How to change a Skype username

When you first signed up for Skype back in the old days, you must have chosen a very clever and sassy username to impress all your friends. But now, when it’s time to use the app for job interviews and important meetings, you find yourself regretting the username you so proudly chose back then. However, this isn’t an issue. You can now change your Skype ID regardless of the platform you use it on. So whether you use Skype on the web, the mobile app, or on MacOS or Windows, you can easily change your Skype username at any time.

How to change your Skype username

We cover all the steps you need to follow below:

1. Find out your Skype ID.
2. Check whether you signed up for Skype before Microsoft bought it.
3. Change your Skype username:
   • in the Windows or MacOS Skype app.
   • in the mobile Skype app.
   • in the Skype web app.
4. Bonus: Change your profile picture.

Note: If you are using Skype for Business, you won't be able to change your username yourself. Only administrators of the Skype for Business accounts can change an employee's Skype username.

What is my Skype ID?

Before you can work on changing on your cheeky username, you must first know what both your Skype display name and username is.

• Your Skype name or Skype ID is the username you created when you first joined Skype. It is not your email address or phone number.
• If you sign in with an email address, this is your Microsoft and Skype username.
• The display name is what other Skype users see when they communicate with you. It is possible to change this name at any time and to whatever display name you like.

Did you sign up for Skype before it was Microsoft?

Microsoft acquired Skype back in 2011 and switched to requiring a Microsoft account to sign up for Skype. You can only change your Skype username or ID by changing the email that’s linked with your Microsoft account. If you had signed up for Skype before it was acquired by Microsoft, then you probably have a username that isn't your Microsoft username (your email address). Unfortunately, you can't change your Skype ID in this case. The only solution is to make an entirely new account, which also means that you will lose all your existing contacts and conversations.

How to change a username on Skype

Before starting, download Skype for Windows or Skype for MacOS. Here’s how:

1. Go to Google and search for Skype download for Windows or Skype download for Mac.
2. You’ll see many results. Choose the link which directs you to the official Skype download page.

   

3. Once on the Skype download page, click on the button that says Get Skype for Windows 10. It will automatically display the right download link for your operating system.

   

Step-by-step: How to change Skype display name on Mac and Windows

Now that you’ve downloaded Skype for your Windows PC or if you’re using Skype on Mac, here’s what you must do:

1. Open the Skype application and click on the display name or your profile image. You will find both of these in the top-left of your screen.

   

2. Next, click on Skype profile and then on the edit pencil icon.
3. Now, type in your new name.

   

   

4. Now, press Enter. You can also click on the checkmark on the right of the text box.

Changing Skype display name on mobile

Changing the username on your smartphone is quite simple.

1. After launching the Skype app, tap on the profile image at the top of your screen.
2. Now, either tap on the display name or on the edit icon next to it.
3. Type in your new name and then tap Done.

How to change  your username using Skype for web

Changing your Skype username is also easy using the web app.

1. Once you login to Skype, click on your name at the top right.
2. In the dropdown menu, click on My Account.
3. Find Contact details in the menu and then click on Edit profile.
4. Next, Click on Save in the top right corner and click on OK to confirm.

Bonus: Change your Skype profile picture

If you wish to give your profile a complete makeover, then you can also change your profile picture. Here’s how:

1. From the list of chats, click on your profile picture.
2. Now, click on the profile picture again.
3. Upload a new photo or remove your existing Skype profile photo.
4. Click on the check button to save your changes.

Changing your name in Skype for Business

If you are using Skype for Business, you can't change your display names or usernames yourself since your Skype account was created by your employer, who assigned you a name and email address at that time. However, if you do want to change your Skype Business ID, ask your IT department, Skype for Business administrator or supervisor to do so.

About this guide

File.org aims to be the go-to resource for solutions to everyday tech problems.

If you have ideas on how to improve this article, please do get in touch - we would love hearing from you.