Congratulations on your marriage! While you’re likely thinking about updating your passport, driving licence, and bank accounts, don’t forget about your digital life. In 2026, so much of our daily activity happens online, and it’s important your digital identity reflects your new married name, or your decision to keep your maiden name for certain platforms. This guide will walk you through tidying up your online presence after your big day.
Starting with Your Core Digital Accounts
Before diving into every app and website, it’s a good idea to tackle the core digital services that often link to many others. Think of your primary email address, your main social media profiles, and any accounts tied to digital payment methods. Changing these first can sometimes cascade changes or at least make it easier when you get to connected services.
For email, check your provider's settings (e.g., Google, Outlook, iCloud) for changing your display name. While you might not be able to change the actual email address easily without creating a new one, updating the display name is straightforward and ensures your outgoing emails show your current name. Consider notifying frequent contacts of any email address change.
Social Media: Public Face vs. Private Connections
Social media is a mixed bag when it comes to name changes. On platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, you can usually update your profile name in your settings. Facebook may ask for a copy of your marriage certificate to verify the change, especially if you’re making a significant alteration. LinkedIn, being a professional network, is often a priority for those who’ve adopted a new name.
- Facebook: Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Personal and account information > Name.
- Instagram: Edit profile > Name. Your username often remains separate.
- LinkedIn: Access your profile, click the pencil icon next to your name to edit.
- X (formerly Twitter): Go to Profile > Edit Profile and update your display name.
Remember, you might want to keep your maiden name on certain professional platforms, or for nostalgia on personal ones. It's entirely your choice. The key is to be consistent where it matters most, particularly for professional networking.
Online Shopping, Streaming, and Loyalty Apps
This category can feel endless, from Amazon to your local supermarket loyalty app, to Netflix and Spotify. Many of these services require you to change your name in their account settings manually. While it might seem less critical than governmental bodies, incorrect names can cause issues with deliveries, payment methods, or even account access, particularly if a linked payment card has your new name.
Make a list of the main online retailers you use, your streaming services, and any apps where you have a profile with personal details. Log in to each of them and find the 'Account Settings', 'Profile', or 'Personal Information' section to update your name. This is also a good opportunity to update any saved addresses or payment details that might have changed.
Digital Wallets and Payment Services
Platforms like PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other digital wallet services often pull information from your linked bank accounts or cards. Once you've updated your name with your bank, it's crucial to ensure these digital payment services are also updated and reflect the correct information. Discrepancies can lead to payment failures or issues with transactions.
Check the settings within each digital wallet app or platform. You might need to re-add cards with your new name applied, or simply update your profile. Some services may require you to verify your identity again after a name change, so be prepared with your marriage certificate if requested.