Changing your name on Zoom is a fundamental skill every video conference user should master. Whether you need to correct a misspelled name, update your professional display, ensure privacy, or adapt to different meeting contexts, knowing how to modify your Zoom identity quickly and effectively can save you from awkward introductions and professional embarrassment. This comprehensive guide covers all methods for changing your Zoom name across every platform and scenario.
Understanding Zoom Name Settings
Zoom offers multiple layers of identity management, each serving different purposes and contexts. Understanding the distinction between your account name, display name, and meeting name helps you choose the right approach for your specific needs and ensures consistency across your Zoom experience.
Your Zoom identity can be modified at different levels - from permanent account changes that affect all future meetings to temporary adjustments that only apply to your current session. Knowing when and how to use each method ensures you present yourself appropriately in every video conference scenario.
Types of Zoom Names Explained
Account Profile Name
- Permanent name associated with your Zoom account
- Appears in your profile, contact information, and default meeting display
- Used for account verification and administrative purposes
- Requires account access to modify
- Changes affect all future meetings unless overridden
Display Name
- Name shown to other participants during meetings
- Can differ from your account profile name
- Customizable for different meeting contexts
- May revert to profile name after meetings end
- Controlled by meeting host permissions
Meeting-Specific Name
- Temporary name change during active meetings
- Does not affect account or future meetings
- Quick solution for immediate name corrections
- Subject to host and organizational restrictions
- Automatically resets when meeting ends
How to Change Your Name Before Joining Meetings
Method 1: Zoom Web Portal
- Navigate to www.zoom.us and sign in to your account
- Click on 'Profile' in the left sidebar menu
- Locate your current name information and click 'Edit'
- Update your first name, last name, and display name fields
- Click 'Save Changes' to apply your new name permanently
- Verify the changes appear correctly in your profile summary
Method 2: Zoom Desktop Application
- Open the Zoom desktop app on your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer
- Sign in to your account if not already logged in
- Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner
- Select 'Settings' from the dropdown menu
- Choose 'Profile' from the left sidebar options
- Click 'Edit My Profile' to open the web portal for name changes
- Follow the web portal steps to update your name
Method 3: Zoom Mobile App (iOS and Android)
- Open the Zoom app on your smartphone or tablet
- Sign in to your account using your credentials
- Tap on your profile picture or 'More' menu in the bottom-right corner
- Select 'My Profile' or tap on your current name
- Tap on 'Display Name' or the edit icon next to your name
- Enter your new first and last name in the provided fields
- Tap 'Save' to confirm your changes
- Restart the app to ensure changes take effect
How to Change Your Name During Active Meetings
Desktop and Web Version Method
- Join your Zoom meeting as usual
- Locate and click the 'Participants' button in the meeting toolbar
- Find your name in the participants list
- Hover over your name to reveal additional options
- Click on the 'More' button (three dots) next to your name
- Select 'Rename' from the context menu
- Type your new name in the dialog box
- Click 'OK' or 'Change' to apply the new name immediately
Mobile App Method
- Join the meeting using the Zoom mobile app
- Tap 'Participants' in the bottom menu bar
- Locate your name in the participant list
- Tap directly on your name or tap and hold for options
- Select 'Rename' from the popup menu
- Enter your new name in the text field
- Tap 'Done', 'OK', or 'Save' to confirm the change
Quick Name Changes for Joining Meetings
Changing Name When Joining by Phone
- When dialing in by phone, your number appears as your initial identifier
- Other participants can rename you if they have host privileges
- Request the host to change your display name for proper identification
- Use meeting chat to communicate your preferred name
- Consider joining via app when possible for better name control
Guest and Unregistered User Names
- Enter your preferred name when prompted before joining
- Modify your name immediately after joining using in-meeting rename
- Be aware that some meetings may restrict guest name changes
- Ask the meeting host for assistance if rename option is unavailable
- Consider creating a free Zoom account for consistent naming
Platform-Specific Instructions
Windows PC Instructions
Windows users have several options for changing their Zoom name:
- Use the desktop app for quick access to profile settings
- Access web portal through any browser for full account management
- Utilize keyboard shortcuts during meetings for faster navigation
- Pin Zoom to taskbar for easy access to settings
- Enable automatic login to avoid repeated authentication
Mac Instructions
Mac users can leverage native integration features:
- Use Spotlight search to quickly open Zoom application
- Add Zoom to Dock for convenient access
- Take advantage of macOS notification integration
- Use Safari web portal for account management
- Enable Touch ID for secure, quick logins when available
iOS (iPhone/iPad) Specific Steps
- Download and update Zoom app from App Store
- Use Face ID or Touch ID for secure account access
- Enable push notifications for meeting reminders
- Utilize Siri shortcuts for quick meeting joins
