, not unique):
⚠ Important
Changing your username changes your profile URL. Old @mentions won't notify you anymore.
X enforces a 30-day cooldown between username changes. This limit exists as an anti-impersonation protection — without it, someone could rapidly swap handles to mimic different accounts, confuse followers, or evade blocks and reports. The cooldown also prevents username squatting and trading, keeping handles available for genuine users. Display names, on the other hand, have no limits at all because they are not unique identifiers and cannot be used to impersonate another account's URL or mentions. If you need to change your username urgently, your only option is to wait until the 30-day period expires.
X App → Profile → Edit Profile → Name/Username
X App → Profile icon → Edit Profile → Update
| Change Type | Old Mentions | Old URL |
|---|---|---|
| Display Name | ✓ Still works | ✓ No change |
| Username | ✗ Broken | ✗ New URL |
Only if it's still available. Once taken, it's gone forever.
Display name: unlimited. Username: once every 30 days.
No. X doesn't send notifications for name changes.
Your old username becomes available for anyone to claim. Twitter doesn't hold it for you. If someone takes it, you cannot get it back.
Yes. Your display name can be anything (up to 50 characters) while your username must be unique and follow Twitter's naming rules. Most users have different display names and usernames.
Written by the TechEvangelistSEO team. Last updated: May 2026.