How to change your Twitter handle and display name
You don't always think of the perfect username when you're making an account, and that definitely applies when we're talking about Twitter.
Maybe you want something fun, or just something with more of a ring to it, but you can't come up with anything. So you default to one of the basic suggested handles with your first and last name, and maybe a number or something...until one day it hits you.
Damn, that would've been the perfect Twitter handle, you think to yourself. I wish I could change it.
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Well, random Twitter user out there, we're thrilled to tell you that you can, indeed, change it. Follow the steps below to learn how you can finally have the Twitter handle of your dreams (if it's not already taken, of course).
1. Navigate to your Twitter settings and privacy.
2. Tap "Account" at the top of the menu.
3. Tap "Username."
4. The next page will show your current Twitter handle and a space to write your new handle. Type in the handle you want in the space provided.
5. Twitter will let you know when you have an acceptable handle (one that fits its criteria and isn't taken by another account).
6. When you're ready, tap "Done."
Congrats! You can now have the Twitter handle you've always wanted (unless it's taken...we've been there before).
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Even if your dream handle is taken, however, you can still change your display name. Your display name appears more visibly in bold next to your Twitter handle, and it doesn't matter if two or more accounts have the same display name (so it can't be "taken"). If you can't have the handle you want, maybe you can at least have this.
Here's how to change your Twitter display name:
1. Go to your profile page.
2. Tap "Edit Profile" in the top right.
3. Find where it says "Name" at the top and type in the display name you want.
4. Tap "Save."
And you're done! We hope your name is everything you wanted it to be.
Topics Social Media X/Twitter
Andy is a fellow on Mashable's Culture team. He graduated with a B.S. from the University of North Florida in 2018 and moved to New York to pursue journalism in culture and entertainment. He can (and will) talk for too long about Star Wars and movies in general. His fear of stinging insects and 80+ degree weather will keep him inside forever. He wishes he were shorter.
