How to Change Your Skype Name

Skype is a great tool to connect with potential employers and build a professional online image. Of course, business etiquette imposes certain rules.

You need to have a professional-looking email address and Skype name to inspire trust and professionalism.

However, many Skype users didn’t have this detail in mind when they created their Skype accounts. As a result, many used various nicknames which then became their official Skype username and ID.

That’s not a problem as long as you use your Skype account to connect with family and friends.

But if you’re planning to use Skype as a means to get a job, you need to use a professional-looking Skype user name and ID.

What is the difference between a Skype name and a Skype display name?

Your Skype name is your username, which you chose upon creating your account. It is your unique ID, with which others can look up your account via Skype search.

On the other hand, your display name is, as its name says, the name that shows up on your account, next to your username. It is what people see when they talk to you via Skype.

Can I change my Skype ID?

Due to Skype‘s increasing influence in the job market, many users are wondering what steps to follow to change their Skype account name and Skype ID.

How do I change my Skype account name as my current Skype name is not professional to be giving to recruiters and colleagues.

Unfortunately, we have bad news for you: Skype account usernames can’t be changed. Microsoft explains that:

Legacy (old) Skype account “names” or “nick-names” could not be changed prior to being transitioned to Microsoft accounts in September 2016, and neither can they be changed now. The only way to change how you are found on Skype is to create a new Microsoft account and a new e-mail address as part of the new account set-up process.

The solution to having a professional-looking Skype username and ID is to simply create a new one. Indeed, by creating a new user, you’ll lose all your contacts.

However, you can change your Skype display name, and we will show you how to do that in our guide.

How can I change my Skype display name?

1. 1. Launch the Skype app on your device.

2. 2. Click on your profile image in the upper-left corner of the window.

   

3. 3. A menu will open. Under Manage, select Skype profile.

   

4. 4. Click on the Pencil icon.

   

5. 5. Select the section where your current display name is and type a new one in it.

6. 6. Click on the Pencil icon again to save the changes.

Although you cannot change your Skype name, you can modify your display name. This can  be done both on the web and via the PC app, in a few clicks.

You can change your Skype display name as many times as you want using this method.

As a quick reminder, Skype now allows employers to test the coding skills of candidates in real time. Read our dedicated article to find out more.

To wrap it up, once a Skype ID is registered, it can never be changed. What you can do is change your Skype display name.

We hope that this article cleared out the confusion around Skype usernames and IDs. Let us know in the comments section below if you have any questions.