How to change your Twitter handle

Social media provides an opportunity to share our personalities and lives with the world. Maybe you work in a cubicle by day, but you’re a roller disco enthusiast by night. Or perhaps you’re launching a stand-up career or a sustainable clothing brand as a side hustle.

Whatever it is, social media lets you share your passion. You can curate content, a unique aesthetic and a whole online persona. The first step in cultivating your online identity is thinking of a memorable screen name your followers will come to know and love. Before you dive into the fast-paced world of Twitter, spend some time thinking about the perfect handle.

Not sure what a Twitter handle is? It’s the username you go by, the name that appears after the @ sign to show people who authored your brilliant one-liners, culinary commentary or business promotions. We’ve got some tips for making a handle so good you’ll never want to change it, but remember not to stress out too much over this decision – you can always rename your account in the future, and we’ll explain how to change your Twitter handle if you need to.

How to make a Twitter handle you won't want to change

Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Remember the first social media account you ever made? It was probably an account you created before we’d even given a name to social media. Now try to recall your screen name. If you just cringed or laughed (or you’re drawing a complete blank), you know why it’s a good thing that handles aren’t forever.

Still, some handles are better suited to stand the test of time. Here’s how to get your Twitter username right on the first try:

• Choose a name that’s relevant to your content.
• Keep your handle short, sweet and memorable.
• Make a unique handle that complements your internet persona.
• Avoid names that include confusing or hard-to-remember details, such as strings of numbers.

How to edit your Twitter handle

When you made your first social media handle, you probably thought it was perfect, even if it makes you shake your head today. People change, and so do their interests. If you’re no longer vibing with your social media pseudonym, you may want to know how you can change your Twitter handle.

Although you can’t erase the memory of a cheesy screen name, you can change your Twitter handle whenever you want with these simple steps.

How to change your handle on iOS

1. Open the Twitter mobile app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on your profile picture in the top-left corner to open the sidebar.
3. Tap on Settings and privacy in the Settings and Support dropdown menu and select Your account.
4. Navigate to the Account information screen and tap Username.
5. After you’ve entered your new username, hit Done.

How to change your handle on Android

1. Open the Twitter app on your Android device.
2. Tap on your profile picture in the top-left corner to open the sidebar.
3. Tap on Settings and privacy in the Settings & Support dropdown menu and select Your account.
4. Navigate to the Account information screen and tap Username.
5. After you’ve entered your new username, hit Done.

How to change your handle on desktop

1. Open Twitter in a web browser.
2. Click on the More button (accompanied by three little dots) in the left-hand sidebar.
3. Select Settings and privacy, located under Settings and Support.
4. Inside the menu labeled Your account, click on Account information.
5. Enter your Twitter password to confirm your identity.
6. Make the necessary changes to the Username field.
7. Click Save.

3 reasons you might need to change your Twitter handle

Cringe-inducing former screen names aren’t the only reason to make a change. Here are a few reasons to consider refreshing your Twitter handle:

• You’ve rebranded: Your sustainable clothing line may have once focused on bags, but now you offer a broader range of products. Change your handle to represent your company’s growth and update your audience’s understanding of the brand. You can also rebrand a personal account. Your content may have traditionally been about cooking, but now you’re getting into all sorts of DIY projects, and you need a handle that reflects this change.
• You want to streamline: If you want your followers to be able to easily find you on every app, use the same handle wherever you go. This may require tweaking your handles on the platforms you use until they all match.
• Your handle is getting too popular: If many users have adopted a similar handle, you may want to set yourself apart, especially if you’re using social media platforms to represent your business or become an influencer.

What to keep in mind before changing your Twitter handle

By now, you probably have a good idea of when it’s time to change your handle. But before you give your Twitter account a new name, consider the following:

• Avoid changing your handle too often: Have you ever been scrolling through your timeline when you see an account you’re pretty sure you didn’t follow? When this happens, it’s usually an old friend who’s changed their username. But new Twitter handles can be confusing. Rebranding once in a while keeps things fresh, but your followers could have trouble keeping up if you do it too often.
• Twitter has username parameters: Before you get your heart set on a handle, ensure it meets the app’s guidelines. Visit Twitter’s help page to read up on the latest parameters, such as character limits and the use of special characters and emojis.
• Have a plan B: What if your new handle is a perfect match for your content, but another Twitter user has already taken it? Before you get your hopes up, search for the handle to make sure no one’s using it yet. The app also prompts you to try again if you encounter an issue with Twitter handle availability, so it’s good to have an alternative in mind. Try the same words with a spelling variation or different number at the end. If the username you want belongs to a seemingly defunct account, you could politely reach out to the owner to see if they’d let you have it.
• Remember your blue check: Twitter might take away your verification if you change your handle or display name. The rules change frequently, so check the current guidelines before you go for it. You might have to reapply for verification.
• Your Twitter display name isn’t everything: Don’t worry if you don’t get your dream handle. You can always show off your personality with a perfectly worded bio at the head of your Twitter profile. Remember to include a link in your bio, and if you want to redirect followers to multiple URLs, get a Linktree.