How to Change Discord Username and Display Name

Discord gives you three names, and most people searching how to change Discord username settings only know about one. Your username is your unique ID, your display name is what people actually see, and server nicknames override both in specific servers.

Mixing them up is why people "change their name" and nothing seems to happen. This guide explains how to change your Discord username, how to change your display name, and which one you actually want.

At a glance - Username: unique, lowercase, 2 to 32 characters, changeable twice a week - Display name: 1 to 32 characters, emoji allowed, change it any time - Server nickname: a different name in one server, overrides your display name there - Display Name Styles: fonts, colours and effects for Nitro members

🆔 Username vs Display Name vs Nickname

Name	What it's for	Rules	How often you can change it
Username	Your unique ID for friend requests	Lowercase a-z, 0-9, _ and . only, 2 to 32 characters	Up to 2 times a week
Display name	How you appear across Discord	Almost anything, including emoji and spaces, 1 to 32 characters	Any time
Server nickname	Your name in one specific server	Set per server	Any time (if the server allows it)

Discord says server and friend nicknames "take priority over display names where they are set."

Discord's illustration of the new username and display name system

Usernames and display names on Discord. Image: Discord.

✏️ How to Change Discord Username

On desktop

Open User Settings (the cog icon).
On My Account, select Edit next to Username.
Type your new username.
Enter your password to confirm.

On mobile

Tap your profile in the bottom right.
Tap Account, then Username.
Enter your new username and save.

Username rules:

2 to 32 characters
Lowercase letters, numbers, underscores ( _ ) and periods ( . ) only
No two periods in a row
Must be unique, so add numbers, underscores or periods if your first choice is taken
Your account must be verified by email or phone

Remember the limit: 2 username changes per week.

😎 How to Change Your Display Name

Your display name is the big name everyone sees in chats and DMs. You can change it as often as you like.

Open User Settings > Profiles (or Edit Profile on mobile).
Edit Display Name.
Save your changes.

Display names can include capital letters, spaces, special characters and emoji. They don't need to be unique, so pick whatever fits your vibe, as long as it follows Discord's Community Guidelines.

🏷️ How to Set a Server Nickname

Want a different name in one server, like your in-game name in a gaming community?

Go to User Settings > Profiles > Per-server Profiles.
Choose the server.
Set your nickname and save.

Server admins can also set nicknames for members, and some servers turn off nickname changes. If you can't change it, ask a moderator.

🎨 Style Your Display Name With Nitro

Display Name Styles let Nitro members change the font, colour and effect of their display name.

Fonts: gg sans, Tempo, Sakura, Jellybean, Modern, Medieval, 8Bit, Vampyre, Monkey Bars, Mainframe, Headbang and Journal
Effects: Solid, Gradient, Neon, Toon, Pop, Gummy and Prism
Colours: presets or a custom colour picker, plus a Surprise Me button

Discord Display Name Styles effects including Solid, Gradient, Neon, Toon, Pop, Gummy and Prism

The Display Name Style effects. Image: Discord.

To set it up, open your profile card, select Edit Profile, then press + under Display Name Style. In servers, only your font shows. Your role colour replaces the colour and effect.

Free users can preview styles but can't save them. Our Discord Nitro vs free comparison covers what else Nitro adds.

🔒 Name Safety Tips

Never pick a name that impersonates Discord, staff, a creator or a brand. Discord doesn't allow it.
Check usernames, not display names, when someone claims to be a friend or a moderator. Display names aren't unique, so scammers copy them.
Don't share your username publicly if you only want friends to add you.

Our Discord privacy settings guide shows how to control who can send you friend requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change my Discord username?

Go to User Settings > My Account, select Edit next to Username, enter a new one and confirm with your password.

How many times can I change my Discord username?

Up to 2 times per week. Your display name can be changed any time.

Why can't I use capital letters in my username?

New Discord usernames are lowercase only. Use your display name for capitals, spaces and emoji.

What's the difference between a username and a display name?

Your username is unique and used to add you as a friend. Your display name is how you appear in chats and doesn't need to be unique.

How do I change my name in just one server?

Set a server nickname under User Settings > Profiles > Per-server Profiles.

🎮 The Bottom Line

Learning how to change your Discord username is simple once you know which name you're changing. Use your username as your unique ID, your display name for personality, and server nicknames for each community.

What's the story behind your Discord name?

Sources

Discord Help Center: How do I change my Username?, updated 24 October 2026
Discord Help Center: New Usernames & Display Names, updated 23 October 2026
Discord Help Center: Discord Display Name Styles FAQ, updated 24 October 2026

How to Change Discord Username and Display Name in 2026