How Do I Change My Name on Tumblr? The Definitive Guide

Changing your identity online, even subtly, is a common desire. On Tumblr, this often starts with a simple question: “How do I change my name?” Let’s cut straight to the chase. The method depends on whether you’re referring to your display name (the name visible on your blog) or your username (the address of your Tumblr blog, also known as the blog URL). Display names are straightforward; usernames require a bit more consideration.

Here’s the breakdown:

Changing Your Display Name:

1. Log in: Head to tumblr.com or open the Tumblr app and log in to your account.
2. Access Settings:
   • On the web: Click on your profile picture in the top right corner, then select “Settings.”
   • On the app: Tap the account icon (shaped like a person) and then tap the gear icon to access settings.
3. Choose Your Blog: If you have multiple blogs, select the blog whose display name you wish to change.
4. Edit Display Name: Look for the “Blog Name” field. This is where your display name is located.
5. Enter New Name: Type in your desired new display name.
6. Save Changes: Scroll to the bottom of the page (on the web) or tap the checkmark (on the app) to save your changes.

Changing Your Username (Blog URL):

This is a more significant change and requires careful thought, as it affects your blog’s web address.

1. Log in: As above, log in to your account via the web or the app.
2. Access Settings: Follow the same steps as outlined for changing your display name.
3. Choose Your Blog: Select the specific blog you want to rename.
4. Edit Username: Look for the “Username” field.
5. Enter New Username: Type in your desired new username. Tumblr will instantly check if it’s available. A green checkmark indicates availability.
6. Save Changes: Scroll to the bottom of the page (on the web) or tap the checkmark (on the app) to save.

Important Considerations When Changing Your Username:

• Broken Links: Changing your username breaks all previous links to your blog. Anyone who tries to access your blog via the old URL will be redirected to a “not found” page. You will lose any SEO benefits from the old URL.
• Email Notifications: Inform your followers (if you have a large following) that you’ve changed your username, so they know where to find you.
• Availability: Your desired username might already be taken. Be prepared to consider alternatives.
• Permanent Change: Once you change your username, the old username becomes available for others to claim. You cannot revert to it unless the new owner releases it.
• Third-party Integrations: If you’ve linked your Tumblr blog to other services using your username, you’ll need to update those connections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 FAQs designed to cover common scenarios and concerns related to changing your name on Tumblr:

1. Is There a Limit to How Many Times I Can Change My Display Name?

No, there is no explicit limit to how many times you can change your display name on Tumblr. You can change it as often as you like without penalty. This makes it easy to experiment and find a name that best represents your blog’s current focus or your personal brand.

2. How Often Can I Change My Username (Blog URL)?

While Tumblr doesn’t state a specific numerical limit, it is strongly discouraged to change your username frequently. Doing so can negatively impact your blog’s accessibility and visibility. It’s best to choose a username you’re happy with long-term. If you do need to change it, consider the implications of broken links and potential follower confusion.

3. What Characters Can I Use in My Tumblr Username?

Your Tumblr username can contain letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and hyphens (-). It cannot contain spaces or other special characters. The username must also be at least 4 characters long. Remember to keep it short, memorable, and relevant to your blog’s content.

4. What Happens to My Old Username After I Change It?

Once you change your username, the old username becomes available for anyone else to register. This means someone else can claim it, and you will no longer be able to revert to it unless the new owner relinquishes it. Therefore, be absolutely sure you want to change your username before doing so.

5. Will Changing My Username Affect My Followers?

Changing your username will not automatically unfollow you from your followers’ dashboards. However, it can create confusion if they are not aware of the change. It’s good practice to announce the change on your blog to keep your followers informed. This allows them to easily update their bookmarks or remember your new address.

6. Can I Change My Username Back to the Old One?

You can only change your username back to the old one if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. After you change it, the old username becomes immediately available to other users. If someone snatches it up before you try to reclaim it, you’re out of luck.

7. Will Changing My Name Affect My Blog’s SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?

Changing your username (blog URL) will negatively impact your SEO. All the existing links pointing to your old URL will break, leading to a loss of traffic from search engines. It’s crucial to inform search engines about the change using techniques like redirects (if you have the technical ability to implement them). Changing your display name, however, has minimal impact on SEO.

8. Can I Change the Username on the Tumblr App?

Yes, you can change both your display name and your username (blog URL) directly from the Tumblr mobile app. The steps are similar to the web version: navigate to your account settings and select the blog you want to modify.

9. Can I Change My Tumblr Email Address Instead of My Name?

Yes, you can change your Tumblr email address separately from your name. To do so:

1. Go to your account settings.
2. Look for the “Email” field.
3. Enter your new email address.
4. Tumblr will send a verification email to your new address. Click the link in the email to confirm the change.

10. What If Someone Is Impersonating Me on Tumblr?

If someone is impersonating you on Tumblr, you should report the account to Tumblr Support. Provide as much detail as possible, including the username of the impersonating account and any evidence that supports your claim. Tumblr will investigate and take appropriate action if they find the account is indeed violating their terms of service.

11. How Do I Change My Tumblr Password?

Changing your Tumblr password is a crucial security measure. Here’s how:

1. Go to your account settings.
2. Look for the “Password” section.
3. Enter your current password.
4. Enter your new password and confirm it.
5. Save your changes.

Choose a strong, unique password that you don’t use for any other accounts.

12. My Display Name/Username Change Isn’t Showing Up. What Do I Do?

If your display name or username change isn’t immediately reflected, try the following:

• Clear your browser cache and cookies. This often resolves display issues.
• Log out and log back in to your Tumblr account.
• Restart your browser or the Tumblr app.
• If the problem persists, contact Tumblr Support to report the issue. There might be a temporary glitch on their end.

By following these steps and understanding the implications of each type of name change, you can confidently manage your online identity on Tumblr. Remember that changing your username is a significant decision, so proceed with caution and always inform your followers of the update!