You can change your Snapchat display name in settings on any device
Your display name on Snapchat is what other users see when they look at your profile — it is separate from your username, which cannot be changed. To change your display name, open Snapchat, tap your profile icon in the top left corner, tap the settings gear icon, scroll down to "Username," and tap the field next to "Name." Delete the current text and type your new display name, then tap outside the field or press the back arrow to save. The change takes effect when ready.
This process works the same way on iPhone and Android. If you are using Snapchat on a computer, you cannot change your display name through the web version — you must use the mobile app. The display name can be up to 20 characters and can include letters, numbers, spaces, and some symbols, though Snapchat will reject names that violate its community guidelines.
Key Takeaways
- Your display name is what appears on your profile and in conversations, while your username (the one you log in with) cannot be changed.
- You can change your display name as many times as you want, with no waiting period between changes.
- Changes to your display name appear when ready to everyone on your friends list.
- If Snapchat rejects your chosen name, it usually means the name violates community guidelines or contains prohibited content.
The difference between display name and username
Snapchat uses two separate identifiers, and understanding which is which prevents confusion when you are trying to change how you appear to others. Your username is what you created when you first set up your account — it is the name you type in to log in, and it cannot be changed. Your display name is the friendly name that shows up on your profile card and in chat threads, and this is what you can edit whenever you want.
When someone searches for you on Snapchat, they search by username. When they look at your profile or see a message from you, they see your display name. If you want people to call you by a nickname or a different version of your name, change your display name. If you want to change the actual account login, you would need to create a new account entirely.
Step-by-step instructions for iPhone
Open the Snapchat app and tap the profile icon — a small circle with your avatar or initials — in the top left corner of the screen. This takes you to your profile page. At the top right of your profile, you will see a settings icon that looks like a gear. Tap it.
Scroll down the settings menu until you see the section labeled "Username." Under that heading, you will see a field with your current display name. Tap directly on the name text to enter edit mode. The field will highlight and a cursor will appear. Select all the text (you can double-tap to select a word, then pinch outward to select all, or use the standard select-all gesture for your device), then type your new display name.
Once you have typed the new name, tap outside the text field or press the back arrow at the top left to save your changes. Snapchat does not require you to confirm the change — it saves automatically when you exit the field. Your new display name will appear on your profile and in all conversations within seconds.
Step-by-step instructions for Android
Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. On Android, this is usually a circle with your avatar or initials. Once you are on your profile page, look for the settings gear icon in the top right area of the screen and tap it.
In the settings menu, scroll down until you find "Username." You will see your current display name in a text field below that label. Tap on the name to set up the text field. The field will become editable and show a cursor. Clear the existing text by selecting all (long-press and choose "Select All," or use Ctrl+A if your keyboard supports it), then type your new display name.
Tap outside the field or use the back button to save. Android will save your change when ready, and your new display name will be visible to your friends right away. If you do not see the change appear on your profile within a few seconds, try closing and reopening the app.
What to do if Snapchat rejects your chosen name
If you type in a display name and Snapchat does not allow you to save it, the app will usually show an error message. The most common reason for rejection is that your chosen name violates Snapchat's community guidelines — this includes names with hate speech, sexual content, or references to illegal activity. Snapchat also blocks names that impersonate celebrities, public figures, or the Snapchat brand itself.
If your name is rejected, try removing any numbers, symbols, or words that might be flagged. Stick to straightforward, straightforward names. If you are trying to use a name that includes a special character, try replacing it with a letter or number instead. For example, if "J0hn" is rejected, try "John" or "Jon." If a completely innocent name is still being rejected and you believe it violates no guidelines, you can contact Snapchat support through the app by going to Settings > Help > Contact Us and describing the issue.
How often you can change your display name
Unlike some social media platforms, Snapchat does not limit how often you can change your display name. You can change it once a day, once an hour, or even multiple times in a single day if you want to. There is no waiting period between changes, and Snapchat does not charge you or require any special permission to make the change.
Keep in mind that while you can change your display name freely, your friends will see the change reflected when ready on their end. If you change your name very frequently, it may confuse people who are trying to identify you in conversations. Your username stays the same no matter how many times you change your display name, so people can always find you by searching for your original username if they need to.
Why you might want to change your display name
People change their Snapchat display name for many reasons. You might want to use a nickname instead of your real name, update your name after a life change, or straightforward refresh how you present yourself online. Some users change their display name seasonally or for holidays. Others use it to match a username they have on other platforms for consistency across their social media presence.
Changing your display name is also a practical way to organize your account if you share it with family members or use it for different purposes. For example, you might change it to "Mom" when family members are viewing your profile, or to a professional name if you use Snapchat for work-related communication. Since the change is when ready and reversible, you can experiment with different names to see what feels right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username instead of my display name?
No. Snapchat does not allow you to change your username under any circumstances. Your username is permanent and tied to your account login. If you absolutely need a different username, you would have to create a new Snapchat account. Most people solve this by changing their display name instead, which is what others see and remember.
Will my friends be notified when I change my display name?
Snapchat does not send a notification to your friends when you change your display name. However, they will see the new name the next time they view your profile or receive a message from you. If you change your name frequently, some friends might notice, but there is no formal alert system.
What happens to old conversations if I change my display name?
All your old conversations will show your new display name going forward. Snapchat does not preserve the old name in chat history — when you look back at old messages, they will appear to be from your current display name, not the name you had when you sent them.
Can I use special characters or emojis in my display name?
You can use some special characters like hyphens, underscores, and periods, but not all symbols are allowed. Emojis are generally not supported in display names. If you try to use a character that is not allowed, Snapchat will either reject the name or automatically remove the character when you save.
Is my display name the same as my Snapchat username?
No. Your username is what you log in with and what people search for to find you. Your display name is what appears on your profile and in conversations. They are two separate things, and only your display name can be changed.