Change Your Name in Microsoft Teams

This guide shows you how to update the name that appears in Microsoft Teams, whether it’s a typo, a legal name change, or a preferred name. You’ll learn the exact steps for both the desktop/web app and the mobile app, plus how to handle name changes when your organization controls it.

What You’ll Need

• Access to Microsoft Teams (desktop, web, or mobile app)
• Sign-in credentials for your Microsoft account or work/school account
• Permission from your IT admin if your organization restricts name changes (see Troubleshooting)

Step-by-Step

On Desktop or Web (Windows, Mac, or browser)

1. Open Microsoft Teams and sign in.
2. Click your profile picture or initials at the top-right corner of the app.
3. From the dropdown menu, select Settings (gear icon).
4. In the Settings window, click the Account tab on the left sidebar.
5. Under the Profile section, you’ll see your current name. Click the Edit (pencil) icon next to it.
6. A pop-up will appear with fields for First name and Last name. Clear the existing text and type your new name.
7. Click Save (or Done) to apply the change.
8. Close the Settings window. Your new name should now appear across Teams (chats, channels, calls).

On Mobile (iOS and Android)

1. Open the Microsoft Teams app and sign in.
2. Tap your profile picture or initials in the top-left corner to open the menu.
3. Tap Settings (gear icon) at the bottom of the menu.
4. Tap your name at the top of the Settings screen.
5. In the Edit Profile screen, tap the pencil icon next to your name.
6. Update the First name and Last name fields.
7. Tap Save (or the checkmark) in the top-right corner.
8. Your name will update across the app.

Common Mistakes

• Editing the wrong profile: Make sure you’re editing your own profile, not a contact’s or a team’s settings.
• Changing name in the wrong place: Some users try to change it via the organization’s directory (like Outlook) — that won’t update Teams directly unless you’re using the same Microsoft account.
• Forgetting to save: If you close the pop-up without clicking Save, your changes are lost.
• Using a nickname that’s too long: Teams has character limits (usually 64 characters for first and last name combined). Keep it short.
• Expecting instant sync: It may take a few minutes for the name to update across all devices and for other users to see it.

Tips

• Use the same name as your email: If your email is john.smith@company.com, using “John Smith” avoids confusion.
• Check your display name in other Microsoft apps: Changing it in Teams may also change it in Outlook, Word, or SharePoint if they share the same profile.
• If you’re a guest: Guests can change their name in Teams, but it may revert to the name in the host organization’s directory.
• For a temporary change: You can use a nickname (e.g., “Johnny”) for a meeting, but it’s better to update your profile permanently.
• Notify your team: After a name change, let your colleagues know so they recognize you in chats and calls.

Troubleshooting

No “Edit” option or the field is grayed out: Your organization’s IT admin may have disabled self-service name changes. In that case, you cannot change it yourself. Contact your IT helpdesk and request the change. They can update it in Azure Active Directory or your on-premises directory.

Name changes but reverts after a while: This usually happens when your organization syncs names from a central directory (like Active Directory). Your local change gets overwritten. You’ll need to ask your admin to update the source directory.

Name doesn’t appear in all places: Sometimes the name updates in the profile but not in the chat header or meeting participant list. Try signing out and back in, or restarting the app. If it persists, wait a few hours — sync can be slow.

Can’t find the Settings gear: On the desktop app, the gear icon is next to your profile picture at the top-right. On mobile, it’s at the bottom of the left menu. If you’re using the web version, the layout is similar to desktop.

Name change works on one device but not another: Make sure you’re signed in with the same account on all devices. If you are, force-close the app and reopen it to refresh the cache.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my display name without admin approval?

Yes, if your organization allows it. The steps above work for most users. If the option is missing, your admin has restricted it.

Will changing my name in Teams change my email address?

No. Your email address is tied to your account, not your display name. Changing your name only affects the name shown in Teams and other Microsoft 365 apps.

How long does it take for the name change to take effect?

Usually instantly, but it can take up to 24 hours for it to sync across all devices and for other people to see it.

Can I use a nickname or a different name for specific teams or channels?

No, Teams uses one profile name for the entire app. You cannot set per-team names.

What if I’m a guest in another organization’s Teams?

As a guest, you can change your name in the guest’s Teams, but it may be overwritten by the name in your home organization. Check with the host admin if you need a permanent change.

Does changing my name affect my meeting recordings or chat history?

No, your past messages and recordings keep the name you had at the time. The new name applies to future activity.

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