It’s time to change your Twitter handle. Maybe you’ve grown tired of the name you chose when you joined in 2007, or maybe it just doesn’t represent who you are anymore.
Maybe you’re a business and you’ve gone through a rebrand or name change.
Whatever the reason, changing your Twitter handle is a quick and easy process that will make logging on more enjoyable than ever before.
In this article we’ll go over how to change your Twitter handle from a mobile app (Apple or Android) or desktop computer. The steps for each method are very similar. Here we go!
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How to change your Twitter handle on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch
- Open the Twitter app on your iOS device.
- Tap “Me” at the bottom of the screen to open your profile page.
- Tap on “Edit.”
- Enter a new username and tap “Done.”
- If you want to change your name as well, click “Change Name,” enter in a new name, and then tap on “Done.”
How to change your Twitter handle from an Android device
- Go to “Settings and privacy”and tap “Account.”
- Tap on “Twitter” and then choose your username.
- Enter a new Twitter handle in the field that appears, and click “OK.”
How to change your Twitter handle from a desktop computer
- Go to www.twitter.com
- Log into your account by entering an email address and password
- Click on the person icon at the top of the screen
- Select “Settings”
- Select “Name” at the bottom of this page
- Type in a new name (optional)
How to choose the right Twitter handle for your business
The best Twitter username or handle for your business is short, memorable, and can be spelled easily. It should also contain the name of your company. For example: the Mercedes Benz Twitter handle is @MercedesBenzUSA.
The reason your Twitter handle should be short and memorable is because you want people to be able to easily find your business on the platform. It’s not the right place to make a joke or be clever. That will make it more difficult for people to find you.
When to have multiple Twitter handles for your business
You may want to have multiple Twitter handles for your business.
For example, you could use @CompanyName and then a secondary handle of @Service1 or something like that. That way, people can find the specific service they’re looking for on Twitter while still following your company’s updates in one place.
Mercedes Benz has a different Twitter handle for their press releases and media requests: @MB_Press.
If you’re a global business, you may want to have a separate Twitter handle for
each country. For example, @USAmerica or @Canada.
Mercedes Benz has different Twitter handles for each country they have a major presence in: @MercedesBenzUSA, @MercedesBenzUK, and @MercedesBenzCDN. This lets them speak directly to their regional audiences, who may each have unique needs and preferences.
What to do if your Twitter handle is taken
If you’ve already got a Twitter account and want to update the username, the best thing to do is search for your desired username on Twitter. If it’s available, then click “Update” and start using that name as soon as possible!
If your desired username is taken, then you have a few options. First, try using just numbers or letters for the first and last name (e.g., @User3201). If that doesn’t work, use only the first letter of each word in your new handle (@UserB1) or just the beginning number (@User8).
Keep trying different variations until you find one that’s available!
If the account that has the same username is an imposter, then you have a different problem.
Here’s what to do if your business name is being used by an imposter or troll on Twitter:
- Report the account to Twitter. This can be done by clicking on the account’s profile and pressing “Report.”
- In your report, mention that this is a false username and that you’re not affiliated with it.
- Copy or take a screenshot of any tweets from the imposter account to show proof of their violation against your name or business.
- Keep in mind that these accounts are violating Twitter’s terms of service agreement, so they may end up getting taken down anyway.
Keeping imposters from stealing your business name on Twitter or impersonating you online is also a good reason to try and get verified. That way, when people see the blue check mark beside your name, they’ll know it’s really you.
For more instructions on how to do that, check out our guide to getting verified on Twitter.
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