You can change your Reddit username once every 30 days through your account settings

Reddit lets you change your username, but only once per month. The process takes about two minutes and happens entirely in your account settings — you do not need to contact Reddit support or create a new account. Your posts, comments, and profile history stay attached to your new name.

The one-time-per-month limit is a hard rule. If you change your username today, you cannot change it again for 30 days from that date. Reddit counts this as 30 calendar days, not business days, so plan accordingly if you are unsure about a name choice.

Key Takeaways

  • Open your Reddit account settings, select the "Change username" option, and enter your new name — the entire process takes place in one menu.
  • Your new username must be between 3 and 20 characters, can contain letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, and cannot be changed again for 30 days.
  • All your existing posts, comments, saved items, and profile information transfer to your new username automatically.
  • If your desired username is already taken, Reddit will tell you when ready and you can try a different name before confirming the change.
  • You cannot revert to an old username after changing — if you want to use a previous name again, you must wait until it becomes available (usually after the original account is deleted or inactive for years).

Steps to change your username on desktop

Start by logging into Reddit on a web browser. Click your profile icon in the top right corner of the page — it looks like a small circle with your current username or avatar inside it. A dropdown menu will appear with several options.

Select "User settings" from that menu. You will land on a page with tabs across the top. Click the "Account" tab. Scroll down until you see the "Username" section — it will show your current username and a button labeled "Change username" next to it. Click that button.

A box will pop up asking you to enter your new username. Type the name you want. Reddit will when ready tell you if that name is already taken or if it breaks the naming rules. If the name is available, you will see a green checkmark. Click "Change" to confirm. Reddit will ask you to enter your password to verify the change — this is a security step. Type your password and click "Verify". Your username is now changed.

Steps to change your username on mobile

Open the Reddit app and tap your profile icon at the bottom right of the screen. Tap "User settings" from the menu that appears. Scroll down and tap "Account". Look for the "Username" section and tap "Change username".

Enter your new username in the box that appears. Reddit will show you when ready whether the name is available. If it is, tap "Change" and then enter your password to verify. The change takes effect right away.

What happens to your posts and comments after you change your username

Every post and comment you made under your old username will now show your new username. Readers visiting your profile will see your new name, and searching for your old username will not find your account anymore. However, your post history, karma score, and all saved items remain exactly as they were.

People who were following you will continue to follow your new username automatically. Subreddits where you were a moderator will still list you as a moderator under your new name. Direct messages you sent or received are not affected — they will still be in your inbox, and the person you messaged will see your new username when they look at the conversation.

Usernames that Reddit will not allow

Your username must be between 3 and 20 characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, hyphens, and underscores. You cannot use spaces or special characters like periods, commas, or symbols.

Reddit will reject usernames that are already taken, even if the account has been inactive for years. The site also blocks usernames that violate its content policy — for example, names that promote violence or hate. If you try to use a name that breaks these rules, Reddit will tell you why it was rejected and you can try a different name.

What to do if you cannot change your username

If you see an error message saying you cannot change your username, the most common reason is that you have already changed it within the last 30 days. Check the date of your last change — you must wait until 30 days have passed since that date. Reddit counts from the exact time you made the change, not from midnight.

If you have not changed your username in the last month and you still see an error, try logging out and logging back in. Sometimes a browser cache issue prevents the change button from working. If the problem continues, you can contact Reddit support through the "Help" section in your account settings, though response times are often slow.

Choosing a username you will not regret

Since you can only change your username once per month, spend a moment thinking about the name before you confirm. Consider whether the name will still feel right to you in a year. Avoid inside jokes that will feel dated, and avoid names that include personal information like your real name or birth year — Reddit is a public platform and your username appears on everything you post.

If you are changing your username because the old one no longer represents you, that is a good reason to make the change. If you are changing it because you made a typo or chose something impulsively, that is also fine — just remember you cannot change it again for 30 days. Test your new username by searching for it on Reddit first to make sure it is actually available, since availability can change between the time you check and the time you confirm the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Not directly. Once you change your username, you cannot use the old one again unless the account is deleted or becomes inactive for a very long time. If you want to use an old username again, you would need to wait for that name to become available in Reddit's system, which typically takes years.

What if someone else takes my old username after I change mine?

Reddit does not reserve old usernames. Once you change your name, your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim. If you think you might want to use that name again someday, you should wait before changing — there is no way to protect an old username after you leave it.

Does changing my username affect my Reddit Premium or awards?

No. Your Reddit Premium subscription, coins, and awards all stay with your account when you change your username. Your vault of received awards will still be there under your new name.

Can I change my username if my account is suspended or banned?

No. If your account is suspended or banned, you cannot change your username. You would need to resolve the suspension or appeal the ban first through Reddit's support system.

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere on Reddit?

The change is when ready. Your new username will appear on your profile, posts, and comments right away. However, some cached pages or third-party Reddit tools might show your old username for a few hours while their systems update.