You cannot change your username in Subway Surfers after you create it

Subway Surfers does not have a built-in feature to change your username once you have set it. The name you choose when you first start the game is permanent. If you want a different username, you will need to start a new game with a fresh account.

This limitation exists because Subway Surfers ties your username to your game progress, coins, and any purchases you have made. Changing the name would require the developers to rebuild how they store and track player data, which they have not implemented. The permanence is intentional—it protects your account from unauthorized changes and keeps leaderboards stable.

Key Takeaways

  • Subway Surfers usernames cannot be changed once created, so choose carefully when you first start the game.
  • Your username is linked to your account, progress, and coins, which is why the game does not allow edits.
  • Starting a new game means losing all progress, coins, and any in-game purchases on your old account.
  • Before creating your account, test your chosen username on paper or in a notes app to make sure you like it.
  • Connecting your account to Facebook, Google Play, or Game Center protects your progress if you lose your device or reinstall the game.

What happens if you start a new game

If you delete Subway Surfers and reinstall it, you can create a new account with a different username. However, this erases everything tied to your old account: your high score, coins, character unlocks, and any money you spent on in-game purchases.

The game does not transfer progress between accounts on the same device. Each username is a completely separate save file. Before you delete the app, take a screenshot of your high score if you want to remember it. If you had connected your old account to Facebook or Google, that backup is still tied to the old username and cannot be merged with a new one.

How to choose a username before you start

Since you cannot change your username later, spend a moment thinking about what you want before you open the game for the first time. Write down a few options and pick the one you will still like in a few weeks.

Keep your username something you are comfortable with, since it will appear on your profile and in leaderboards if you connect to social media. Avoid usernames with personal information like your real name, birth year, or location. Short names are easier to remember and type if you ever need to share your profile. Test the username by typing it into a notes app or on paper—this catches typos before they become permanent.

Connecting your account to avoid losing progress

Once you have created your username, connect your game to Facebook, Google Play, or Game Center (on iPhone). This backs up your account to the internet, so if you get a new phone or reinstall the game, you can log back in and recover your progress.

To connect your account, open Subway Surfers, tap the settings icon (usually a gear in the top corner), and look for options to link Facebook, Google, or Game Center. You will need an account with one of those services, but they are all free to create. Once linked, your username and progress are safe even if you lose your device. When you log back in on a new phone, your old username and all your coins and unlocks return automatically.

Why Subway Surfers locks usernames

Mobile games lock usernames to prevent fraud and account theft. If players could change their names freely, someone who hacked your account could change your username and make it harder for you to prove the account was yours. By keeping the original username permanent, the game gives you a way to prove ownership if something goes wrong.

The permanent username also keeps leaderboards stable. If top players could rename themselves, their scores would jump around the rankings and confuse other players tracking their progress. A fixed username means your score stays attached to the same identity, so your rank on the global leaderboard remains consistent week to week.

What to do if you made a mistake with your username

If you created an account with a typo or a username you no longer like, your only option is to start fresh. Delete the app, reinstall it, and create a new account with the correct username. This is not ideal if you have spent weeks building up coins and unlocking characters, but it is the only way to change what appears on your profile.

To minimize the damage, do not spend real money on your first account if you are unsure about the username. Play for a day or two with the free coins the game gives you, and if you are happy with the name, then you can invest time and money knowing it is permanent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username if I connect to Facebook or Google?

No. Connecting your account to Facebook or Google backs up your progress, but it does not unlock the ability to change your username. The username remains locked to that account regardless of what you link it to.

What if I made a typo in my username?

Unfortunately, Subway Surfers does not have a way to fix typos. You would need to start a new game with the correct spelling, which means losing all your progress. Before you create an account, double-check your username spelling in a notes app first.

Do I have to use my real name as my username?

No. You can use any username you want when you create your account. Many players use nicknames, character names, or made-up words instead of their real names.

If I uninstall and reinstall the game, can I use the same username?

Only if you log back into the same account through Facebook, Google, or Game Center. If you create a brand new account, you can reuse the old username because it is no longer tied to an active game profile.

Can I see other players' usernames?

Yes, if you connect to Facebook or Game Center, you can see usernames of friends who also play Subway Surfers. You can also see top players on the global leaderboard, though the leaderboard shows only the highest scores, not all players.