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Why Can't You Find a Rename Button in Google Meet?
Many people join a Google Meet call and realize their name is incorrect, but they can't find an option to change it directly in the meeting.
This isn't a problem with your setup—Google Meet simply doesn't have a built-in "rename during a meeting" feature.
Your display name in Google Meet is pulled from your Google account. The name you see in Meet is the same one used across other Google services like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Calendar.
In short: to change your name in Meet, you need to update the name in your Google account profile.
Before You Change Your Name: Identify Your Use Case
Different scenarios call for different approaches.
If you're just joining a one-off public lecture or a large online course and don't want the host to see your full name, consider joining as a guest and entering a temporary name manually.
If it's an internal company meeting, a client call, or a job interview, it's best to update your Google account name so your display name stays consistent across all Google services, avoiding confusion if others see different names on different platforms.
Method 1: Update Your Display Name via Your Google Account
This is the most straightforward and permanent solution. Once you change it, Gmail, Google Meet, Google Drive, and other services will all sync the update.
Step 1: Open Your Google Account Settings
Open a browser on your computer and sign in to the Google account you want to modify.
Go to the "Personal info" page of your Google account at myaccount.google.com.
Click "Personal info" in the left menu, then find the "Name" field under the "Basic info" section.
Step 2: Edit Your Name and Save
After clicking "Name," you may be asked to re-enter your password to verify your identity.
Then edit the "First name" and "Last name" fields. For example, if you want to display "John Smith" in meetings, set the first name to "John" and the last name to "Smith."
Click "Save" when done. Google will notify you that this name will appear across all Google services, including Gmail, YouTube, and Meet.
Step 3: Rejoin the Meeting
After changing your name, an ongoing Meet meeting may not update immediately.
The safest approach is to leave the meeting and rejoin—your new name will then appear.
Method 2: Change Your Google Account Name on Mobile
If you only have your phone, the process is similar.
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Open the Gmail app and make sure you're signed in to the correct account. Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner and select "Manage your Google Account."
Then go to the "Personal info" tab, tap "Name," make your changes, and save.
Afterward, it's also recommended to rejoin the Meet meeting to confirm your display name has updated.
Method 3: Join as a Guest If You Don't Want to Change Your Entire Account
If you're only joining a one-time external meeting and don't want to change your entire Google account name, consider joining as a guest.
When you're not signed in to a Google account or choose to join as a guest, Meet will prompt you to enter a name.
However, note that guest access may require host approval in some meetings, and you won't be able to use features that require signing in.
What Other Services Are Affected by a Name Change?
Your Google account name is shared, so changing it doesn't only affect Meet.
Your Gmail sender name, the name shown in Google Calendar, and the owner name on Google Drive files will all update as well.
If you want to use a nickname in Meet without affecting your formal email sender name, there's currently no built-in separate setting for that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do others still see my old name after I change it in a meeting?
Google Meet doesn't sync changes in real time across all participants' screens. It's best to leave the meeting and rejoin; after other participants refresh their screens, they should see the updated name.
Can I change my name only in Meet without changing it in Gmail?
Currently, Google doesn't offer a separate display name setting for Meet. Meet pulls your Google account name, so you can only change your account name or use a guest name for a temporary display.
Can I change my name on a company or school account?
It depends on your administrator's settings. Some Google Workspace or Education accounts restrict profile editing; in that case, you'll need to contact your organization's IT administrator for assistance.
How long does it take for a name change to take effect?
Generally, changes sync to most Google services within a few minutes of saving. However, for an ongoing Meet meeting, it's recommended to rejoin to see the update.
Can I enter any name when joining as a guest?
You can enter any name you'd like to display, but some meeting hosts may require guest approval before you can join. For formal occasions, it's best to use a recognizable real name.
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