Amazon is one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world, offering millions of products and a wide array of services. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or simply someone who loves to leave reviews, you might wonder about the display name associated with your Amazon account.
The display name is the name shown alongside your product reviews, wish lists, and sometimes on public profiles related to your Amazon activity.
If you’re concerned about privacy or simply want to personalize how your name appears, you may ask: Can I change my display name on Amazon? The answer is yes, but the steps and considerations involved may vary depending on your account type and the context in which your display name is used.
Changing your display name on Amazon is a straightforward process, but understanding the implications and best practices can help you maintain your privacy and ensure your account details remain secure.
What Is a Display Name on Amazon?
A display name on Amazon refers to the name visible to other users when you interact within the Amazon ecosystem. This could be when you:
- Write product reviews
- Create or share wish lists
- Participate in Amazon forums
- Sell items as an individual or a business
Your display name is different from your real name or the name associated with your payment or shipping details. It is intended to give you a layer of anonymity or branding.
For many users, this is an important aspect of their online privacy.
Why Change Your Display Name?
There are several reasons why you might want to change your display name on Amazon:
- Privacy: To prevent your real name from appearing publicly.
- Personalization: To express your personality or interests.
- Branding: For sellers, a unique display name can help with brand recognition.
- Security: To avoid targeted spam or unwanted contact.
Tip: Avoid using sensitive or personally identifiable information in your display name to maintain your privacy on public listings and reviews.
How to Change Your Display Name on Amazon (Step-by-Step)
Changing your display name is a simple process that can be done in a few minutes. The method varies slightly depending on whether you’re a buyer or a seller.
For Regular Amazon Users (Buyers and Reviewers)
- Log in to your Amazon account.
- Hover over Accounts & Lists at the top right corner and select Your Account.
- Under the Ordering and shopping preferences section, click on Profile.
- On your profile page, click the Edit your public profile button.
- Locate the Public Name field and enter your new display name.
- Click Save to apply the changes.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Log in to Amazon |
| 2 | Go to Your Account |
| 3 | Access Your Profile |
| 4 | Edit Public Profile |
| 5 | Enter New Display Name |
| 6 | Save Changes |
After saving, your new display name will be reflected on your reviews, wish lists, and profile. Note that this change does not alter your account login information or billing/shipping details.
For Amazon Sellers
If you’re an Amazon seller, your display name is essentially your Seller Display Name. This is the name buyers see when they view your products or storefront.
- Log in to your Amazon Seller Central account.
- Click on Settings in the top right corner.
- Select Account Info from the drop-down menu.
- Under Business Information, click on Display Name.
- Edit your display name and click Submit.
Once updated, your new seller display name will be visible to customers across the Amazon marketplace.
Note: Your new seller display name must comply with Amazon’s Seller Display Name Guidelines. Avoid using prohibited words, trademarks you don’t own, or misleading information.
What Happens After You Change Your Display Name?
Once you change your display name, the update is usually immediate, but in some cases, it may take up to 24 hours to reflect across all Amazon platforms. Your new display name will appear on your public profile, product reviews, and wish lists.
If you are a seller, the updated seller display name will be visible on your storefront and product detail pages. However, changing your display name does not impact your seller feedback, product listings, or account history.
| Activity | Display Name Shown? |
|---|---|
| Product Reviews | Yes |
| Wish Lists (if public) | Yes |
| Seller Storefront | Yes (for sellers) |
| Order Confirmation/Receipts | No |
| Shipping Labels | No |
Common Issues When Changing Your Display Name
While changing your display name is generally a smooth process, you might encounter some challenges:
- Name Not Updating: It may take some time for the new name to show everywhere. Try logging out and back in or clearing your browser cache.
- Guidelines Violation: If your new name contains restricted words or offensive language, Amazon might prevent the change.
- Technical Errors: Sometimes, technical glitches can prevent the name from updating. If this happens, contact Amazon customer support.
If you run into persistent problems, the Amazon Help Center offers troubleshooting guides and customer service contact options to resolve display name issues.
Best Practices for Choosing a Display Name
Selecting the right display name is crucial for your privacy and online presence. Consider these best practices:
- Avoid Personal Information: Don’t include your full name, address, phone number, or other identifiers.
- Stay Professional: If you’re a seller or reviewer, a professional name builds credibility.
- Be Unique: Choose a name that stands out but isn’t misleading or easily confused with other users or brands.
- Follow Amazon Policies: Review and adhere to Amazon’s display name guidelines.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Use a nickname or pseudonym | Include your full legal name |
| Consider brand consistency | Use offensive or misleading terms |
| Keep it short and memorable | Impersonate others or use trademarks |
| Double-check spelling | Reveal personal contact info |
How Often Can You Change Your Display Name?
Amazon does not set a strict limit on how many times you can change your display name. However, frequent changes may raise suspicion or confusion among buyers, especially for sellers.
It’s wise to pick a name you’re comfortable with for the long term.
Repeatedly changing your seller display name could also impact your brand’s recognition and trust. For regular users, frequent changes might make it harder for friends or followers to identify your wish lists or reviews.
Does Changing Your Display Name Affect Your Account?
Your display name is separate from your login credentials, payment methods, and shipping information. Changing it will not affect your orders, saved addresses, or payment methods.
For sellers, changing the display name does not impact your product listings, ratings, or business information other than the public name shown to customers.
Important: If you need to update your legal name, email, or other sensitive account information, you must do so through the appropriate sections in your Amazon account settings, not through the display name field.
Privacy Considerations
Privacy is a major concern for many Amazon users. Your display name is visible wherever your public activity is shown—this includes reviews, wish lists (if set to public), and community participation.
To enhance your privacy:
- Set your wish lists to private if you do not want them linked to your public profile.
- Use a pseudonym or a generic username as your display name.
- Regularly review your public profile settings to control what information is visible to others.
Special Cases: Amazon Family Accounts and Kids’ Profiles
If you use Amazon Household or have created profiles for children (such as for Kindle FreeTime or Amazon Kids+), display names function a bit differently. Each child’s profile can have its own nickname, which is only visible within your account and is not public.
For Amazon Household profiles, the process for changing display names is similar to that of regular accounts but may require parental or account administrator access.
Amazon Community and Forums
When participating in Amazon forums or the community, your display name shows next to your posts and replies. The steps to change your display name for forum participation are the same as those listed above for regular users.
Some users prefer to keep a separate display name for forums and reviews for additional privacy; however, Amazon currently uses a single display name across all community interactions.
FAQ: Changing Your Display Name on Amazon
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I use emojis or special characters in my display name? | Amazon may restrict certain special characters or emojis. Stick to letters, numbers, and simple punctuation for best results. |
| Will my previous reviews update with my new display name? | Yes. All past reviews and public contributions will display your new name. |
| Can I hide my display name entirely? | No, Amazon requires a public name for community and review visibility. However, you can choose a pseudonym. |
| Will customers see my display name when they purchase items? | Buyers only see the seller display name if you are a seller. For buyers, your name is not shown on receipts or order details. |
| Can I change my display name on the mobile app? | Yes, the process is similar. Go to your profile via the app’s settings and edit your public name. |
Summary
Changing your display name on Amazon gives you control over how you appear to others, whether as a buyer, reviewer, or seller. The process is straightforward and only takes a few minutes.
Your display name helps protect your privacy and can be an important part of your online identity, especially for those building a brand or maintaining anonymity.
Remember to follow Amazon’s guidelines when choosing a new display name. Avoid sensitive information, keep it appropriate and professional, and make sure it aligns with your intended use.
If you run into issues, Amazon’s help resources and customer support can provide additional guidance.
In summary: Yes, you can change your display name on Amazon. Doing so is easy and gives you the flexibility to determine how you’re seen across the platform’s public and community features.
Resources
Taking the time to set or update your Amazon display name is a small step that can make a big difference in your comfort and confidence while using the platform. Make sure to review your settings periodically to keep your account information up to date and secure.
