Kik is a popular messaging app that allows users to communicate with each other. While Kik usernames cannot be changed, users can change their display name which is what other users see when messaging. Here is a guide on how to change your Kik display username:
Table of Contents
Why Change Your Kik Display Name
There are several reasons you may want to change your Kik display name:
- Privacy – To protect your identity from people you don’t know well. Having an anonymous display name adds a layer of privacy.
- Fresh Start – If you want to reinvent yourself or start fresh, changing your display name allows you to present yourself differently.
- Inappropriate Previous Name – If your previous display name was inappropriate, offensive, or unprofessional, you’ll need to change it to something more suitable.
- Boredom – Some users simply get bored of their display name and want to change it up every so often. Kik makes this easy to do.
Steps to Change Your Kik Display Name
Changing your display name on Kik only takes a few seconds. Follow these steps:
- Open the Kik app on your device
- Tap on your profile icon in the top left corner
- Select “Settings”
- Tap on “Your Account”
- Tap on “Name”
- Delete your current display name
- Type in your new desired display name
- Tap “Save” in the top right corner
And you’re done! The change is immediate and you’ll now appear with your new display name to all your Kik contacts.
Note: You can repeat these steps to change your display name as many times as you want. However, your username always stays the same.
Display Name vs Username
Kik uses both a display name and a username for each account. These are not the same thing:
- Display Name – This name is visible to your Kik contacts and can be changed at any time. It appears in messages and is essentially your current “identity” in Kik.
- Username – This was set when you first signed up for your Kik account. Usernames cannot be changed later (unless you delete and recreate your account). Your username is used behind the scenes to identify your account.
Usernames are permanent, display names are not. Keep this key difference in mind!
Choosing an Appropriate Kik Display Name
Kik allows users to choose any display name they want. However, there are some guidelines you should follow:
- Don’t impersonate someone else
- Don’t choose offensive, racist, explicit or otherwise inappropriate names
- Don’t use personal details like your real name or location
- Avoid including numbers and special characters if possible
- Keep it reasonably short so people can easily remember it
Choose a name that protects your privacy but also lets your friends recognize you. Generic names like “Katie123” or “JackJ” are popular.
You want a name that’s clean but also expresses your personality.
Kik Display Name Ideas
Need inspiration for your new Kik display name? Here are some clever and fun name ideas:
- Movie/TV references – GandalfTheGrey, Khaleesi, SheldonCooper, etc.
- Your hobby or interest – PhotoGirl, HockeyFan, BookLover
- A favorite food or drink – CookieMonster, CoffeeAddict
- A fun nickname – TinyDancer, CrazyCatLady
- Something related to your personality – ShyGirl, BoyNextDoor
- Random words – BluePanda, PurpleUnicorn, HappySunshine
- Song lyrics – TinyDancer, HollabackGirl, NeedYouNow
Look around at the display names of existing friends and draw inspiration from them too.
Conclusion
Changing your display name is easy breezy on Kik, so take advantage of this feature. Update it whenever you want to change how others perceive you or if you just feel like a fresh start.
Remember that only your display name can be changed – your permanent username will always stay the same. Choose your new display name wisely keeping privacy and appropriateness in mind.
Now get creative and have fun with your new identity!
