Changing your display name on LinkedIn is a quick and easy process that allows you to update how your name appears across the LinkedIn platform. Your display name is an important part of your professional brand and identity on LinkedIn, so you’ll want to make sure it accurately reflects who you are.
Why Change Your LinkedIn Display Name?
There are a few key reasons you may want to update your display name on LinkedIn:
- Your name has changed – If you’ve gotten married, divorced, or legally changed your name, updating your display name will help reflect your new name.
- Your name is misspelled – If there is a typo or error in your display name, changing it will ensure your name appears correctly.
- You want to adjust formatting – You may want to change name capitalization, spacing, or punctuation to ensure consistency.
- You go by a different name – If you commonly go by a nickname, middle name, or abbreviated name, you can update your display name to reflect that.
- You’re job searching – Having an accurate, professional display name can enhance your personal brand when networking and job searching.
- You’re career advancing – As you progress in your career, you may want to update your name to reflect new titles, credentials or designations.
Keeping your display name up-to-date can help ensure you put your best foot forward professionally on LinkedIn.
Step 1: Access Your LinkedIn Account Settings
The first step to changing your display name is accessing your account settings. Here’s how:
- Log into your LinkedIn account on a desktop or mobile browser.
- Click on your profile picture in the top right corner of your homepage.
- Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu.
- Click “Account” on the left side menu.
This will bring you to your account settings page where you can update and manage your account information.
Step 2: Edit Your Display Name
Once you’re on the account settings page, here’s how to edit your display name:
- Under “Profile,” click “Edit” next to your display name.
- Delete your old display name.
- Type your new display name.
- Click the “Save” button.
And that’s it! Your display name will now be updated across your LinkedIn profile and activity.
Step 3: Check Your Public Profile
After changing your display name, it’s a good idea to double check how it looks on your public profile:
- Go back to your homepage and click “View profile.”
- Scroll down and make sure your new display name appears correctly in the intro and “About” sections.
- Click on “Background” and verify your name change under your work experience entries.
- Click “Activity” and check that your new name displays properly on your recent posts and shares.
Spot checking different sections of your profile allows you to confirm the display name change has taken effect everywhere.
Additional Display Name Tips
Here are some additional tips and best practices when changing your LinkedIn display name:
- Be professional – Your name should be appropriate for a business setting.
- Use common spelling – Spell out your name completely to avoid confusion.
- Check character limits – LinkedIn allows up to 100 characters for your display name.
- Add credentials – You can include professional credentials or titles like “PhD” or “M.D.”
- Use punctuation wisely – Periods, commas and hyphens in names should follow standard conventions.
- Avoid special characters – Symbols like @, #, and * can cause issues and complications.
- Update other networks – In addition to LinkedIn, update your name on other social networks and professional profiles.
What Happens to Your LinkedIn URL?
When you change your display name on LinkedIn, your public profile URL will remain the same. For example, if your URL is:
www.linkedin.com/in/john-smith
It will stay the same even if you change your display name to “Johnathan Smith” or “J. Smith.” Your unique LinkedIn URL will not be affected by display name changes.
Changing Your Name Legally on LinkedIn
If you change your name legally, LinkedIn does allow you to change your primary name on your account. This updates your name across the platform, including your profile URL. Here’s how to legally change your name on LinkedIn:
- Go to your account settings and privacy page.
- Under Account, select “Change” next to your legal name.
- Enter your new legal name and save changes.
- Upload a copy of your legal documentation confirming name change.
- Submit a request to change your LinkedIn URL to match new name.
LinkedIn will review your name change request and documentation. Once approved, your primary name and profile URL will be updated to reflect your new legal name.
Conclusion
Changing your display name on LinkedIn only takes a few steps, but can have a big impact on your personal brand and profile. Keeping your display name current ensures accuracy, professionalism, and consistency across your LinkedIn presence. Take advantage of LinkedIn’s account settings to seamlessly update and manage your name anytime needed.