This guide shows you how to update your display name in Zoom on iPhone, Android, iPad, and desktop (Windows/Mac). Changing your name ensures colleagues, teachers, or clients see the correct identity during meetings. You can change it permanently in your profile or temporarily during a meeting—steps for both are covered below.
What You’ll Need
- The Zoom app installed on your device (mobile, iPad, or desktop).
- Your Zoom login credentials (email and password, or SSO).
- If changing your name during a meeting, you must be a participant (not required to be host).
Step-by-Step
Change Your Name in Zoom Profile (Permanent Change)
This updates your name across all future meetings and your profile. Do this before joining a meeting for the change to apply automatically.
On iPhone, iPad, or Android (Mobile App)
- Open the Zoom app on your device.
- Tap the Settings tab (gear icon) at the bottom right (iPhone/iPad) or bottom navigation (Android).
- Tap your profile picture or name at the top of the Settings screen.
- Tap Profile (or the pencil icon next to your name).
- Tap the Name field and type your new display name.
- Tap Save (top right corner). Your name is now updated.
On PC (Windows or Mac Desktop App)
- Open the Zoom desktop app and sign in.
- Click your profile picture (top right corner) and select My Profile. This opens your profile in a web browser.
- In the browser, click Edit next to your name.
- Type your new name in the First Name and Last Name fields (or just the display name field if you use a single name).
- Click Save. The change applies to your Zoom account immediately.
Change Your Name During a Meeting (Temporary Change)
This changes your name only for that meeting, without affecting your profile. Useful if you want a nickname or a label like “John (Sales)”.
On iPhone, iPad, or Android (Mobile App)
- While in a meeting, tap the screen to bring up the meeting controls.
- Tap More (three dots) at the bottom right.
- Tap Rename.
- Type your new display name in the text box.
- Tap OK (or Done). The new name appears to all participants.
On PC (Windows or Mac Desktop App)
- During a meeting, click the Participants icon at the bottom toolbar.
- In the Participants panel, hover over your name and click More (three dots) next to it.
- Select Rename.
- Type your new name and click OK.
Common Mistakes
- Changing name in the app but not saving: On mobile, forgetting to tap Save means the change doesn’t stick.
- Using the wrong field: On desktop, editing the name in the meeting window (not the profile) only changes it for that meeting. If you want a permanent change, use the profile method.
- Typing in the chat instead of the name field: Some users accidentally type in the chat box during a meeting, which sends a message instead of renaming.
- Not closing and reopening the app: After a permanent change, the app might still show the old name in some cached views. Fully close and reopen the app to refresh.
Tips
- Use a clear, professional name for work meetings; for personal meetings, you can be more casual.
- If you share a device, ensure you are signed into the correct Zoom account before changing your profile name.
- For recurring meetings, the temporary rename lasts only for that instance; you’ll need to rename again next time.
- If you change your name in the Zoom web portal (zoom.us/profile), it syncs to all devices automatically.
- On mobile, you can also change your name from the Zoom web portal using a browser, which is handy if the app is acting up.
Troubleshooting
- Name change doesn’t appear for others: Others may need to refresh their participant list. Ask them to close and reopen the Participants panel. If that doesn’t work, you may need to leave and rejoin the meeting.
- Rename option is grayed out: The host may have disabled renaming for participants. Contact the host to allow it, or ask them to rename you manually.
- Profile name won’t save: Check your internet connection. If the issue persists, log out of Zoom and log back in, then try again.
- Old name still shows in scheduled meetings: The name in a calendar invite is often captured when the meeting was scheduled. If you’ve changed your profile name, the invite may still show the old one until a new invite is sent.
- Can’t find the rename option on mobile: Make sure your Zoom app is updated to the latest version. The rename option is under “More” in the meeting controls, but older versions may have it directly in the Participants list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on Zoom without an account?
Yes, if you join a meeting as a guest, you can type any name before entering. Once in the meeting, you can also rename yourself if the host allows it.
Will changing my name affect my email or password?
No, your display name is separate from your email and password. It only changes what others see in meetings and your profile.
Can I use emojis or special characters in my Zoom name?
Yes, Zoom allows most Unicode characters, including emojis and symbols. However, some hosts may restrict them, and they might not display correctly on all devices.
How do I change my name on Zoom for a webinar?
In a webinar, you typically can’t rename yourself during the event. You must change your profile name before joining, or the host/panelist can rename you if the option is enabled.
Why does my name keep reverting to the old one?
This usually happens if you only changed it temporarily for a meeting. To make it permanent, update your profile name as described in the first section.
Can I change my name on Zoom using a web browser?
Yes, sign in to zoom.us, go to Profile, click Edit, and change your name there. It will sync to all devices.
Related
General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.
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