Do you feel your Twitter handle is archaic? Or adding numbers in your handle is not as hip as it used to be in 2009? Whatever the reason, this guide will help you through a step-by-step process. We’ll discuss how to change your Twitter handle on Android and iOS devices or desktops. The steps for each method are quite similar and easy to follow.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:
- What Is a Twitter Handle?
- Reasons for a Change
- Things to Keep In Mind
- Changing Your Twitter Handle
- Handle vs. Name
- What if Your Handle Is Taken?
- Choosing the Right Handle
What Is a Twitter Handle?
A Twitter handle, also known as a username, is the unique identifier of your account. You also have to use it while registering for Twitter and logging in. It’s used to send and receive direct messages and for mentioning your account in comments and tweets. Since a Twitter handle separates you from the rest of the crowd and acts as a distinct identity for every account, no two usernames can be the same. Other users can also search your account by your username.
Your handle can have letters from A-Z and numbers from 0-9, but it can’t have periods, dashes, or spaces. It appears after the @ sign, at the end of your Twitter URL. For example, the Twitter URL for the username @SelectHub looks like this:
An overview of a Twitter account.
Since the character limit for tweets is only 280 characters, Twitter handles are limited to a maximum of 15 and a minimum of 4 characters. This way, when you tag someone in a tweet, their handle won’t end up taking a huge chunk of the tweet, and you’ll have enough characters left.
Your handle doesn’t have to be your real name, and it can be anything from a phrase, meme or a random assortment of words and numbers. Though, it cannot contain slurs and anything else that may violate Twitter’s rules and policies.
Whether you use Twitter for personal use or business, the right username holds significance to your brand and marketing strategy. However, with a burgeoning Twitter user base, finding a suitable handle can be difficult.
Reasons for a Change
Twitter handles can be super important — they represent the image you want to portray online and can make or break visitors’ impression of your profile. You might also want a consistent handle across social media sites so you’re easy to find.
Whether you (as an individual or corporation) are a long-term or new user and you feel your Twitter handle no longer matches your personality or brand image, it might be time for something new.
There can be several reasons for changing your handle:
- Rebranding
- Misalignment
- Embarrassment
- Poor Aesthetic
- Unprofessional Username
- Inconsistent With Other Social Media Accounts
Things to Keep In Mind
Unlike Instagram and Facebook, where you can change your username once every two weeks or month, Twitter doesn’t impose such limitations on its users. You can change your Twitter handle as many times as you want.
Before you change your username, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Changing your Twitter handle doesn’t affect your following list or your posts and interactions, and you can retain the number of followers you’ve racked up over the years
- If your account is verified on Twitter, changing your username will remove the verification status, and you’ll have to reapply for it again.
- It’s a good idea to alert your followers before you change your handle. This way, they can direct message, mention and reply using your new @.
- If you’re running a business account, make sure to update references to your Twitter account on your website, email signature, business cards, social media channels or any marketing documents. Doing so ensures your audience follows the correct account.
- Once you change your handle, the previous one is available for use by other Twitter users.
How to Change a Twitter Handle
Mobile Devices (Android and iOS)
Step 1: Open the Twitter mobile app. Tap on your profile icon at the top left corner of your device’s screen to open the drop-down menu.
Log in to your Twitter account and tap the profile icon.
Step 2: Go to “Settings and Privacy”. Click on “Your Account” and then “Account Information”.
Go to the settings and privacy section in the sidebar.
Step 3: Select “Username” to replace your old handle.
Tap on username to change handle.
Step 4: Type in a new handle. If it’s taken, Twitter will prompt you to pick an available option. Twitter might also suggest available handles. If you choose an available username, you’ll see a green checkmark.
Type in the new handle you wish to have.
Step 5: Click “Done” to save your new handle.
Desktop
Step 1: Open your browser and go to Twitter’s website, then log in to your account.
Log in to Twitter via a web browser.
Step 2: Click on the “more” button located on the navigation bar on the left side.
Click on the “more” section located on the sidebar.
Step 3: Go to “Settings and Privacy.”
Go to “Setting and Privacy.”
Step 4: Click on “Your Account” and choose “Account Information”.
Click on “Your Account” and then proceed to “Account Information.”
Step 5: Twitter will prompt you to type in your account password for confirmation.
Step 6: Select the “Username” tab under “Account Information.”
Select “Username.”
Step 7: Type your new handle in the username box. Similar to Android and iOS devices, Twitter will prompt you to change the handle if it’s taken and offer some available suggestions.
Type your new handle.
You’ll be prompted to change the handle if your desired handle is taken.
Step 8: Click the “Save” button.
Handle vs. Name
It’s easy to confuse your Twitter handle and Twitter name. People use them interchangeably, but the two terms are very different.
While your Twitter handle is your unique identifier that no one else can have, your Twitter display name is a personal identifier and it doesn’t have to be distinct. Twitter names can be up to 50 characters long. It can be your real name, your company name or something playful. Its purpose is to help other accounts find you by typing the display name in the search bar.
The only common thread between them is that they can’t have words like “Twitter” and “Admin” because they’re reserved for official Twitter accounts. Both Twitter handle and display names appear on your account profile and messages.
Note: If you’re looking to change your display name, all you have to do is open your profile and not the settings page.
What if Your Handle Is Taken?
If you’re an existing user and you have the desired Twitter handle in mind, the best thing will be to search for them on Twitter. But, what if the Twitter handle you want is taken by another user? There are a few things you can do:
- Ask the person who has your desired Twitter handle if they’d be willing to give it away.
- If you have a trademarked company, you can issue a complaint with Twitter.
- Get creative — replace some words in the handle with numbers or omit vowels.
- Contact Twitter if the person who has your preferred handle is an inactive user.
- You can add terms like “HQ”, “INC” and location in your username if you’re a business.
Note: Buying and selling Twitter handles violates Twitter guidelines. It will result in your account getting suspended.
Choosing the Right Handle
Like a company’s name, a Twitter handle should also be short, unique and easy to recall.
Here are some best practices you can follow while picking out a Twitter handle:
- Refrain from using numbers or symbols. Adding them makes your username feel cluttered and challenging for your audience to find.
- Use the same username across every social media as it helps with cross-promotions.
- Keep it short to avoid going over the character limit. If your brand name is a mouthful, consider using initials.
- Don’t use keywords because it might give the impression that your profile is a spam account. Use them in your Twitter bio instead.
Conclusion
Now you know how to change a Twitter handle via mobile app and desktop, and what to do if your desired handle is taken. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below.