Changing your nickname on your iPhone depends entirely on where that nickname is used. There isn't a single "nickname" setting on the iPhone itself. Your nickname might be associated with different apps, services, or contacts. This guide breaks down how to change it in the most common scenarios.
How to Change Your Nickname in Contacts
This is the most straightforward way to change how your name appears to others in your contacts list. Many apps pull contact information from your iPhone's contacts, so changing your nickname here often cascades to other apps.
- Open the Contacts app: Locate the Contacts app icon on your home screen and tap it to open.
- Find your contact: Scroll through your contacts list until you find your own contact entry. You might have added yourself previously, or it may have been created when you set up your iPhone.
- Edit your contact: Tap on your contact card to open it. Tap the "Edit" button (usually in the top right corner).
- Modify your nickname: You'll see fields for "First," "Last," "Phone," and other information. The field where you change your nickname depends on how you've previously saved your name. You can edit the "First" and "Last" names to create the desired nickname or add a "Nickname" field if one does not already exist.
- Save your changes: Tap "Done" to save the updated contact information.
How to Change Your Nickname on iMessage
iMessage uses your name as displayed in your iPhone's Contacts app. Therefore, updating your nickname within the Contacts app will automatically update it in iMessage. However, if you want a different name for iMessage than the one on your contact card:
- This is currently not possible directly within iMessage itself. You must change your contact information as described above.
How to Change Your Nickname on Other Apps and Games
Many apps and games allow for the creation of usernames or display names. These are often separate from your iPhone's contact information. The process varies significantly between apps:
- Check the app's settings: Look for a "Profile," "Settings," or "Account" section. Within these settings, you should find an option to change your username, display name, or nickname.
- Consult the app's help or FAQ section: If you can't find the option directly, look for help documentation or frequently asked questions related to profile information or nicknames.
- Contact the app's support team: If all else fails, contact the app's support team for assistance with changing your nickname.
How to Change Your Apple ID Nickname
Your Apple ID is separate from your contact information and is mainly related to your account on Apple services like the App Store, iCloud, and more. Changing your Apple ID nickname requires some different steps.
- This option is also limited. You can update some aspects of your Apple ID, but there isn't a direct "nickname" field. You mainly adjust your name as it appears on your Apple ID account.
How Do I Change My Nickname on Social Media?
This is entirely dependent on each social media platform. Each app or website has its own processes for modifying your profile name. You typically need to navigate to your profile settings to find this option. Here are a few examples:
- Facebook: Go to your profile, tap "About," and then edit your name.
- Instagram: Tap your profile picture, go to "Edit Profile," and change your name.
- Twitter: Tap your profile picture, then go to "Edit profile" and update your name.
Remember to check each individual app's help section for specific instructions.
This comprehensive guide should help you manage your nicknames across various platforms. Remember that changing your nickname in one place doesn't automatically update it everywhere. You need to adjust it individually on each app or service.
