How to change Twitter handle: Guide for teens and parents

Changing your ID on social media can be a routine matter due to a variety of personal and professional reasons. Twitter (now X) is a widely popular platform for socializing with every profile having a unique handle to differentiate from others. So, if you created a profile in the start, you may want to know how to change Twitter handle in the future.

In this article, you’ll learn everything about the Twitter handle, its requirements, and how to change it on different devices. We’ll also discuss scenarios and situations related to changing handles with a special focus on kids and teens. As parents, you’ll have insights and tips to ensure your kids’ overall safety while they get involved in such activities.

What is a Twitter handle?

Every Twitter account has a unique name that separates one ID from others. It’s a unique username that follows after the “@” symbol which is written at the beginning of a unique username. For example, a Twitter username can be @twritteruser123. Once you set your Twitter handle, you can change it to a new one only if it is available.

This unique username helps Twitter identify your account and it separates your account from others. That’s why no two Twitter accounts can have the same username. Due to this reason, new users find it difficult to set their handle name as per their choice because most usernames or Twitter handles are already taken.

It is important to note that there is a difference between the Twitter handle and display name. A display name can be anything you want irrespective of the fact that it is previously taken or used by other Twitter users or not.

A handle always starts with “@”. It is unique and used for tagging or mentioning a profile in Twitter. It also helps as a direct link to your Twitter profile.

A display name is visible prominently on your Twitter profile and posts. It can be anything as per your choice. You are free to set your real name as your Twitter profile. Brands can set their original names as their Twitter display names. You can also use emojis in your display name. You can also change your username, keeping the same handle name.

Things to know before changing your Twitter handle

If you want to change your Twitter handle, you must have an idea of the Twitter rules and how it may affect your profile and Twitter contacts and profile engagements. Let’s discuss briefly below:

Twitter handle rules and requirements:

Twitter or X has a specific set of rules and guidelines for changing your Twitter handle. Let’s discuss them below:

• Character limits: Your handle must remain within 4 to 15 characters without counting the “@” sign. So, if you choose to set a handle for 3 or below and 16 or above characters, it will show an error. People try to make shorter handles so that people can easily remember and relate to it in the future.
• Allowed characters: As per Twitter rules, you can only use letters from A to Z, numbers from 0 to 9 and underscores “_” only in your Twitter handles. You cannot use anything other than these. For example, you cannot use space, emojis, and punctuation marks.
• How often you can change your Twitter handle?: There is no specified timeline or the minimum number of days you have to wait before changing your handle. However, you can change your handle multiple times occasionally, but you need to check if the desired handle is available.

What happens after changing your Twitter handle?

You need to keep some factors in mind while you change your Twitter handle. Let’s discuss them briefly below:

• Followers: You don’t lose your followers if you change your handle. But you may lose your potential new followers and Twitter connections due to the confusion about your exact Twitter handle. This may happen if you frequently change your Twitter handle.
• Tweets: Your tweets will remain unchanged if you change your handle. But if other Twitter users have mentioned your previous Twitter handle in their tweets or comments, that mention will no longer link to your profile.
• Profile links: Your Twitter profile URL link automatically updates to the new handle. If other people had mentioned your old profile handle, it will no longer link to your profile unless they update their posts. Any external links such as websites and bios that have mentioned your previous Twitter handle will also stop working unless they update their posts with your new handle.
• Will old mentions still work? No. Old mentions to your previous handle will stop working. If someone clicks to your mention with the previous handle, they will not find your profile.

How to change Twitter handle on Android phone?

It’s very easy to change to your Twitter handle via the Twitter (X) app on your Android device. Just follow the steps below:

• Step 1. Open the X app on your phone and tap your profile picture on the top left corner of the app.

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• Step 2. You will see a side navigation menu. Tap “Setting & Support.”

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• Step 3. You will see another option named “Setting and privacy.” Tap that option.  
• Step 4. Tap the “Your account” option.

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• Step 5. Tap “Account information.” Here you will have all of your information, including username (handle), phone, email address, and country.

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• Step 6. Tap your username.
• Step 7. You will find your username after the “@” sign. Just tap your username, delete it and type new.
• Step 8. Provide your password and confirmation if promoted and your username will change.

After you apply the changes to your Twitter handle and save your choices, your new Twitter handle will become active immediately. If you have a professional Twitter account (brand, influencer, celebrity, etc), it would be wise to announce that you are changing your Twitter handle so that your followers are not confused later on.

How to change Twitter handle on desktop

Just like your phone, you can also change your Twitter handle on your desktop. Just follow these steps for a quick and easy understanding:

• Step 1. Log in to your X account on your desktop’s browser and click “More” on the left hand side of the X interface.

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• Step 2. From the list of options that appear, click “Settings and Privacy.”
• Step 3. Go to “Your account” and then click “Account information.”

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• Step 4. The app will ask for your account password because you are about to access critical information of your account. Enter the password. Another screen will appear with all of your information. Click the first option of “username.”
• Step 5. Another screen will appear saying “Change username.” Just write the username you want as your new Twitter handle.

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• Step 6. If there is no red highlight by Twitter, it means that the Twitter username is available. Just click “Save.”

Your Twitter account will have a new handle now.

Why can’t I change my Twitter handle?

There may be certain reasons if you are facing issues with changing your handle. The problem may be related to the Twitter policies, availability, and possible account restrictions by Twitter.

Let’s discuss few of the possible reasons below:

Username already taken:  If the username or the Twitter handle is already taken by some other Twitter user, you will not be able to take that username for your account. That’s why they call it a unique username so that there is no doubling or confusion. Even if your required handle or username is inactive, you will still not be able to use that handle for your account. The only option is to use a username or handle that is slightly similar to the one you require by adding variations to it, like numbers, etc.

Twitter handle policy violations: As we discussed earlier in this article, you have to follow the Twitter requirements for the handle. You need to keep your Twitter handle between 4 to 15 characters and you can only use alphabets, numbers, and the underscore sign in the Twitter handle. Furthermore, Twitter discourages making Twitter handles that try to impersonate others (brands or public figures). You cannot also make a handle that’s disrespectful to a certain race or religion and if it is abusive.

Temporary limits or account restrictions: If you are unable to change your Twitter handle, it may also be due to the limitations I posed to your profile by Twitter. If you have changed your username multiple times recently, you may face limitations and restrictions that don’t allow you to change your handle again. Twitter may also take action if you follow many accounts abruptly, considering your account as a bot or scam. These restrictions are usually short-term. You will be able to change your handle when Twitter lifts restrictions from your account.

Account safety flags: Just like other official social media platforms, Twitter also ensured that profiles on its platform are safe. Twitter may prevent a handle from changing if your account is under security and safety scrutiny by the platform. If your account has suspicious login activities, undergoes password tweak attempts, and many people have reported your profile, your account may face safety flag restrictions. During that flag, you cannot change your Twitter handle. In such cases, Twitter may ask you to verify your account using phone and email, etc.

Why teens change their Twitter handles?

According to a 2024 study by Perspective Media, as many as 7 children out of 10 are exposed to inappropriate content online and strangers usually contact children aged between 9 to 13.

Teens are going through the highly transitional stage of their life. They may act very differently to respond to their quickly changing hormones. That allows for their behaviour on social media also.

Let’s quickly discuss some of the reasons why teens change their Twitter handles in the section below:

• Avoiding unwanted attention or bullying: Teens are highly prone to getting through unwanted attention from adults and teens of their age. This especially happens between opposite genders. If a teen doesn’t want such attention from other users, he or she may choose to change the Twitter handle to change the identity. If a teenage girl or a boy doesn’t want to reveal his or her real identity via the handle, he or she may decide to change it and use a fake name instead. Some teens also face cyberbullying by adults. They may also want to change their handles to avoid such unwanted incidents.
• Rebranding for new interests or fandoms: Teens are largely involved in exploring different interests. This behaviour reflects in their online activities, especially on social platforms like Twitter. So, if a teen has used his or her real identity in a Twitter profile, he or she may change it so that other users don’t know about his or her recent interests. Apart from the interests of hobbies, a teen may also change the handle to start following the official accounts on Twitter out of fandom. If teens want to follow celebrities that are not accepted in their social circle, he or she may start following those celebrities secretly by using new handles.
• Hiding accounts from parents or teachers: Teens may also want to keep musing their Twitter accounts while letting their parents and teachers think that they are not present on social media. That’s because teens usually prefer to have their online privacy. If they want to follow certain Twitter profiles about which they don’t want their parents or teachers to know, they can do it by changing their handles. This way, they will feel more liberty in sharing their thoughts and do interactive sessions via tweets, comments, and sharing other media.

How parents can monitor kid’s Twitter handle changes

Parents have the natural responsibility of keeping a close check on their kids’ activities on online platforms like Twitter. But how would you know if your kids change their Twitter handles? This is especially pertinent when they change their handles to keep them hidden from you.

Let’s find out some of the solutions below:

• Checking profile history manually: Although it may be tiresome and challenging to check your kids’ profiles manually, you can still do it to address your innate concerns regarding your kid’s safety. You can have a close at your kids’ current handle, their profile picture, bio, and tweets. If you notice any change in their description and activities, you can be certain that they may have changed their handles. You can also check whether their older posts mention a different username or not. There is no data sharing by Twitter about Twitter handle changes. You have to check that manually for your kids by accessing their Twitter accounts.
• Talking openly about online identity: As parents, it’s your responsibility to teach them digital etiquette and online norms. You must talk openly with your kids about how they have to protect and present their identity on social media platforms. You can tell them that it’s not always necessary to reveal every truth about their real identities on Twitter and other platforms. You must teach them about the importance and effects of having a unique username on Twitter that can directly point to your profile. You can encourage your kids to share their episodes of facing cyberbullying and inappropriate content so that you can guide them safely.
• Use FlashGet Kids to monitor behaviour patterns: The most effective way of having all the knowledge about your kids activities is by using a reliable parental control app like FlashGet Kids. This app gives all the information of your kid’s activities on their phones. You get instant notifications on your phone about every activity your kids perform on their phones. So, if they change their Twitter handle, you can come to know about it via this app. You can completely monitor your kid’s social media usage time and can also limit the screen time of your kids to ensure their safety. You can easily detect new or hidden social media accounts via this app. You will get instant alerts when your kid’s social behaviour changes.

Tips for choosing a safe Twitter handle

Now, let’s discuss smart and safe ways for choosing a safe Twitter handle:

• Avoid personal information (age, school, location): You must tell your kids not to use their real names, age, school name, or phone numbers in the handle.
• Don’t use suggestive or risky usernames: Always use safe handles so that you can avoid online harassment and cyberbullying interactions. Such negative impressions and experiences may impose long-term effects on a child’s personality.
• Keep handles consistent and recognizable: It is very important to keep your Twitter handle simple and easy to remember. You can set it as per your interest, nickname, or a hobby. Avoid raising Twitter’s eyebrows for your account by not changing handles frequently.
• Parental guidance: Helping kids choose age-appropriate usernames: Parents must ensure that their kids use appropriate usernames. You can sit with them to discuss and finalize usernames for their Twitter accounts. This will create an interactive environment with your kids and they will consider you as their safety guides.

Conclusion

Changing your username or handle on Twitter is not a very common practice by most Twitter users. Once a Twitter handle is established, most people stick to that username. But it is also very important to know how to change Twitter handle. Kids and teens may have to change their handles due to a variety of reasons. But as parents, you must take action if your kids change their handles frequently. You can use FlashGet Kids app to have a complete visibility of all of your kid’s activities right on your own phone and protect them from unsafe online content.