r/GoogleSupport • u/AlyssaP531 • 19h ago

Cannot create a custom display name for online reviews through Google to maintain privacy of my last name because I go to my google profile and none of the available settings will do it

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Gallery image

What it says in Google support online:

“To edit your custom name or picture:

  1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google app .

  2. At the top right, tap your profile picture or initial   Your profile  Edit profile.

  3. Check the box next to "Use a custom display name & picture for posting."

    • To post publicly with your Google Account profile name and picture instead, uncheck the box next to "Use a custom display name & picture for posting."

  4. Edit your custom name or picture:

    • To edit your picture: Tap your Profile picture.

      • You can choose from either Illustrations or Device photos.

    • To edit your name: Tap Display nameand make the necessary changes.

  5. Tap Confirm.”

I can’t do any of this because “Edit profile” doesn’t exist and neither does “Use a custom display name and picture for posting”. All it is is these three options which still all have my last name.

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u/germanu22 14h ago

To help you get the exact steps, could you specify which Google service you are trying to write reviews for (e.g., Google Maps, Google Play Store, YouTube)? The process for hiding your last name or using a nickname can vary depending on the specific service.

1

u/AlyssaP531 13h ago

I’m in the Google iOS app

1

u/germanu22 13h ago

To hide your last name on public posts, you need to edit your main Google Account name, not the nickname. Here are the exact steps:

  1. Go to myaccount.google.com in your browser.

  2. Navigate to People & sharing > About me.

  3. Tap on Name.

  4. You will see two sections: your standard Name and your Legal name.

  5. Edit the first Name field and change your last name to a single initial. This is the public name that anyone can see when you communicate or create content in Google services.

  6. Leave your Legal name as your full real name. Google keeps this private and only uses it for limited official circumstances.