ProtonMail is a popular secure email service known for its privacy-focused features and end-to-end encryption. Many users choose ProtonMail for its security, but also want to personalize their accounts, including changing their display name.
This article explores whether you can change your name on ProtonMail, how to do it, and what limitations exist.
Understanding “Name” in ProtonMail
When users talk about changing their name on ProtonMail, they are usually referring to the display name shown to email recipients. This name appears in the “From” field when you send emails.
It is important to distinguish between your display name and your actual email address or username, which are usually fixed upon account creation.
Your ProtonMail email address (e.g., [email protected]) is permanent and cannot be changed once set. However, your display name is customizable and can be modified at any time from within your account settings.
Note: Changing your display name does not change your email address. Recipients will still see your original ProtonMail address but with the updated display name.
How to Change Your Display Name on ProtonMail
Changing your display name on ProtonMail is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to update your name:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Log in to your ProtonMail account using a web browser or the ProtonMail app. |
| 2 | Navigate to Settings from the top-right corner (gear icon). |
| 3 | Go to the Identity and Addresses or Account tab, depending on the interface version. |
| 4 | Select the email address whose display name you want to change. |
| 5 | Edit the Display Name field and enter your preferred name. |
| 6 | Save the changes by clicking the Save or Update button. |
After completing these steps, emails you send will show the new display name to recipients. You can repeat this process anytime you wish to update your name.
Can You Change Your ProtonMail Email Address?
Unlike the display name, changing your actual ProtonMail email address is not possible. ProtonMail treats email addresses as unique identifiers linked to your account.
For security and consistency, email addresses are fixed at the time of account registration.
If you want a different email address, the only option is to create a new ProtonMail account with the desired username. You can then import emails or set up forwarding if needed.
Tip: Consider creating an alias if you want to receive emails under a different name without creating a new account. ProtonMail supports aliases for paid users.
Using Aliases and Custom Domains
ProtonMail offers features such as aliases and custom domains, which provide more flexibility with how your name and email address appear to recipients.
| Feature | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Aliases | Additional email addresses linked to your main account. You can send and receive mail using these aliases. | Available for paid ProtonMail plans |
| Custom Domains | Use your own domain name instead of @protonmail.com for your email address. | Available for paid ProtonMail plans |
With aliases, you can assign different display names and addresses for different purposes without changing your main account.
Why Might You Want to Change Your Display Name?
Changing your display name on ProtonMail can serve many purposes. Some common reasons include:
- Reflecting a new personal or professional identity
- Correcting spelling or formatting errors
- Using a nickname or preferred name instead of a legal name
- Branding your email communications for business
Because your display name is flexible, you can tailor it to suit your needs at any moment without affecting your email address or account security.
Important Considerations When Changing Your Display Name
Although changing your display name is easy, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Impact on Recipients | Recipients may be confused if your display name changes frequently or drastically. |
| Consistency | For professional communication, maintain a consistent display name to build recognition. |
| Verification | Display names are not verified by ProtonMail, so use appropriate names to avoid appearing spammy. |
| Account Security | Changing your display name does not affect account security but ensure your password and 2FA are strong. |
How to Change Your Name on ProtonMail Mobile App
Changing your display name on the ProtonMail mobile app is similar to the web interface. Here’s a quick overview:
- Open the ProtonMail app and log in.
- Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
- Select Settings from the menu.
- Go to Identities or Account.
- Choose the email address you want to update.
- Change the Display Name field and save your changes.
Changes are applied immediately, and new emails will show the updated name.
How to Handle Name Changes on ProtonMail If You Have a Custom Domain
For users with custom domains linked to ProtonMail, changing the display name is handled the same way as with standard ProtonMail addresses. The display name is associated with the identity you select, regardless of the domain.
Custom domains offer more flexibility over your email address, but the display name remains a separate parameter that you can update anytime.
What About Official Name Changes (e.g., Legal Name Change)?
If you have legally changed your name and want to reflect this change on your ProtonMail account, updating your display name is sufficient for most communications.
However, if your email address includes your old name and you want a new email address to match your new name, you will need to create a new ProtonMail account or use a custom domain or alias.
Reminder: ProtonMail does not currently offer a service to rename or transfer email addresses between accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I change my ProtonMail username? | No, the username (email address) is fixed and cannot be changed after account creation. |
| Can I have multiple display names for one account? | You can set a single display name per address. Paid plans allow aliases with different display names. |
| Does changing my display name affect email delivery? | No, it only changes how your name appears to recipients. Emails will be delivered as usual. |
| Is it possible to change my display name from the ProtonMail mobile app? | Yes, you can change your display name through the app’s settings under identities or accounts. |
| Will my contacts be notified about my name change? | No, ProtonMail does not notify contacts when you change your display name. |
Summary
Changing your name on ProtonMail typically means updating your display name, which is simple and flexible. You cannot change your actual email address once your account is created.
Paid accounts offer additional options like aliases and custom domains to customize your identity further.
Always consider the purpose of your display name and maintain consistency for professional settings. Whether through the web interface or mobile app, ProtonMail makes it easy to update your display name to suit your preferences.
For any changes involving your email address itself, the only viable method is creating a new account or using aliases if you have a paid plan.
