You cannot change your Reddit username after you create it

Reddit does not offer a way to change the username you chose when you signed up. Once you pick a u/ name, it stays with that account permanently. If you want a different username, you have to create a new Reddit account with the name you prefer.

This is different from many other social platforms. Twitter lets you change your handle. Instagram lets you change your username. Reddit treats the username as a permanent part of your account identity, the same way your Social Security number works — it does not change, and there is no exception process.

If you are unhappy with your current username, you have two real options: keep using the account you have, or start fresh with a new one. The choice depends on what you have built on your current account and whether that matters to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Reddit usernames cannot be changed under any circumstance — the feature does not exist in Reddit's settings.
  • If you want a different username, you must create a new Reddit account, which takes two minutes and requires only an email address.
  • Your old account stays active unless you delete it, and your post history remains visible under your old u/ name.
  • Deleting your old account does not free up the username for someone else to use — the name stays reserved to that deleted account.
  • You can manage multiple Reddit accounts from the same device by switching between them in the app or browser without logging out.

What happens to your old account if you create a new one

When you create a new Reddit account, your old account does not disappear. It stays on Reddit with all your posts, comments, and saved items intact. Anyone who visits your old u/ profile can still see everything you posted under that name.

If you want your old account to be invisible, you have two choices. You can delete the account, which removes your ability to log in but leaves your posts and comments on Reddit under that username — they just show as posted by "[deleted]" in some contexts. Or you can leave the account active but stop using it, which is cleaner if you think you might want to access old posts or messages later.

Deleting your old username does not make that name available for someone else to claim. The username stays reserved to your deleted account. This is Reddit's way of preventing impersonation — if you deleted an account that had a large following, nobody can take over that name and pretend to be you.

How to create a new Reddit account with a different username

Go to reddit.com or open the Reddit app. Click or tap "Sign up" in the top right corner. You will see a form asking for a username, email address, and password.

Type the username you want. Reddit will tell you when ready if the name is already taken. Usernames can be 3 to 20 characters long and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Reddit does not allow spaces in usernames. If your first choice is taken, try variations — adding a number at the end or using an underscore instead of a hyphen often works.

Enter an email address. This does not have to be the same email you used for your old account — you can use a different one, or even the same one if you want. Reddit will send you a confirmation link. Click the link in your email to finish creating the account.

Set a password and complete any additional steps Reddit asks for. You now have a new account with a new username. You can log out and log back in to switch between your old and new accounts whenever you want.

Managing multiple Reddit accounts on the same device

You can use more than one Reddit account without deleting your old one. The easiest way is to log out of one account and log into another. On the Reddit website, click your username in the top right, then click "Log out". On the Reddit app, tap your profile icon, scroll down, and tap "Log out".

If you use the Reddit app, you can also add multiple accounts without logging out. Tap your profile icon, then tap your username at the top. You will see an option to add another account. Enter the username and password for your second account. Now you can switch between accounts by tapping your profile icon and selecting which account you want to use.

This setup is useful if you want to keep your old account for reference but use a new one going forward. You can check your old messages or look up old posts without having to log out and back in every time.

Why Reddit does not allow username changes

Reddit's reasoning is that your username is your identity on the platform. Your posts, comments, and reputation are tied to that name. If usernames could change, someone could build a trusted account, change the name, and then use that reputation to mislead people. A user could also change their name to impersonate someone else who had just deleted their account.

This is the same reason many forums and older social platforms locked usernames in place. It prevents fraud and keeps the history of who said what clear and permanent. It is a trade-off — you lose the ability to rebrand yourself, but the platform gains security and clarity about who posted what.

Some newer platforms like Discord and Slack allow username changes because they use other identifiers (like user IDs) to track who posted what behind the scenes. Reddit chose a simpler system where the username itself is the permanent identifier.

Alternatives if you want to keep your account but change how you appear

If you like your account's history and reputation but dislike your username, you have limited options. You cannot change the u/ name itself, but you can change your display name — the name that shows next to your posts. On the Reddit app or website, go to your profile, tap or click "Edit", and change your display name to whatever you want. This is different from your username and can be changed anytime.

A display name change does not affect your u/ username in any way. Your username still appears in your profile URL and when people click on your name to see your history. But in some contexts, your display name shows instead, which can make your account feel like a fresh start without losing your post history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Reddit staff change my username for me?

No. Reddit does not change usernames under any circumstance, even if you contact support. The only way to get a different username is to create a new account. If your account was hacked and the hacker changed your display name, Reddit support can help reset that, but they cannot change your u/ username.

If I delete my account, can someone else take my username?

No. When you delete an account, the username stays permanently tied to that deleted account. Nobody else can create a new account with that name. The username is reserved forever, even after deletion.

Will my new account have the same karma and awards as my old one?

No. Karma and awards are tied to your specific account. When you create a new account, it starts at zero karma with no awards. Your old account keeps all its karma and awards, but your new account is separate. This is one reason some people keep their old accounts even after creating new ones.

Can I use the same email address for two Reddit accounts?

Yes. You can create multiple Reddit accounts using the same email address. Reddit does not require each account to have a unique email. This makes it straightforward to manage multiple accounts if you want to keep them separate.

What if the username I want is inactive — can I claim it?

No. Reddit does not recycle usernames from inactive accounts. If someone created an account with the name you want and then never used it, that name is still taken. You cannot request that Reddit free it up or give it to you. You have to choose a different name.