Snapchat usernames can only be changed once, and the change is permanent

Snapchat allows you to change your username, but only one time ever on your account. Once you make the change, you cannot change it back or pick a different one later. This is a hard limit built into how Snapchat works, so you need to be certain about your new username before you confirm the change.

The username is different from your display name. Your display name is what your friends see and can be changed as often as you want. Your username is the handle people use to add you, and it appears in your profile URL. Because the one-time-only rule applies to the username, not the display name, you have flexibility if you only want to change how your name appears to others.

If you have never changed your username before, you are may be able to access to make this change right now. If you have already changed it once in the past, Snapchat will not let you change it again on this account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Snapchat username exactly once, and the change cannot be undone or changed again later.
  • Your username is different from your display name — the display name can be changed anytime, but the username cannot.
  • To change your username, open Snapchat, go to your profile, tap the settings icon, select "Username," and follow the prompts to enter your new handle.
  • Your new username must be between 2 and 15 characters, contain only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, and cannot already be taken by another account.
  • After you confirm the change, your old username becomes available for other people to claim, and you will not be able to revert to it.

How to access your username settings in Snapchat

Start by opening the Snapchat app on your phone. Tap your profile icon in the top left corner of the screen — it is a small circle with your current profile picture or avatar. This takes you to your profile page.

Once you are on your profile page, look for the settings icon in the top right corner. It looks like a gear or cog. Tap it to open your settings menu. Scroll down through the settings options until you find "Username." Tap on it. This is where you will see your current username and the option to change it.

Choosing and entering your new username

When you tap on "Username," Snapchat will show you your current handle and a text field where you can type your new one. Before you type, know the rules: your new username must be between 2 and 15 characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, periods, and underscores. You cannot use spaces or special characters like hyphens, exclamation marks, or dollar signs.

Type your new username into the field. As you type, Snapchat will tell you whether that username is available or already taken. If it is taken, you will see a message saying so, and you will need to try a different one. Keep trying different combinations until you find one that is available and that you are happy with.

Remember that this is your one and only chance to change this username. Take a moment to make sure you like it before you move forward. Think about whether it is something you will still want in a few years, whether it is straightforward for friends to remember and type, and whether it represents you the way you want.

Confirming your username change

Once you have found an available username that you want to use, tap the button to confirm the change. Snapchat may ask you to re-enter your password or verify your identity before it processes the change. This is a security measure to make sure that someone else has not gained access to your account and is trying to change your username without your permission.

After you verify your identity, the change takes effect when ready. Your new username is now active on your account. Your old username is released back into the pool of available usernames, and other people can now claim it if they want to.

What happens to your old username and how friends find you

Once you change your username, your old one becomes available for anyone else to register. This means someone could potentially take your old username and use it on their own account. If you had shared your old username with people, they will no longer be able to find you using it.

Your friends who already have you added will not lose you or have trouble finding you. Your account stays the same — only the username changes. However, if someone new wants to add you, they will need to use your new username. You should let your close friends and family know about your new username so they can update their records if they ever need to refer to it.

If you change your display name at the same time, that change is separate and does not have the one-time-only restriction. Your display name is what appears in your profile and in conversations, while your username is the handle people use to search for and add you.

If you cannot find the username option in settings

Some accounts do not show a "Username" option in settings. This usually means your account was created before Snapchat introduced usernames, or your account has a different setup. If you do not see the option, try updating your Snapchat app to the latest version from your phone's app store. Outdated versions sometimes do not show newer features.

If you still do not see the option after updating, your account may have been created with a different system. In this case, you may not be able to change your username through the standard settings. You can contact Snapchat support through the app by going to Settings > Help > Contact Us to ask about your specific account situation.

Changing your display name instead of your username

If you want to change how your name appears to friends but you are not ready to use your one username change, you can change your display name instead. Your display name is separate from your username and can be changed as many times as you want.

To change your display name, go to your profile, tap settings, and look for "Name" or "Display Name" (the exact wording varies by phone type). You can type any name you want here, including spaces and special characters. This change takes effect right away and does not count against your one-time username change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one after I change it?

No. Once you change your username, you cannot change it back or change it to anything else. The one-time-only rule is permanent. Your old username becomes available for other people to claim, so you cannot reclaim it yourself.

What if I made a typo in my new username and want to fix it?

Unfortunately, you cannot change it again. Snapchat does not make exceptions to the one-time-only rule. If you made a mistake, your only option is to create a new account with the correct username. This is why it is important to double-check your new username before you confirm the change.

Will my friends lose me if I change my username?

No. Friends who already have you added will still see you in their friends list and can still message you. Your account does not change — only the username changes. New people will need to use your new username to find and add you.

Can I change my username on the web version of Snapchat?

The username change feature is only available in the mobile app, not on the web. You must use the Snapchat app on your phone to change your username. Open the app, go to your profile, and follow the steps described above.

What characters can I use in my new username?

You can use letters (a-z, A-Z), numbers (0-9), periods (.), and underscores (_). You cannot use spaces, hyphens, or special characters like @, #, !, or $. Your username must be between 2 and 15 characters long.