How to Change a Hyperlink Name in Documents and Email

Changing a hyperlink name means changing the visible words people click, not necessarily changing the web address behind them. For example, you can replace a long URL or the words “click here” with a descriptive label such as “Read the event details.” This makes links easier to scan and understand.

Before you begin, identify which text you want to change and make sure you have editing access to the document, email draft, webpage, or other file. The instructions below describe a general process; button names and menu locations can differ slightly by app version and device.

What You’ll Need

The document, message, or page containing the hyperlink, opened in an app where you can edit it.
The replacement text you want readers to see.
The correct destination address, if you also need to inspect or repair the link.

Step-by-Step

Open the item for editing. Open the file or draft in its usual app. If it is read-only, request edit access or create an editable copy if that is appropriate. In a received email or published webpage, you generally cannot change the original link; you would need to edit your own draft, document, or page instead.
Find the linked words. Look for the text that appears underlined, colored, or otherwise styled as a link. Some apps show a small link symbol when you select it. If the link is a displayed web address, that address may also be the visible text.
Select the hyperlink. Click or tap the linked text once to reveal link controls. In some editors, clicking follows the link instead. If that happens, undo or return to the document, then right-click, control-click, or use the app’s selection method to open editing options. On a touch screen, press and hold the link if a normal tap opens it.
Open the link editor. Choose an option such as “Edit link,” “Edit hyperlink,” or a link icon. The wording and location vary by app. If a small pop-up appears, look for an edit symbol or an option to change the text and address.
Replace the display text. In the field labeled “Text to display,” “Display text,” or similar, enter the new name. Keep it short and meaningful, and make sure it accurately describes what the destination contains. Do not overwrite the address field unless you intend to change where the link goes.
Confirm the destination. Check that the URL or file location is still correct. If you only want to rename the link, leave this field alone. If the app offers separate text and address fields, changing one should not require changing the other.
Save or apply the edit. Select “OK,” “Apply,” “Save,” or the equivalent control. Some apps save automatically, while others require you to save the whole file or page. Wait for any save indicator to finish before closing the item.
Test the result. Check that the new words appear and that the link opens the intended page or file. In an editable document, use the app’s open-link command or its preview mode so you do not accidentally navigate away while editing. If you are editing a webpage, preview or publish it as appropriate, then test the link in the resulting view.

Common Mistakes

Changing the address instead of the name. Link editors often show both a text field and a destination field. Editing the wrong one can send readers to an unintended place. Check the field labels before typing.
Deleting the link while replacing its text. Selecting and typing over linked words may remove the hyperlink formatting in some editors. Use the link editor when possible, then verify that the new words remain clickable.
Using vague text. “Here,” “read more,” or “this page” does not explain the destination on its own. Prefer a phrase that still makes sense when read out of context, such as “View the registration instructions.”
Leaving a misleading label. A link name should match its destination. Do not label a link “Download the form” if it opens a general information page instead.
Assuming the change updates every copy. Editing one instance of a link usually changes only that instance. Search the document or page for other copies if you want consistent wording throughout.

Tips

Use a concise description that tells readers what they will find or do when they follow the link.
Keep the displayed name and destination aligned. If the destination changes later, revisit the wording too.
For a long web address, descriptive linked text is usually easier to read, but retain the full address when readers need to copy or verify it.
When editing several links, change and test them one at a time. This makes it easier to spot an accidental destination change.
For a link in an email, consider how it will look on a phone as well as on a computer. A short label is less likely to wrap awkwardly.

Troubleshooting

The link opens instead of showing edit controls: Return to the editor and try a right-click or control-click on a computer, or press and hold on a touch screen. You can also select the link and look for a link button in the toolbar. Avoid repeatedly clicking the link, which may keep opening the destination.

The new name appears, but it is no longer clickable: Undo the edit if possible, then use the link editor to change the display-text field. If undo is unavailable, select the replacement text, add a hyperlink again, and enter the verified destination address.

The words are right, but the link goes to the wrong place: Reopen the link editor and inspect the destination field for a typo, missing characters, or an unintended address. Correct it, apply the change, and test the result. Be careful with shared files or links to local files, which may not be accessible to other readers.

You cannot edit the link: Check whether the file is read-only, protected, or shared with view-only access. Sign in to the account with editing permission, request access from the owner, or edit an authorized copy. A link on a public website can only be changed by someone with access to that site’s editing system.

The edit does not stay saved: Confirm that you applied the link change and saved the document or page. If the app is offline or syncing, reconnect and wait for the save or sync status to complete before closing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing a hyperlink name change where it goes?

Not if you edit only the display-text field. The visible name and the destination address are separate, but check both fields before applying the change.

Can I change a link name on my phone?

Usually, if the app supports editing links. Tap or press and hold the linked text, open the link-editing control, and change its display text; controls vary between apps and versions.

Can I rename a hyperlink in an email I received?

Not in the original message. You can change a link in an email draft you are composing, or copy the destination and create a newly labeled link in a message you control.

What should I use as a hyperlink name?

Use brief wording that accurately describes the linked page, file, or action. A reader should be able to understand the link’s purpose without relying on nearby text.

Why can’t I see an “Edit link” option?

You may be viewing the item without edit permission, or the app may reveal link controls only after selecting the text. Try the toolbar or context menu, and check whether the file is read-only.

Should I show the full web address or descriptive text?

Descriptive text is easier to scan in most documents and messages. Show the full address when readers need to copy it or when seeing the exact destination is important.

Further reading: Microsoft Support. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.