How to Change Your Name on wikiHow

Last Updated: May 9, 2023

When you first create your account on wikiHow, you may think of the most awesome name ever. However, as time goes by, you may want to change your name and it's easy to do!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Changing Your Display Name

1
Keep in mind that changing your display name will change two things:
- How your name displays in the list of contributors for a wikiHow article you contributed to
- How your name appears on someone's talk page when you leave a message
- All other instances, except your wiki signature, will still show your username (page history, user page URL, talk page URL, etc.)
4
Enter your desired name into the "Real Name" field. This doesn't have to be your actual real name, it can be any name you want, though it's a good idea to continue abiding by the Username Policy.
- If this field is left blank, your username will be used to attribute your work.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Changing Your Signature Name

A wiki signature is made by typing ~~~~ on a talk page.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Changing Your Username

1
Read the username policy . Make sure your situation meets one of the following criteria:
- Your username violates policy and you want to have it changed so that it no longer violates policy.
- You've been active on wikiHow for a long time (over a year) and you've "outgrown" your username. In this case you'll be asked to announce your username in the forums so people don't get confused.
- Your username is your full name because you signed up with Facebook, and you'd prefer a username that is anonymous.
- You are closing your wikiHow account.
- You recently created an account and chose a username you don't like.
Fill out this form if you meet the criteria.

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Community Q&A

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Question

How do I change my profile page?

Lara

Community Answer

Go to your user page and click the edit tab to change anything you want to change.

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Question

What does the "Your real name" box do? I know it doesn't show other users your real name, but why is it there if it doesn't do that?

Linnie

Top Answerer

The "Your real name" does actually show your real name to other users. If you enter something in this field and save your preferences, what you entered will be used throughout the site to refer to you instead of your username. For example, if your username is "wikiHowUser101" and you make your real name "User", as you answer a question, it will say that "User" answered the question while still linking to the profile of "wikiHowUser101". "User" will also show up as you if you leave someone a message on their talk page.

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Question

My username no longer fits my personality, but I've only been on wikiHow for a couple months. Help! I don't like my current one. What do I do?

Freyr

Top Answerer

Because you've recently created your account, you can still request a username change. But you should make sure it isn't something you'll outgrow in a few months.

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Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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Tips

It's best if you keep the text in the real-name box short and sweet. The easier it is for people to know you and your real name, the easier it will be in the end to understand you.

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You don't have to have your wikiHow username along with your real name into the box, just because your username is associated to it. Your account will still come up under your username, when the user clicks your Username or uses the "Reply to (x)" link to reply to your talk page message.
- You real name will also be seen on a new line underneath your username on your User profile page with a label of "Your Real name".
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Warnings

If you are adding your name via your iOS device and the name you have associated to your device begins with this name, the auto-detect will try to pre-fill the box as you type. Only try to complete and edit this box on your PC, regardless of whether or not your device is set to the PC mode of your mobile browser.

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How to Change Your Name on wikiHow

Steps

Changing Your Display Name

Changing Your Signature Name

Changing Your Username

Community Q&A

Tips

Warnings

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