How to Change Your Name in Slack (Display Name & Full Name)
How to change your display name and full name in Slack on desktop and mobile, the difference between the two, and what to do if the fields are locked.
Whether you want to go by a nickname, fix a typo, or add your last name so people can find you, changing your name in Slack takes under a minute. First, it helps to know which name you’re actually changing.
Display name vs. full name
Slack has two name fields:
- Full name — your real name, shown on your profile.
- Display name — the name shown next to your messages in channels and DMs. This can be a nickname or shortened name. If you leave it empty, Slack falls back to your full name.
Most people set a display name so they show up as “Alex” instead of “Alexandra Chen,” while keeping their full name accurate for the directory.
Change your name on desktop
- Click your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select Profile, then Edit Profile.
- Update the Full name and/or Display name fields.
- Click Save Changes.
Change your name on mobile (iOS & Android)
- Tap You in the bottom-right corner.
- Tap your profile picture, then Edit Profile.
- Edit your name fields.
- Tap Save.
If the name field is locked
Some workspaces sync names with a company directory and lock the fields to keep them consistent. If you see a lock icon or the field is greyed out, a workspace owner or admin manages it — reach out to them to make the change.
While you’re tidying your profile, it’s worth making sure the rest is complete too. A recognizable name paired with a real photo makes a big difference in busy channels — see how to change your Slack avatar and how to update your other profile fields.
For admins keeping a whole workspace consistent, Tidybot can remind members whose profiles are missing a full name or photo, so recognizable profiles don’t depend on everyone remembering.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the difference between display name and full name in Slack?
- Your full name is your real name on your profile. Your display name is the name shown in conversations, and it can be a shorter version or a nickname. If you leave the display name blank, Slack shows your full name instead.
- Why can't I change my name in Slack?
- Some workspaces lock the name fields so they stay consistent with a company directory. If the field is greyed out or shows a lock icon, it's managed by a workspace owner or admin, and you'll need to ask them to change it.
- Does changing my display name notify my team?
- No. Updating your name doesn't send any notification. The new name simply starts appearing next to your messages across the workspace.
