Snapchat usernames cannot be changed once created

Snapchat does not offer a way to change your username after you first set it up. The username you choose during account creation is permanent. If you want a different username, you will need to create a new Snapchat account with the username you prefer.

This is different from your display name, which you can change at any time. Many people confuse the two. Your username is what appears in your Snapchat URL and what other people search for to add you. Your display name is what shows up in your friends' contact lists and can be changed whenever you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Snapchat username is locked in permanently and cannot be edited, deleted, or changed after account creation.
  • Your display name is different from your username and can be changed as many times as you want in settings.
  • If you need a different username, you must create a brand new Snapchat account with the username you want.
  • Before creating a new account, think through what username you want to use long-term, since you will be stuck with it.

How to change your display name instead

If you want to change what your friends see when they look at your contact information, you can update your display name in seconds. Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. Then tap the gear icon to open Settings.

Scroll down and tap "Username" — this will show you your permanent username that cannot be changed. Above that, you will see "Name," which is your display name. Tap on the Name field and type in whatever you want your friends to see. Tap outside the field or press the back button to save the change. Your display name will update when ready for everyone who has you added.

What to do if you want a different username

If you decide you need a completely different username, you will have to create a new account. Before you do this, think carefully about what username you want, because you cannot change it later. Consider whether you want something straightforward and professional, or something more casual. Avoid usernames with numbers or special characters that might be hard for people to remember or type correctly.

Once you have decided on a new username, create a new Snapchat account using a different email address or phone number. You can keep your old account active if you want to let people know you have moved to a new one, or you can stop using it. Your old account will remain on Snapchat's servers even if you do not log in, but it will not be visible to your friends unless they search for it directly.

How to tell your friends about your new username

If you create a new account with a different username, your friends will not automatically know about it. You will need to tell them yourself. The best way is to message your close friends directly through text, email, or another app and let them know your new Snapchat username so they can add you.

You can also update your display name on your old account to something like "Moved to @newusername" so people who still have the old account can see where to find you. This only works if you keep the old account active, though. After a few weeks, you can delete the old account if you want, since most people will have switched over to adding you on the new one.

Why Snapchat locks usernames permanently

Snapchat made usernames permanent to prevent spam and account takeovers. If usernames could be changed, someone could take over an account and when ready change the username to hide what they had done. Permanent usernames also make it harder for scammers to impersonate someone by constantly switching names.

The tradeoff is that users are stuck with whatever username they pick on day one. This is why Snapchat lets you change your display name freely — it gives you flexibility in how you present yourself without the security risks that come with changing usernames.

Things to consider before creating a new account

Creating a new Snapchat account means starting over. Your Snap history, saved chats, and friends list will not transfer to the new account. You will have to add all your friends again on the new username. If you have Snapstreaks going with friends, those will end when you switch accounts.

If you have linked your Snapchat to other apps or services, you may need to update those links to point to your new account. Check any apps where you signed in using Snapchat to see if they need to be reconnected. This is worth doing before you tell everyone about your new username, so you do not have to go back and fix things later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my old username back if I delete my account?

No. Once you delete a Snapchat account, the username is gone permanently and cannot be reused, even by you. Snapchat locks deleted usernames to prevent people from impersonating others or reclaiming accounts they no longer control.

What is the difference between username and display name?

Your username is what people search for to add you and appears in your Snapchat URL — it cannot be changed. Your display name is what shows in your friends' contact lists and can be changed anytime. You can have the same display name as someone else, but usernames must be unique.

If I create a new account, will my friends automatically follow me?

No. Your friends will not know about your new account unless you tell them. You will have to send them your new username and ask them to add you. Your old friends list does not carry over to a new account.

Can I have two Snapchat accounts at the same time?

Yes. You can create multiple Snapchat accounts using different email addresses or phone numbers. You can switch between them by logging out and logging back in with different credentials. However, you can only be logged into one account at a time on the same device.