How To Change Discord Name, In 3 Steps

Key Points

• Discord now requires unique usernames, disallowing duplicates and only allowing lowercase letters, periods, and underscores.
• You can change your Discord account name twice per hour, and it takes effect immediately.
• Changing your display name is a simple process, but it must adhere to Discord’s terms and conditions.

We’ve all had to change our Discord name at some point. Whether you’ve outgrown your current handle or want something unique, the need to change your Discord identity is all too real sometimes. However, we’re all on the cusp of updating our Discord tags thanks to new policies.

Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to change your Discord name. Of course, we’ll cover a few rules and guidelines first. Then, we’ll show you how to change your handle and revamp your Discord identity.

Changing Discord Name – The Rules

Sometimes back, Discord allowed users to choose cool usernames. You could pick anything you wanted! Even if a username was unavailable (taken by another member), you could use it too. Unfortunately, things have changed. Discord set rules regarding which names we can use and when.

First, you can’t have the same username as someone else. You can’t create a username with uppercase letters or special characters (you can only use Latin symbols). With the four-digit identifier going away, you can’t duplicate anyone else’s usernames. The platform also doesn’t allow users to impersonate Discord or the system.

Usernames can only have lowercase letters, periods (.), and underscores (_). Discord figured this would make it easier to find your friends. However, most of us must change our Discord name very soon.

Lastly, you will have a Discord name and a display name. Then, you have a server-based nickname (assuming the admins let you change your handle).

How to Change Your Discord Name: Step-by-Step

If you want to change your Discord account name (the one everyone searches for), you can do it in a few seconds. However, you can only change it twice each hour. So, go crazy, but not too crazy.

Assuming you’ve picked out the perfect name already you can simply follow the step-by-step guide below. However, you might also want to check out the quick video below which shows you how to change your name on Discord.

Step 1: Click the User Settings Cog

Launch Discord and click on the Settings cog in the lower left corner (next to your existing username).

Step 2: Click Edit

Locate the Username box and click Edit to the right.

Step 3: Type Your New Username

Now, type your new Discord name and click Done when ready to submit it!

That’s all you have to do. Your new username will take effect immediately.

How to Change Your Discord Display Name

Your display name on Discord is the one everyone sees when you join a Discord server. The name travels with you from server to server, and it can be nearly anything you like (assuming you aren’t violating Discord’s T&Cs, of course). The process to change your display name is simple.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Click the Account Settings Cog

Launch the Discord app on your desktop or visit the website and log into your account. Then, look at the lower left corner (next to your current username) and click the Settings cog.

Step 2: Click Edit User Profile

A new window will appear. Click the Edit User Profile option.

Step 3: Create a New Discord Name

Now, type a new Discord display name. Then, click Save Changes at the bottom of the page.

How to Change Your Nickname on Discord

Want to add a little more personality to your Discord server? You can change your nickname for the server only. If this sounds appealing to you, follow these steps:

Step 1: Click Your Username

Open the Discord server and click on your username in the members list to the right.

Step 2: Click the Pen Icon

A small pop-up window will appear. Click the pen icon in the top right corner of the pop-up window.

Step 3: Click Server Profile

A smaller window will appear with two options. Click the option for Server Profile.

Step 4: Type Your New Discord Nickname

Type your new nickname in the Server Nickname box. Then, click Save Changes.

Discord’s New Name Change Policy (2023)

Per Discord, a name change is necessary to help users find their friends (if we’re being sincere, it is a pain to find friends right now). While we aren’t exactly jumping for joy (some of us could lose our Discord names entirely due to duplications), we are excited that it’s now easier to find friends.

Discord is slowly rolling out the new username updates to every user, and you’ll get a notification when it’s your turn.

Change Your Discord Name on the Mobile App

You’ll know it’s your turn when you launch Discord and see a Please Update Your Username pop-up. Tap Get Started in the pop-up window and then enter your new display name (the one everyone on Discord sees), and click Next. On the next window, type your new Discord name (all lowercase), and tap Submit.

Change Your Discord Name on a Desktop

On a desktop, you may not see a pop-up icon. But you will see a red Action Needed dot in the user settings. Follow the instructions above, and the Discord desktop app or site will guide you through the name change process.

Wrap Up

Have you found the perfect username and can’t wait to show it off? Follow the steps above and completely recreate your Discord persona. While the name change policy recently became more challenging, changing your Discord username is simple.

Summary Table

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Diego Thomazini/Shutterstock.com.