How to change your twitter handle in 2024 - [Process, Tips & Benefits]

Ever lookedat your X (Twitter) handle and thought, “This could use a makeover”? Whether you chose your handle back in the day on a whim or it just doesn’t fit with who you are now, updating it gives your profile a fresh start.

The right handle makes a world of difference. After all, your X (Twitter) Handle is a mini billboard for you.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about changing your Twitter handle, why it’s worth considering, and tips to help you pick the perfect one. Read on.

Can You Change Your Twitter Handle?

Yes, you can absolutely change your Twitter handle!

You don’t have to be stuck with the handle you chose on a whim years ago. Twitter (or X, as it’s now called) gives you the flexibility to update it—no hassle, no loss of followers, and, best of all, no need to start over.

How to Change Twitter Handle: A Step-by-Step Process

To change your X (formerly Twitter) handle, you can follow these steps for both desktop and mobile devices (Android and iOS).

🖥️ Changing Your X Handle on Desktop

Step 1️⃣: Open your web browser, go to the X website, and log into your account.

Step 2️⃣ : Click on the “More” button located on the left-hand side of the screen (marked with a three-dot icon). Select “Settings and Support”, then choose “Settings and Privacy” from the dropdown menu.

‍Step 3️⃣ : Click on “Your Account”. You will be prompted to enter your password for security verification.

Step 4️⃣ : Under “Account Information”, click on “Username”. Enter your new desired username. If the username is available, you’ll see a confirmation; if not, you’ll need to try another one. You’ll also see some suggestions below.

Step 5️⃣ : Save Changes: Click the “Save” button to apply your new handle.

Changing Your X Handle on Mobile (Android and iOS)

📱 For Android

Step 1️⃣: Launch the app on your Android device.

Step 2️⃣ : Tap on your profile icon located at the top left corner. Navigate to “Settings and Support”, then select “Settings and Privacy”.

Step 3️⃣ : Head over to Account Information. Tap on “Your Account”, then choose “Account Information”.

Step 4️⃣ : Tap on “Username”. Enter your new username in the provided field. The app will indicate if the username is available or not.

Step 5️⃣ : Save Changes: Tap “Done” to save your new handle.

📲 For iOS

Step 1️⃣: Launch the app on your iOS device.

Step 2️⃣ : Tap on your profile icon at the top left corner. Scroll down and tap on “Settings and Support”, then select “Settings and Privacy”.

Step 3️⃣ : Tap on “Your Account”, then choose “Account Information”.

Step 4️⃣ : Tap on “Username”. Enter your new desired handle in the field provided.

Step 5️⃣ : Save Changes: Tap “Done” to confirm and save your new username.

Changing your X handle is pretty straightforward. However, keep in mind that the new handle you choose must be between 4 to 15 characters long, consisting only of letters, numbers, and underscores, or a combination of these, without spaces.

Why Should You Change Your Twitter Handle?

Changing your X (Twitter) handle is not all that difficult (as you’ve already seen in the steps), but it’s not something you want to do on a whim. So why consider it? Let’s talk about some real reasons why you might want a handle refresh:

Your brand has changed over the years

Suppose years ago, you created your handle as @JoeLovesCats. Cute, memorable, and maybe it worked well when your feed was all about, well, cats!

But now, you’re running a small business, and “JoeLovesCats” doesn’t exactly scream “professional.”

Rebranding to something more aligned with your business, like @JoeCreative or @DesignsByJoe, tells your followers and potential clients what you’re all about now.

You’ve outgrown your original handle

Sometimes, our X handles are chosen in those late-night bursts of creativity (or caffeine-fueled delirium).

That quirky handle you came up with in college might feel cringey now that you’re building a professional network. If you’re aiming to connect with industry pros and make a name for yourself, a handle like @ItsFinanceFrankly probably won’t give the polished impression you’re after.

Changing it to something simple and sleek, like @FrankInvests, keeps it professional yet personal.

Your handle is too long or complicated

Let’s be honest, no one wants to type out @SuperLongHandleWithNumbers1234 when they’re trying to mention you in a tweet.

Shorter handles are easier to remember, easier to tag, and let’s face it—they just look cooler. A handle like @SmartBizTips is much more memorable than something convoluted, and it’s less likely to get misspelled, saving your followers (and yourself) some serious tagging headaches.

Did you know: Twitter was almost named “FriendStalker” before settling on “Twttr,” inspired by the co-founders’ desire for a short messaging service.

You are changing your content

Ever had a shift in what you post about? Maybe you were known as @TechGeekAmy, but now you’re more into travel blogging than tech reviews.

Updating to something like @AmyExplores helps new followers find you and instantly know what you’re about.

Your handle is like a quick bio—it instantly sets the tone for your content. Plus, this way, your handle stays relevant to your passions and keeps up with your current interests.

You’ve got an opportunity to make it “you”

Sometimes, handles become available that weren’t before. Say you wanted @EmmaWrites but had to settle for @Emma_Writes2012 back in the day.

If @EmmaWrites suddenly frees up, why not grab it? It feels more personal, more authentic, and it’s just easier on the eyes.

Fun fact: While it’s technically against X’s rules, premium handles have been bought and sold in unofficial ways. Certain short or popular handles are in high demand, making them a hot commodity!

What Is the Difference Between a Twitter Handle and a Twitter Display Name?

Ah, the age-old Twitter question! X handle and display name may seem like the same thing, but each serves a different purpose on your profile

The X (Twitter) handle is your unique identifier

Your Twitter handle is the “@” name, your unique identifier, the one and only @YourUsername that no one else can have. It’s like your phone number on Twitter—it’s how people can find, tag, and DM you directly. It is your Twitter “address,” and since it’s unique, no two accounts can have the same one.

In this example, @davidcinema is the X handle, which means no other account has the same identifier. However, the display name “Taste of Cinema” is not exclusive to the handle.

Handles are especially useful for building a brand or establishing a presence because they stay consistent across every tweet, retweet, and reply you make. Plus, they pop up as links, so people can click and go straight to your profile.

The X (Twitter) display name is your flexible and friendly face

Now, your display name is what shows up at the top of your profile and right next to your handle. This one’s way more flexible—it’s your Twitter “name tag.” You can change it as often as you want, and it doesn’t have to be unique, so there can be hundreds of accounts with a display name similar to yours.

Again, in this example, there can be hundreds of Sebastian de With-s in X, but there will only be one account with the handle @sdw.

Your display name is where you get to be a little creative or even a bit playful. It’s also great for clarifying your role or business if you’re a professional. Say your handle is @CoffeeCraftJoe; you might make your display name “Joe | Coffee Roaster” to give people a quick idea of who you are and what you do.

What If Your Handle Is Taken?

If your ideal handle is already in use, don’t worry—you still have options to make it work for you. Try adding a relevant word, abbreviation, or underscore to keep it unique and memorable.

For instance, if you wanted @EmmaDesign but it’s taken, consider alternatives like @Emma_Designs or @DesignByEmma.

Avoid adding random numbers or special characters, as these can make your handle harder to remember or tag.

Fun fact: Elon Musk’s X takes @X handle from longtime Twitter user Gene Hwang, a San Francisco photographer who held it since 2007.

Tips for Choosing the Right Twitter Handle

Follow these tips to make a difference in your online presence with your X handle:

Set a name relevant to your brand

Your handle tells people who you are, so make it relevant.

If you’re running a photography business, something like @LensWithLaura instantly clicks–it lets Laura’s followers know exactly what you do.

Avoid obscure names or random words that don’t give any hint about your brand. Think about your industry, niche, and even your audience—your handle should fit into the ecosystem you’re creating.

Stay clear of special characters and numbers

Special characters and numbers might seem like an easy fix if your ideal handle is taken, but they make things tricky.

Not only do they clutter up the look of your handle, but they’re also easy to forget or misplace. Handles like @James_4Real might work for a friend group, but when you’re trying to grow your brand, simple and clean is the way to go.

Stick to letters, and if you need to differentiate, try adding a word or an abbreviation—like @JamesRealDeal.

Keep it short and sweet

The best Twitter handles are easy to remember and easy to tag.

You want your handle to be short enough that followers can type it out without breaking a sweat.

Aim for 15 characters or less (the max Twitter allows), but shorter is usually better. A handle like @PetProTips is easy to type, easy to remember, and doesn’t waste precious characters. The shorter and catchier, the better.

Fun fact: The official @Sweden account is managed by a different Swedish citizen each week.

Aim for the best username

“Best” means different things for different people, but in X handle terms, it means memorable, relevant, and clean.

If you’re going for something highly competitive, like a first name, try adding a word that speaks to your brand.

Say your name is Sam, and you’re an artist. Instead of trying to snag the impossible @Sam, try for @SamCreates or @ArtBySam.

Promote your new Twitter handle across social media handle

Once you’ve chosen your shiny new handle, don’t keep it a secret! Update your other social media profiles, website, and even email signature to reflect the change.

This is especially important if you’re shifting away from an old handle—people who already follow you elsewhere can quickly make the transition. A post or two on your other platforms announcing the new handle can help followers find you, keeping your community intact.

The best way to do this is to use a dedicated social media management platform like Highperformr.

Highperformr enables social publishing at scale on multiple social media sites and streamlines comprehensive content distribution. With Highperformr, you can schedule posts on multiple channels, and even plan and create all kinds of content from scratch using Social AI and automations.

Give Your X (Twitter) Identity a Fresh Coat of Paint by Changing Your Twitter Handle

So there you have it—changing your Twitter handle doesn’t have to be complicated, and it’s a powerful way to keep your online identity fresh and relevant. Be it rebranding, aligning your handle with current content, or simply finding something that represents the real you today, updating your handle is a small change that makes a big impact.

And, as you manage and promote your new handle across platforms, a social media management tool like Highperformr can make a world of difference.

With features for scheduling, multi-channel publishing, and AI-powered content creation, Highperformr streamlines your Twitter strategy and makes it easier than ever to maintain a consistent, engaging presence.

Whether you’re running one account or several, Highperformr is here to help your content shine.

Book a demo today.