You cannot change your Snapchat username after you create it

Snapchat does not offer a way to change your username once your account is set up. The username you choose during registration is permanent — there is no edit button, no settings toggle, and no customer service workaround that will alter it.

If you need a different username, your only option is to create a new Snapchat account with the username you want. This means starting fresh: your friends list, chat history, Snapstreaks, and saved snaps will not transfer to the new account. You will need to tell your contacts your new username so they can add you again.

Before you create your first account, spend a moment thinking about the username you want to keep long-term. Usernames are how people find and recognize you on Snapchat, so choosing something you will not regret matters more than rushing through setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Snapchat usernames cannot be changed, edited, or recovered once your account is created — the name you pick is final.
  • If you want a different username, you must create a brand new Snapchat account, which means losing all friends, chats, and Snapstreaks on the old account.
  • Your display name (the name that appears to friends) is different from your username and can be changed anytime in settings.
  • Usernames must be between 3 and 34 characters, contain only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, and cannot start with a number.
  • Check whether your desired username is already taken before you commit to creating an account, because Snapchat will not let you use a name someone else has claimed.

The difference between username and display name

Snapchat has two separate name fields, and many people confuse them. Your username is the handle you create during signup — the one that cannot change. It appears in your profile URL and is how people search for you to add you as a friend.

Your display name is what shows up next to your messages and in your profile. You can change your display name as many times as you want by opening Snapchat, tapping your profile icon in the top left, tapping the gear icon to open settings, selecting "Username," and then tapping "Display Name" to edit it. If you only want to change how your name appears to friends, this is the setting you need.

Many people create an account with a username they do not love, then change their display name to something better, thinking the problem is solved. The username stays the same — only what your friends see next to your messages changes. If someone is trying to add you by searching for your username, they will find the original one you registered with, not your display name.

What happens if you want a new account

If you decide to create a fresh Snapchat account with a different username, you will lose access to your old account's content. Snapchat does not merge accounts or transfer data between them. Your old account will still exist if you log back in with those credentials, but you cannot move friends, chats, or saved snaps to your new account.

Before you create the new account, tell your close friends and family that you are switching usernames so they know to add your new account. You can do this through text, another messaging app, or by sharing your new Snapchat username in person. Without telling people, they will not know where you went.

Once your new account is set up and your contacts have added you, you can delete the old account if you want. Open the old account, go to settings, scroll to the bottom, and select "Delete Account." Snapchat will ask you to confirm and warn you that deletion is permanent. After 30 days, the account and all its data are gone.

Rules for choosing a Snapchat username

Snapchat has specific rules about what characters and formats are allowed in a username. Your username must be between 3 and 34 characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, periods, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, or special characters like @, #, or &.

Your username cannot start with a number — it must begin with a letter. For example, "snapuser123" is allowed, but "123snapuser" is not. Snapchat will reject it during signup and ask you to try again.

The username you want might already be taken by someone else. During account creation, Snapchat will tell you when ready if the name is unavailable. If that happens, you will need to choose a different one. There is no waitlist or way to claim a username that is already in use.

How to create a new account with a different username

read Snapchat from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) if you do not already have it. Open the app and tap "Sign Up" at the bottom of the login screen. You will be asked for your name, phone number or email, date of birth, and then your username.

When you reach the username field, type the name you want to use. Snapchat will check in real time whether it is available. If you see a green checkmark, the name is yours to claim. If you see a red X, someone else has it and you need to choose something different. Once you find an available username you like, continue through the rest of signup.

After you finish creating the account, you can add friends by searching for their usernames or by letting Snapchat access your contacts. Share your new username with the people you want to stay in touch with so they can find you.

Protecting your username choice

Because you cannot change your username later, think about whether it will still feel right to you in a few years. Usernames that include inside jokes, temporary interests, or numbers tied to your birth year can feel awkward as time passes. A username that is straightforward, neutral, and tied to your actual name or a consistent online identity tends to age better.

Avoid usernames that include personal information like your full address, phone number, or school name. Snapchat is a social app, and your username is visible to anyone who searches for it or sees your profile. The more generic and less personally identifying your username is, the safer your privacy.

If you are creating an account for a young person, help them choose a username that does not reveal their age, location, or real name. This reduces the risk of unwanted contact from strangers and makes the account safer to use over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my old username back if I delete my account?

No. Once you delete an account, Snapchat holds the username for 30 days before releasing it back into circulation. After that, anyone can claim it. You cannot reserve it or reclaim it yourself. If you think you might want to use that username again, do not delete the account.

What if I forgot my username?

Open Snapchat and look at the login screen. If you have logged in before on that device, your username may appear as a suggestion. If not, try logging in with your email address or phone number instead — Snapchat accepts either one. Once you are logged in, you can see your username by tapping your profile icon and looking at the top of your profile.

Can I have two Snapchat accounts with different usernames?

Yes. You can create multiple Snapchat accounts using different phone numbers or email addresses, each with its own username. You can switch between them by logging out and logging back in with different credentials. However, Snapchat's terms of service discourage having multiple accounts, so use this option sparingly.

Will changing my display name affect how people search for me?

No. People search for you using your username, not your display name. Changing your display name does not change how searchable you are or how people find you. Only your username determines that, and it cannot change.

What if someone else is using a username I want?

You cannot claim a username that is already in use. Your only options are to choose a different username or wait to see if that person deletes their account (which would release the username after 30 days). There is no way to request a username from another user or to report that they are not using it.