How to Change Name on Zoom: Step-by-Step Guide [2025]

I know that how to change name on Zoom is super important if you want to look professional during your meetings.

If you want to update display name before you join a meeting or need to quickly rename on Zoom while you're already talking to people, there are several easy ways to go about this.

I've tested all the methods to change your Zoom name on different devices, and I'm going to walk you through each one of them; computer, phone and web.

And hey, if you need high-quality AI meeting summaries, with speaker identification, topic detection and best of all, without bots interrupting your meeting, then, I personally recommend our tool, Jamie.

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Now let's get started with this complete Zoom name settings guide that I've put together for you for 2025!

You'll be able to change your name in no time, I promise!

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How to Change Your Name During an Active Zoom Meeting?

You're in a Zoom meeting and you need to rename yourself on Zoom. Maybe you made a typo, or perhaps you need to add your title before an important presentation.

However, whether you can change Zoom name during a meeting depends on what the host has set up. If they've turned off this feature, you won't see the option to change your name at all.

Don't worry though!

I'm going to show you exactly how to update your Zoom name during a meeting.

Just follow these simple steps based on the device you're using.

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Rename Yourself on Zoom (Windows/Mac/Linux)

Step 01: Join a Zoom Meeting on Your Zoom Desktop App.

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Step 02: Look at the Bottom of Your Screen Where All the Controls Are and Click on Participants.

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Step 03: Find Your Name in the Participants Panel and Move Your Mouse Over It.

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Step 04: You'll See Those Three Little Dots (...) Next to Your Name - Go Ahead and Click on Them.

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Step 05: A Menu Will Drop Down - Click on Rename.

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Step 06: A Small Box Will Pop Up Where You Can Type in Your New Name.

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Step 07: Rename Yourself and Click Change.

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Boom! Your Name Is Updated for This Meeting.

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Rename Yourself on Zoom (iOS/Android)

Step 01: Join a Zoom Meeting on the Zoom Mobile App.

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Step 02: Tap Participants in the In-Meeting Controls.

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Step 03: Tap Your Own Name

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Step 04: Then Select Rename.

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Step 05: A Pop-up Box Will Appear. Enter Your New Zoom Display Name.

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Step 06: Tap Okay to Confirm and You Are Done!

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Rename Yourself on Zoom (Web)

Step 01: Join a Zoom Meeting Through Your Web Browser.

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Step 02: Click on Participants in the Controls at the Bottom.

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Step 03: Move Your Mouse Over Your Name and Click on More.

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Step 04: Choose Rename From the Menu That Appears.

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Step 05: Type Your New Display Name in the Box That Pops Up.

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Step 06: Click Change and You’ll See Your Name Update Instantly.

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Heads Up!

• Host Restrictions: I need to warn you - if the host has disabled name changes, you won't see the rename option at all. This happens a lot in formal meetings!
• Request Permission: If you can't rename yourself, I suggest sending a direct message to the host or using the Raise Hand feature to ask them to allow you to change your name.
• Temporary Name Change: Remember, the name change you make only sticks for your current meeting. It doesn't permanently change your Zoom account name. You'll need to do this again for your next meeting if you want a different name.

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How Do Host Controls Affect Your Ability to Change Names on Zoom?

I've noticed that when you're in a Zoom meeting, the host can control a bunch of stuff you can and can't do - including whether you're allowed to change your display name once you're in.

This is all about a setting called "Allow participants to rename themselves." It basically decides if you can edit your name during the meeting or if you're stuck with whatever you joined with.

Impact on User Permissions

• Enabled: You can change your name whenever you want during the meeting.
• Disabled: You won't be able to change your name yourself. When this is turned off, only the host or co-host can change it for you if you ask them.
• SAML Mapping Restriction: This one's a bit technical but important. If your company uses SAML authentication (fancy security stuff) and they've set it to force your official name AND disabled name changes, you won't even get the chance to change your name before joining. There's literally nothing you can do about it on your end.

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How Hosts Can Enable or Restrict Name Changes

Hosts and administrators can manage these name change permissions at different levels: Account, Group, and User settings. I'm going to walk you through exactly how to enable or disable this feature.

Enabling/Disabling Name Change Permissions

At the Account Level

• Step 01: Sign in to the Zoom web portal.
• Step 02: Navigate to Account Management > Account Settings.
• Step 03: Click the Meeting tab.
• Step 04: Scroll to Allow participants to rename themselves.
• Step 05: Toggle the setting ON to enable name changes or OFF to disable them.
• Step 06: (Optional) Click the lock icon to enforce this setting across the entire account. This is super important if you want to make sure nobody can override your choice!

At the Group Level

• Step 01: Sign in to the Zoom web portal.
• Step 02: Go to User Management > Group Management.
• Step 03: Select the relevant group. You'll need to click on the exact group name you want to manage.
• Step 04: Click the Meeting tab.
• Step 05: Locate Allow participants to rename themselves and toggle it ON or OFF as needed.
• Step 06: (Optional) Click the lock icon to make this setting mandatory for all members of the group.

At the User Level

• Step 01: Sign in to the Zoom web portal.
• Step 02: Click Settings in the navigation panel. It's on the left side of your screen.
• Step 03: Select the Meeting tab.
• Step 04: Find Allow participants to rename themselves and toggle it ON or OFF as per your preference.

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Requesting a Name Change When Restricted

You can't rename yourself in Zoom meetings when the host has turned off the "Allow participants to rename themselves" setting.

Here are a few ways you can request a name change.

1. Ask the Host or Co-Host: You can simply send a private chat message to the host. Just politely ask them to change your name for you.
2. Use the Raise Hand Feature: If you click the "Raise Hand" button, it gets the host's attention. Once they notice you, you can request your name change, and they'll often help you out.
3. Pre-Meeting Request: When you're joining something important like a work or school meeting, I always recommend sending a quick email beforehand. Just tell them you need your name displayed differently.

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Why Organizations Restrict Name Changes

Here are some reasons companies and schools turn off name changes.

• Security: They want to prevent anyone from pretending to be someone else.
• Compliance: Many organizations have rules they must follow, especially for taking attendance.
• Administrative Control: It just keeps things more professional and less confusing.

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What's the Difference Between Your Zoom Profile Name and Display Name?

Zoom Profile Name

This is your main name tied to your Zoom account. It's basically your first and last name that stays with your account permanently. You'll see this name on your profile, and anyone in your contacts can see it too when they look you up in Zoom.

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Zoom Display Name

This is what other people see when you're in a meeting with them. You can change this for every meeting if you want - it's just temporary. You might want to use a nickname or add your department name when you're in specific meetings.

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Managing Both Names Independently

Changing Your Zoom Profile Name:

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Step 01: You need to sign in to the Zoom website first.

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Step 02: Look for the 'Profile' section and click on it.

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Step 03: Find where your name is shown and click the 'Edit' button next to it.

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Step 04: Now you can type in your new first and last name.

You can also see an option to change your display name just below the highlighted section.

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Step 05: Don't forget to click 'Save' or your changes won't stick!

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Changing Your Zoom Display Name Before a Meeting:

• If you jump into a meeting without signing in first, Zoom is going to ask you to type in what name you want to show. It's simple, you just type it in and you're good to go.
• When you've already signed into your account, your profile name pops up automatically, but don't worry - you can still change it before you enter if you want something different.

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Changing Your Zoom Display Name During a Meeting:

I already went through these steps above, but let me give you a quick rundown so you don't have to scroll back up!

• Step 01: Look down at the bottom of your screen and find that 'Participants' button in the toolbar. Just click on it and you'll see a list pop up.
• Step 02: Now find your own name in that list, move your mouse over it (hover on it), and you'll see a 'Rename' option. Click on that.
• Step 03: Just type in whatever name you want people to see, and hit that 'OK' button. That's it!

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Best Practices for Maintaining Consistency

• Professionalism: I always use my full name for work meetings because it helps everyone know exactly who I am. You should do this too when you're in professional settings.
• Clarity: You really need to avoid using emojis or strange symbols in your name.
• Relevance: I've found it super helpful to adjust your name based on the meeting you're in. Like when you're joining a big meeting with different departments, add "Marketing Team" after your name so everyone knows which group you belong to.

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Professional Considerations for Each Name Type

• Zoom Profile Name: Keep this one formal and match your work identity. I cannot stress enough how important this is because it represents you across all of Zoom whenever you log in. You don't want to look unprofessional.
• Zoom Display Name: You have more wiggle room here, but don't go too wild. Make sure your colleagues can still recognize you easily. You want them to know it's you right away.

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How Can You Change Your Name in the Zoom Waiting Room?

Once you've landed in Zoom's waiting room, you simply can't change your display name anymore. Zoom does this to keep things secure and make sure everyone knows who's who in the meeting.

Don't worry! I've found some simple ways for you to make sure your name shows up correctly before the host lets you in. Here's what you need to do:

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Before Joining via the Zoom Desktop or Mobile App:

• Open the Zoom application on the device you're using.
• Click or tap "Join a Meeting." This is usually right on the main screen when you open Zoom.
• Enter the Meeting ID that your host gave you.
• In the "Your Name" field, input your desired display name. This is your chance to get it right!
• Ensure the "Remember my name for future meetings" option is checked (if you see this option) so you don't have to do this every single time.

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Before Joining via the Zoom Web Portal:

• Navigate to zoom.us and sign in to your account. You'll need to use your username and password here.
• Click on "Profile" in the sidebar. You'll find this on the left side of your screen.
• Select "Edit" next to your name and update your Display Name to the name you want to be called.
• Save changes so your new name will show up when you join meetings from now on.

I've used both of these methods myself, and they work perfectly!

Remember, you have to do this BEFORE you join the waiting room - there's no fixing it once you're already waiting to be admitted.

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Steps to Leave the Meeting, Change Your Name, and Rejoin if Necessary

If you've already joined a meeting and want to change your name before they let you in, I've got simple steps for you:

Step 01: Leave the Meeting:

• Click "Leave Meeting" to get out of the meeting.

Step 02: Update Your Name:

• Follow the steps I showed you above to fix your display name either in the Zoom app or on their website.

Step 03: Rejoin the Meeting:

• Use your new display name to get back into the meeting. You'll look more professional this way!

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How Hosts Can Rename Participants from the Waiting Room?

If you're hosting a meeting, you can rename people while they're waiting to join:

1. Open the "Participants" panel during your meeting. You'll find this at the bottom of your screen.
2. In the Waiting Room section, find the person's name. It's right there on the list!
3. Click "More" next to the person's name and pick "Rename." This little button gives you all the power.
4. Enter the new display name and confirm it. Just type what you want them to be called.

When you rename someone, they'll get a notification about it, but this doesn't automatically let them into the meeting. You still need to admit them separately.

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Best Practices for Setting Your Name Correctly Before Joining

I want to help you avoid all this hassle, so here's what I recommend:

• Regularly Update Your Zoom Profile: Keep your name right in your Zoom account settings so it shows up correctly in all your meetings.
• Double-Check Before Joining: Always look at your display name in the "Join Meeting" screen and fix it if needed before you click to enter. This saves you so much trouble!

By taking care of your display name before joining, you'll have a much smoother experience in your Zoom meetings. I've been doing this for years and it makes everything so much easier for you and everyone else.

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Flowchart for Decision-Making About Name Changes

Here's how I manage participant names in the waiting room:

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Step 01: Participant Joins Waiting Room

• Is the participant's name appropriate and recognizable?
  • Yes: Great! You should go ahead and admit them right away.
  • No: Don't worry, I'll show you what to do next.

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Step 02: Host Actions for Unrecognized or Inappropriate Names

• Send a Message: You can use the chat feature to talk directly to the person waiting. I always tell them to leave the meeting, fix their display name, and then join again. This works most of the time!​
• Rename the Participant: Sometimes people don't know how to change their name or they don't respond to your message. When this happens, you can rename them yourself before letting them in.

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Step 03: Admit or Deny Entry

• Admit: Once you see their name looks right, you just need to click to let them in. It's that simple!​
• Deny: If someone still has problems with their name, you might need to keep them out. I know this feels harsh, but it's important to protect your meeting.​

Remember, you're in control of your meeting space!

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Host Perspective on Managing Waiting Room Participants

As a host, you've got several really useful tools to manage participants in the waiting room, and I'm going to walk you through them all:

Admitting Participants

• You can let people in one by one by simply clicking the "Admit" button next to their names.
• If you're in a hurry and want everyone to join at once, just hit "Admit All" and they'll all come flooding in.

Renaming Participants

• First thing you need to do is make sure you've turned on the "Allow host or co-host to rename participants in the waiting room" setting in your Zoom account settings. Don't skip this step or you won't see the rename option!
• When you want to change someone's name, look at your "Participants" panel, hover your mouse over their name, click on "More," and you'll see the "Rename" option right there.
• Just type in whatever new display name you want for them and confirm it. The person will get a little notification telling them their name was changed.

Removing Participants

• Sometimes you might need to kick someone out of the waiting room. Maybe they're in the wrong meeting or shouldn't be there. Just click "Remove" next to their name.

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There You Have It!

I hope I taught you everything you need to know about changing your name on Zoom. I've walked through how to update both your account profile name and your display name. I've also shared the best ways for you to rename yourself before joining a meeting or while you're already in one, because I know these little details matter to you.

I made sure to cover all the settings - both what you'll see as a regular participant and what you'll need to know if you're hosting the meeting. I really wanted to make sure I didn't leave anything out, no matter how small it might seem.

Can you now confidently change your Zoom name in any situation? I think you can!

Please share this guide with anyone who might be struggling with changing their name on Zoom. And remember, these simple changes can make a big difference in how professional you appear in your meetings.

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FAQ: Common Questions About Changing Names on Zoom

Can I change my name in a Zoom waiting room?

​No, you cannot change your name while in a Zoom waiting room. To ensure your desired name appears, update it before joining the meeting.

Will changing my display name affect my Zoom account name?

No, changing your display name during a Zoom meeting does not affect your Zoom account name. The display name change applies only to the current meeting, while your account name remains unchanged.

How do I change someone else's name as a host?

​As a Zoom host, you can rename participants during a meeting. Here's how:​

On Desktop:

1. Click Participants in the meeting controls to open the Participants panel.​
2. Hover over the participant's name, click More, then select Rename.​
3. Enter the new name and click OK.​

On Mobile:

1. Tap Participants in the meeting controls.​
2. Tap the participant's name, then select Rename.​
3. Enter the new name and tap Done.​

This change applies only to the current meeting.

Why can't I change my name during some Zoom meetings?

​In some Zoom meetings, you may be unable to change your display name due to the host's settings. Hosts can disable the "Allow participants to rename themselves" option, preventing attendees from altering their names during the meeting. Additionally, if you're joining through certain methods, such as via a direct link, you might not have the opportunity to set or change your display name before entering.

Does my Zoom name change persist across different meetings?

​Changing your display name during a Zoom meeting is typically temporary and applies only to that specific session. To ensure your desired name appears consistently across all meetings, update your display name in your Zoom profile settings before joining meetings.

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