You’re staring at your profile. Maybe you picked a username back when you first joined Xiaohongshu—widely known internationally as Rednote—and now it feels like a bad haircut. It’s too cutesy. Or maybe it’s just a string of random numbers because you were in a rush to look at street-style photos. Whatever the reason, you want it gone.
Changing your name on Rednote isn't just about clicking a button. Well, the technical part is, but the strategy behind it matters more than people realize. If you're trying to build an audience in the world's most influential lifestyle community, your name is your handshake. It's how the algorithm recognizes you and how users remember you.
Honestly, the app's interface can be a bit of a maze if you aren't fluent in Mandarin or if you're using a translation layer that's slightly off. But don't worry. It’s actually pretty straightforward once you know which icons to poke.
The Actual Steps to Change Your Rednote Name
Let's get into the weeds. First, open the app. You'll see the main feed. Look at the bottom right corner—there’s a little person icon that says "Me" (or 我). Tap that. This takes you to your personal profile page, which is basically your home base.
Once you’re there, look for the "Edit Profile" button. It’s usually right under your bio and follower count. It might say 编辑资料 if your app is set to Chinese. Tap it. Now, you’ll see a list of your personal details. The very first option is usually your "Nickname" (昵称). This is the public-facing name everyone sees.
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Type in your new name. Hit save in the top right corner.
Wait! There is a catch. You can't just change your name every five minutes like you're in a witness protection program. Rednote limits nickname changes. Usually, you get one change every 30 days. If you make a typo and hit save, you are stuck with that typo for a full month. Check the spelling. Then check it again.
What About the Rednote ID?
This is where people get tripped up. Your Nickname and your Rednote ID are two different things. Think of the nickname as your display name and the ID as your social security number. The ID is what people use to search for you specifically.
Changing the ID is a bigger deal. You can usually only change your Rednote ID once. Ever.
If you’ve already changed it once, the app will likely grey out that option. This is why you see big influencers with IDs like "user_928374" while their display name is "FashionQueenNY." They missed their one shot to change the ID. If you haven't changed yours yet, choose wisely. Pick something short, memorable, and devoid of weird underscores if possible.
Why Your Name Matters More Than You Think
Rednote isn't Instagram. It's more like a visual search engine, a mix of Pinterest and Yelp. When you change your name on Rednote, you are essentially changing your SEO keywords.
If your name is "Traveler123," you aren't telling the algorithm anything. But if your name is "Paris Travel Guide," you’ve just told the system exactly who should see your posts. The search bar on Rednote is incredibly powerful. People use it to find specific advice, and having a relevant name helps you show up in those searches.
The Branding Pitfall
Changing your name can also confuse your current followers. If someone follows you for your minimalist home decor tips and suddenly your name changes from "Minimalist Home" to "Baking with Sarah," they might unfollow you because they don't recognize who is popping up in their feed.
Consistency wins. If you must change your name to reflect a new direction, try to do it gradually or mention it in a "Notes" post so your community isn't blindsided.
Avoiding the "Risk Control" Flag
Rednote is notorious for its strict "Risk Control" (风控) systems. This is an automated security layer designed to catch bots and scammers. Sometimes, if you change your name, your bio, and your profile picture all at once, the system might flag your account as suspicious.
I've seen users get "shadowbanned" or have their content reach restricted for a few days because they overhauled their entire profile in ten seconds.
If you're going to change your name on Rednote, do it as a standalone action. Give the system a day or two to digest the change before you go swapping out your bio links or profile photo. It sounds paranoid, but in the world of Chinese social media apps, being a "slow and steady" user is much better than looking like a bot.
Language and Character Limits
Remember that Rednote is a global app with a Chinese core. You can use English names, but Chinese characters are often more effective for reaching the primary demographic. A mix of both can work well. For example, "Sarah | 纽约生活" (Sarah | NY Life).
There is a character limit. Usually, it's around 24 characters, but keep it shorter. Long names get cut off in the notification tray and search results. Aim for punchy. Aim for "that person who posts the cool cafe reviews."
Handling Technical Glitches
Sometimes you follow the steps and the app just... won't let you. It happens. Common reasons include:
- Network Issues: Rednote's servers are primarily in China. If you are using it abroad, sometimes a weak connection prevents the profile update from "sticking."
- Sensitive Words: Rednote has a massive list of banned keywords. If your new name contains something politically sensitive, "low-brow," or related to certain banned commercial activities (like "CryptoKing"), it will simply reject the change without much explanation.
- The 30-Day Rule: As mentioned, if you've changed it recently, the button might just be unresponsive or show a countdown error.
If you’re stuck, try clearing the app cache in your phone settings or logging out and logging back in. Just make sure you remember your password first!
Practical Steps for a Successful Name Change
Changing your name is a pivot. Treat it like a mini-relaunch of your personal brand.
- Research First: Search for your desired name in the Rednote search bar. If there are already ten people with that exact name, add a modifier or find something more unique. You don't want to be "London Foodie #11."
- Draft Your Bio: Your name and bio should work together. If your name is your "title," your bio is the "description." Make sure they match the vibe.
- Notify Your Fans: If you have more than a few hundred followers, post a Note. Use a nice photo and say, "Hey! I'm updating my handle to better reflect my new focus on [topic]."
- Update Other Socials: If you have a TikTok or Instagram linked, make sure the branding is consistent across the board. It helps with "cross-pollination."
- Check the ID Opportunity: If you haven't used your one-time ID change, now is the time to align it with your new nickname.
Once the change is live, start posting immediately. This "signals" to the algorithm that the account is active and the name change was a legitimate user action, not a hijacked account. The more engagement you get in the first 48 hours after a profile change, the faster the system indexes your new identity.
Focus on your niche. Stay consistent. The name is just the label on the bottle—make sure the contents are worth the click.