How Do I Change My Name in Zoom? Your Definitive Guide

Changing your name in Zoom is surprisingly straightforward, and you can do it both before and during a meeting. The steps vary slightly depending on the device you’re using – be it your desktop, mobile, or through the web portal. Let’s dive into the process, covering all the bases so you’re always presenting the name you intend, with a sprinkle of professional tips.

Changing Your Name Before Joining a Zoom Meeting

This is often the most convenient approach, especially if you frequently use Zoom and want your preferred name to be set by default.

On Desktop (Zoom Application)

1. Open the Zoom desktop application: Locate the Zoom icon on your computer and launch the application. If you’re not already signed in, do so with your credentials.

2. Access Settings: Click on your profile picture (or initials if you haven’t uploaded a picture) in the top right corner of the window. From the dropdown menu, select “Settings“.

3. Navigate to Profile: In the Settings window, click on “Profile“. This will usually open a window displaying your current profile information.

4. Edit Profile: Under the “Profile” section, you should see your name displayed. Click on “Edit My Profile“. This will redirect you to Zoom’s web portal in your default browser.

5. Change Your Name on the Web Portal: You’ll be prompted to log in again if you haven’t already. Once logged in, you’ll see fields for “First Name” and “Last Name.” Change these to your desired name.

6. Save Changes: Scroll down and click “Save“. The changes you make here will be reflected in your Zoom application moving forward.

On Mobile (Zoom App)

1. Open the Zoom App: Launch the Zoom application on your Android or iOS device.

2. Navigate to Settings: Tap the “Settings” icon, usually located in the bottom right corner of the screen (it may say “More”).

3. Tap Your Name: Tap on your name or the text that displays your current Zoom name at the top. This will take you to your profile settings.

4. Display Name: Locate the “Display Name” option and tap on it.

5. Enter Your New Name: Enter your desired name in the provided fields and tap “Save“.

Changing Your Name During a Zoom Meeting

Sometimes, you might need to change your name on the fly during a meeting. Perhaps you forgot to change it beforehand, or the host has requested a specific naming convention. Here’s how:

On Desktop (During a Meeting)

1. Find Your Name in the Participants List: During the meeting, click on “Participants” at the bottom of your Zoom window. This will open the Participants panel.

2. Hover and Click “Rename”: In the Participants list, find your name. Hover your mouse over your name, and you should see a “Rename” button appear. Click on it.

3. Enter Your New Name: A small window will pop up, allowing you to enter your desired name.

4. Save Changes: Type in your new name and click “Rename” to apply the changes. Note that this change typically only lasts for the current meeting, unless the host has disabled the ability for participants to rename themselves.

On Mobile (During a Meeting)

1. Access the Participants List: During the meeting, tap on the screen to bring up the meeting controls. Tap “Participants” at the bottom of the screen.

2. Find Your Name: Find your name in the Participants list.

3. Tap Your Name: Tap on your name.

4. Select “Rename”: A menu will appear. Select the “Rename” option.

5. Enter Your New Name: Enter your desired name in the provided field and tap “Save“.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about changing your name in Zoom, covering various scenarios and providing helpful tips:

1. Why can’t I change my name during a Zoom meeting?

This usually happens when the meeting host has disabled the ability for participants to rename themselves. This is a common setting for large meetings or webinars to maintain order. If you need to change your name, politely request the host to do so for you via the chat function.

2. Will my Zoom name change be permanent across all meetings?

No, not necessarily. If you change your name before a meeting through your profile settings, that change will be your default for future meetings. However, if you change your name during a meeting, the change typically applies only to that specific meeting, unless you make the change in your profile settings.

3. How do I change my name if I’m a meeting host?

As a host, you can change the name of any participant. Open the Participants list, hover over the participant’s name, click “More,” and then “Rename.” Enter the desired name and click “Rename“.

4. Can I use special characters or emojis in my Zoom name?

Yes, Zoom generally allows the use of special characters and emojis in your name. However, it’s best to use them sparingly and professionally, especially in business settings. Overdoing it can appear unprofessional or distracting.

5. I changed my name in the Zoom app, but it’s not showing up in my meetings. What’s wrong?

Try the following:

• Restart the Zoom application: Close the app completely and reopen it.
• Sign out and sign back in: This can refresh your profile information.
• Check your profile settings on the web portal: Ensure the name is correctly updated there.
• Clear the Zoom cache (on desktop): In the Settings menu, navigate to “Profile” and click “Clear Cache.”

6. How do I change my Zoom name before joining a meeting if I don’t have a Zoom account?

If you’re joining as a guest without an account, you’ll be prompted to enter your name before joining the meeting. This is your chance to set your displayed name for that specific meeting. Make sure to double-check it!

7. Can I revert to my original name after changing it during a meeting?

Yes, you can. Simply repeat the steps for changing your name during a meeting and enter your original name.

8. I’m using Zoom on a web browser. How do I change my name?

If you are using the web version of Zoom, the process is nearly identical to the desktop application. During the meeting, click on “Participants“, hover over your name, click “More,” and select “Rename“.

9. How do I ensure my pronouns are displayed with my name in Zoom?

Zoom allows you to add your pronouns to your profile. Go to your profile settings (via the desktop app or web portal), look for the “Pronouns” field, and select or enter your pronouns. You can also choose whether to display them always, ask each time, or never.

10. What is the best practice for choosing a professional Zoom name?

Keep it simple and clear. Use your first name and last name or your preferred professional name. Avoid using nicknames, jokes, or unprofessional language, especially in business or academic settings.

11. How do I deal with someone using an inappropriate name in a Zoom meeting I host?

As the host, you have the power to change their name to something appropriate or remove them from the meeting altogether. It’s essential to maintain a respectful and professional environment.

12. Is it possible to link my Zoom name to my LinkedIn profile?

While there isn’t a direct integration to automatically pull your name from LinkedIn, you can ensure your Zoom name matches your LinkedIn profile for consistency. This helps with professional networking and recognition. Simply update your Zoom name as described above to match your LinkedIn profile.

By mastering these simple steps and keeping these FAQs in mind, you’ll navigate the world of Zoom with confidence, always presenting yourself exactly as you intend. Now go forth and Zoom!