Changing your nickname on a Discord server lets you display a name that fits that specific community without altering your global username. You can do this on both the desktop web app and the mobile app; the steps are nearly identical, and you can change it as often as you like, provided the server allows it.
What You’ll Need
- A Discord account (free or Nitro).
- Access to the server where you want to change your nickname.
- Permission from the server: the server owner must have enabled the “Change Nickname” permission for your role. If not, the option will be grayed out or hidden.
Step-by-Step
On Web (Browser)
- Open Discord in your browser and log in.
- On the left sidebar, click the server icon (or name) where you want to change your nickname.
- Look at the member list on the right side of the screen. Find your own username (it will be at the top of the list, often highlighted).
- Right-click your username. A context menu appears.
- Click Change Nickname. A small pop-up window appears with a text field.
- Type your desired nickname. It can contain letters, numbers, spaces, and most special characters (but not emojis unless you have Nitro).
- Click the blue Save button. Your nickname updates immediately for everyone on that server.
On Mobile (iOS/Android)
- Open the Discord app and log in.
- Tap the server icon on the left sidebar to enter the server.
- Tap the server name at the top of the screen. This opens the server menu.
- Scroll down and tap Settings (gear icon).
- In the Settings menu, tap Nickname (it’s under “Profile”).
- Type your new nickname in the text field.
- Tap Save (top right corner). Your nickname changes immediately.
Note: On mobile, you can also tap your own name in the member list (if visible) and then tap “Change Nickname” from the pop-up menu.
Common Mistakes
- Typing in the wrong field: On web, the pop-up might default to your global username. Make sure you’re editing the “Server Nickname” field, not the “Username” field.
- Using characters the server restricts: Some servers have moderation bots that auto-reject nicknames with certain words or symbols. If you get an error, try a simpler name.
- Forgetting to save: On mobile, if you tap outside the text field before hitting Save, your change is discarded.
- Assuming you can change it everywhere: Some servers disable nickname changes entirely. If the option is missing, it’s not you—it’s the server settings.
Tips
- Use a nickname that’s easy to remember: If you’re in a large server, a unique nickname helps others recognize you.
- Check the server rules: Many communities have naming conventions (e.g., include your timezone or role). Read the rules channel first.
- You can change it back anytime: Just repeat the steps and type your original username or any other name.
- Nitro users: You can use animated emojis in your nickname if you have Nitro, but only if the server allows it.
- Mobile trick: If you can’t find the member list, tap the three horizontal lines at the top left to open the channel list, then tap the member icon (two people) at the top right.
Troubleshooting
I don’t see the “Change Nickname” option.
This means the server owner has disabled nickname changes for your role. You cannot override this. Contact a server admin and ask them to enable the “Change Nickname” permission for your role, or ask them to change it for you manually.
I get an error “Nickname cannot be empty” or “Invalid nickname”.
You’re likely trying to use a name that’s too long (max 32 characters) or contains characters that Discord blocks (like some emojis without Nitro). Shorten it and try again.
My nickname changed but reverted after a few minutes.
This could be a moderation bot that automatically resets nicknames that don’t follow the server’s rules. Check the server’s rules or ask a mod.
I changed it on web but it didn’t update on mobile.
Discord syncs instantly. Close and reopen the app, or pull down to refresh the member list. If it still shows the old name, log out and log back in.
The nickname field is grayed out on mobile.
Same as the missing option on web—your role lacks permission. You can’t fix it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my nickname on a server without being a member?
No, you must be a member of the server to change your nickname there.
Is changing my nickname on a server the same as changing my username?
No. Your username is global (appears on all servers) and is tied to your account. A server nickname only affects that one server.
Can I set a nickname that is the same as someone else’s?
Yes, Discord allows duplicate nicknames within a server. However, each user still has a unique discriminator (like #1234) or a unique username.
Does the server owner see my original username?
Yes, server admins and moderators can always see your global username, even if you set a nickname.
Can I use emojis in my nickname?
Standard emojis work for everyone. Custom emojis from other servers require Nitro, and even then, they may not display if the server blocks them.
Will my nickname carry over to other servers?
No, each server has its own nickname for you. You can set a different nickname in every server you join.
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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