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Bored of the same name on Twitter/X you put up when signing up? Want to learn how to change Twitter handle?
Don’t worry, the steps to changing the Twitter handle and display name are fairly straightforward. Moreover, the versatility that X allows you to maintain your profile display is fantastic. You can change your profile picture, display name, handle, bio, and cover image with ease.
Stay tuned with this article till the end to learn how you can change your X handle and display name within minutes.
An Introduction to Twitter Handle and Display Name
A Twitter handle, also called a username, is a unique identification that identifies a person, company, or brand on the social media network Twitter or X. It is the most crucial account information on Twitter and can be identified by the “@” sign followed by the chosen username.
Twitter handles serve various purposes, such as enabling direct communication, tagging or mentioning certain accounts in tweets, and providing context during discussions.
They are essential in differentiating between authentic and fraudulent Twitter accounts. They can be altered to include names, brands, or any other desired identification as long as they stay inside Twitter’s character restriction.
Keep in mind that your display name and the handle are not the same. Let’s see what the difference between a Twitter handle and a display name is.
What’s the Difference Between a Twitter Handle and a Name?
Although “handle” and “name” are sometimes used synonymously on social media sites like Twitter, they refer to different components of your Twitter profile.
Twitter Handle
The “@” sign is followed by your username or Twitter handle. There cannot be two users with the same handle; it is specific to you. The maximum character count for handles is fifteen. Only alphanumeric characters (letters A–Z, digits 0-9) and underscores (_) are allowed; special characters or spaces are not allowed.
For instance, “business_name” is the Twitter handle for the ID “@business_name.”
Twitter Display Name
Conversely, your Twitter display name doesn’t have to be distinctive; what matters is how you portray yourself on the platform. It might be your own name, an alias, or the name of your company. On your profile page, your Twitter name is bolded and is limited to 50 characters (spaces and special characters excluded).
For example, when you click on a profile, the Twitter name “My Business” will appear at the very top in bold font.
How To Change Your Twitter Handle From Smartphone
Let’s look into the steps to change your Twitter handle:
- Open your X (Twitter) app on your phone (Android or iOS.)
- Click on the little round profile picture on the top right of the screen.
- Scroll down to find ‘Settings and Privacy’ under Settings and Support and click on it.
- Click on ‘Your Account’ at the top of the menu.
- Tap on ‘Account Information.’
- Click on the ‘Username’ option to edit your Twitter handle.
- Enter the new username.
- Twitter will notify you when you’ve chosen an acceptable handle, meaning it meets their criteria and is available.
- Click on ‘Done.’
How To Change Your Twitter Display Name From Smartphone
Now let’s see how you can change your Twitter display name using your phone:
- Login to your Twitter account on the app from Android or iOS.
- Tap on the profile icon on the top of your screen
.
- From the side window, click on ‘Profile’.
- Click on the ‘Edit profile’ option at the top right corner, right under the cover image.
- Search where it shows ‘Name’ at the top and type the display name you wish to have.
- Tap “Save.”
Following these steps, you can easily change your X display name within seconds. Just remember to keep the display name in under 50 characters and get creative while choosing one!
Five Pointers To Help You Select a New Twitter Username
Make a strategy on how to replace your username before you throw away your old one. In this manner, you make it simple for followers—both old and new—to recognize you and remember your profile URL.
Brand Identity Matters
After you’ve learnt how to modify your Twitter account, you should focus on what distinguishes your brand.
When your Twitter handle is consistent with your brand identity, it is simpler for people to recognize and link your account with your brand. It forms a key aspect of your brand’s online presence and helps with brand recall.
Alignment between your handle and the brand supports the message and values you want to portray. Make sure your Twitter bio is likewise on-brand.
Select a Brief Twitter Handle
Short Twitter usernames are often more remembered, correct? They are simpler to remember and enter when someone mentions or searches for your account.
Your handle becomes more accessible and memorable, making it easier to interact with people. A simpler handle also increases your chances of fitting under the character constraints for mentions, tags, and hashtags.
Don’t Use Numbers or Special Characters
When a Twitter account contains numbers and special characters, it may give the appearance of being basic or lacking in professionalism.
Such handles may look less shiny and may not successfully connect with the desired brand image or identity, making your profile page appear unprofessional.
In contrast, choosing a clean and plain handle without these characters conveys a more professional and reputable appearance.
See the Availability of the Twitter Handle
Using the same handle throughout all of your preferred social networks allows you to retain consistency across your online presence.
If someone else is currently using the handle you desire, it might confuse your target audience, making it difficult for them to locate and connect with your business.
Having a distinct and readily available handle enables you to create a consistent and immediately identifiable brand identity across several channels.
Conclusion
Changing your X handle and display name isn’t a herculean task if you know your way around the platform. The best way to do so is by the following steps mentioned above and you’ll be well on your way to setting up a successful Twitter handle and display name. Just make sure to check the availability of the username and display name. You also need to ensure that your name reflects your brand and how you want to portray yourself to the world.
FAQs
Why can’t I change my Twitter handle?
If you cannot change your username, it can be for the following two reasons: The username you requested has already been taken. Or, the username does not comply with Twitter’s username guidelines.
Can you not change your display name on Twitter?
You may do this by hitting the profile button in the upper left corner of your homepage and selecting “Profile.” On the profile page, click the “Edit profile” option under the Twitter banner on the right. Modify your display name in the “Name” column.
How do I get a different Twitter handle?
To get a different Twitter handle, you need to edit your Twitter account handle from Settings and Privacy. From there, head to Account Information and change your username.
