When you use Perplexity, your profile shows a display name to other users in shared Spaces, Collections, and comments. By default, Perplexity uses the name associated with your login account, such as your Google or email name. Changing this display name lets you control how you appear in collaborative searches and public discussions.
This article explains how to set or change your display name on Perplexity. You will learn the exact steps for the web interface and the mobile app. The process takes less than a minute and requires no special permissions.
Key Takeaways: Setting a Custom Display Name on Perplexity
- Settings > Profile > Display Name: The only field you need to edit to change your public name.
- Save Changes button: Must be clicked after entering the new name for the update to take effect.
- Display name character limit: Maximum 50 characters, no special symbols are allowed.
What the Display Name Controls on Perplexity
Your display name is the name other Perplexity users see when you interact with shared content. It appears in the following locations:
- Comments on public and shared Spaces
- Contributor lists in Collections and Spaces
- Shared search result pages
- Your public profile page if you have one enabled
The display name is separate from your login email or username. Changing it does not affect your account security or login credentials. Perplexity does not verify the display name against a real identity, so you can use your full name, a nickname, or a brand name.
Before you start, make sure you have an active Perplexity account. You can change the display name on the free plan or any Pro subscription. The feature is available on all platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Steps to Set a Display Name on the Perplexity Web App
Follow these steps on a desktop browser such as Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
- Open Perplexity and sign in
Go to perplexity.ai in your browser. Log in with your existing account using Google, Apple, or email. - Open the Settings menu
Click your profile icon in the top-right corner of the page. A dropdown menu appears. Select Settings from that menu. - Locate the Display Name field
On the Settings page, look for the Profile section. The Display Name field is the first text box under your profile picture. It shows your current name. - Enter your new display name
Click inside the Display Name field. Delete the existing name and type your desired name. The name can include letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens, and underscores. Maximum length is 50 characters. - Save the change
Scroll down and click the Save Changes button. A green confirmation message appears at the top of the page. Your display name updates immediately.
To verify the change, go to any Space or Collection you have shared. Your new name appears next to your comments and contributions.
Steps to Set a Display Name on the Perplexity Mobile App
The mobile app for iOS and Android uses a similar process. The menu layout is slightly different.
- Open the Perplexity app
Launch the app on your phone or tablet. Make sure you are signed in to your account. - Tap your profile icon
Tap the profile icon in the top-left corner of the home screen. This opens the side menu. - Go to Settings
In the side menu, tap Settings. The Settings screen displays your account options. - Edit the Display Name
Tap Profile. You see the Display Name field. Tap it and type your new name. The same 50-character limit applies. - Save the change
Tap Save in the top-right corner of the screen. The app confirms the update with a brief message.
The mobile app does not show a confirmation banner, but the name changes instantly. You can check by opening any shared Space from the app.
Common Display Name Issues and Limitations
Even though the process is simple, a few problems can occur. This section covers the most frequent issues and how to resolve them.
The Save Changes Button Does Not Respond
If you click Save Changes and nothing happens, your internet connection may be unstable. Reload the page and try again. Also check that you did not leave the Display Name field empty. Perplexity does not allow a blank display name. Enter at least one character.
Special Characters Are Not Allowed
Perplexity restricts the display name to alphanumeric characters, spaces, hyphens, and underscores. Symbols such as @, #, $, %, and emoji are rejected. If you type an invalid character, the Save Changes button remains grayed out. Remove the invalid character and save again.
The Display Name Does Not Update Everywhere Immediately
In rare cases, cached versions of Spaces or Collections may show your old name for a few minutes. This is a browser or app cache issue. Refresh the page or close and reopen the app. The name updates across all locations within five minutes.
Display Name Changes Are Not Reversible Quickly
You can change your display name as many times as you want. However, Perplexity does not store a history of previous names. If you change it and then want your old name back, you must type it manually. There is no undo button.
Perplexity Free vs Pro: Display Name Features
| Item | Perplexity Free | Perplexity Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display name editing | Available | Available |
| Maximum name length | 50 characters | 50 characters |
| Special characters allowed | Letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens, underscores | Letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens, underscores |
| Name visible in shared Spaces | Yes | Yes |
| Name visible in public profile | Yes, if profile is public | Yes, if profile is public |
The display name feature is identical on both plans. No subscription upgrade is required to change how you appear to other users.
Now you can set a custom display name on your Perplexity profile using the Settings > Profile > Display Name field. The change applies immediately after you click Save Changes on the web or Save on the mobile app. If you collaborate in Spaces frequently, consider using a consistent name that colleagues or community members recognize. For privacy, you can use a pseudonym instead of your real name. The display name does not affect your account security or login credentials.