Snapchat usernames cannot be changed once they are set
Snapchat's username system works differently from most social platforms. When you create an account, you choose a username, and that choice is permanent — Snapchat does not offer a way to change it later. This is a hard rule with no exceptions, even if you contact Snapchat support or pay for a premium feature.
What you can change is your display name, which is what appears to your friends in their contact list. This is separate from your username. Many people confuse the two because they serve similar purposes, but only the display name is editable.
If you chose a username you now regret, your only real option is to create a new Snapchat account with a different username and rebuild your friend list there. This means losing your Snapchat score, chat history, and saved memories on the old account.
Key Takeaways
- Your Snapchat username is permanent and cannot be changed, deleted, or hidden once created.
- You can change your display name (the name friends see) at any time through Settings, but this does not change your username.
- If you want a different username, you must create a new account, which means starting your friend list and Snapchat score from zero.
- Before creating an account, think through your username choice because you will live with it as long as that account exists.
The difference between username and display name
Your username is the handle people use to add you on Snapchat. It appears in your profile and in the search results when someone looks for you. It is also what shows up in your Snapcode (the scannable image tied to your account). Once set, it never changes.
Your display name is what your friends see next to your messages and in their contact list. You can change this as often as you want. If you want your friends to call you by a different name without losing your account, changing your display name is the way to do it.
To change your display name: open Snapchat, tap your profile icon in the top left, tap the gear icon for Settings, select "Username" (which also shows your display name), and tap the display name field to edit it. Save the change and you are done.
Why Snapchat locks usernames permanently
Snapchat treats usernames as permanent identifiers partly for security and partly for account stability. If usernames could be changed, someone could take over an account and when ready change the username, making it harder for the real owner to prove what happened. A locked username creates a permanent record tied to the account.
Usernames also prevent impersonation chains. If usernames were changeable, someone could wait for a popular account to go inactive, then create a new account with that old username and pretend to be the original person. By locking usernames, Snapchat keeps the connection between a person and their handle stable.
This design choice frustrates users who picked a username as a joke at age 14 and now want something more professional, but it is a deliberate trade-off Snapchat has made.
Creating a new account if you need a different username
If your current username no longer fits who you are or what you want to project, creating a new account is your only path forward. This is a real cost — you lose your Snapchat score (the number that builds from sending and receiving snaps), all your saved chats and memories, and your friend list.
Before you start a new account, decide what username you want and check that it is not already taken. You cannot reserve a username in advance; you can only claim it when you create the account. Search for the username in Snapchat to see if it exists. If it does not appear in results, it is likely available, though there is no may provide until you try to register.
Once you have created the new account with your chosen username, you will need to add your friends back manually. You can do this by having them search for your new username, or by sharing your Snapcode (the scannable image) with them directly. Let your close friends know you have a new account so they do not think you have disappeared.
What to consider before choosing a username
Since you cannot change your username later, spend a moment thinking it through before you create an account. A username that feels funny at 16 may feel embarrassing at 26, and you cannot undo it without starting over.
Avoid usernames that include your full real name, birth year, or other personal details that could help someone identify or locate you. Avoid usernames that reference current trends, memes, or inside jokes that will feel dated in a few years. Avoid anything you would not want a future employer or someone you meet in person to see.
A good username is something you would be comfortable with for years, does not reveal personal information, and does not tie you to a specific moment in time. It does not have to be clever — straightforward and neutral is often the better choice.
Deactivating your old account
If you create a new account and want to fully step away from the old one, you can deactivate it. Deactivating is different from deleting. When you deactivate, your account goes dormant for 30 days. If you log back in during that window, the deactivation cancels and your account returns to normal. If you do not log in for 30 days, the account is permanently deleted.
To deactivate your account, go to Settings, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Delete Account." You will be asked to confirm your password. Snapchat will tell you the exact date your account will be permanently removed if you do not log back in.
Deactivating is useful if you are not sure you want to abandon your old account forever. It gives you a month to change your mind. If you are certain, you can straightforward stop using the account and let it sit — Snapchat does not delete inactive accounts automatically, so your old username will remain tied to that dormant account indefinitely.
Protecting your username choice on a new account
Once you create a new account with a username you like, protect it by using a strong password and enabling two-factor authentication. Go to Settings, tap "Login & Security," and turn on "Two-Factor Authentication." This means anyone trying to log in from a new device will need a code from your phone, not just your password.
If someone gains access to your account, they cannot change your username, but they can change your display name, email, and password, locking you out. Two-factor authentication makes that much harder. It takes an extra 30 seconds to log in, but it prevents someone from taking over your account and impersonating you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Snapchat support change my username for me?
No. Snapchat support cannot and will not change usernames under any circumstances. This is a firm policy. If you contact them about a username change, they will direct you to create a new account if you want a different handle.
If I deactivate my account, can someone else take my username?
Not during the 30-day deactivation window. Your account is still tied to that username. After 30 days, if the account is permanently deleted, the username may become available for someone else to use, though Snapchat does not publicly confirm how long it takes for a deleted username to open up.
Will my friends see my new account if I create one?
Only if you tell them or they search for your new username. Snapchat does not notify your friends that you have created a new account. You will need to reach out to them directly or share your Snapcode so they can find and add you.
What happens to my Snapchat memories if I switch accounts?
Your memories stay on your old account. You cannot transfer them to a new account. If those memories matter to you, read them before you stop using the old account. You can save individual snaps or use Snapchat's read feature to back them up.
Can I use the same email for both my old and new Snapchat account?
No. Each Snapchat account needs its own email address. If you want to create a new account, you will need a different email. You can use a secondary email address, a work email, or create a new free email account through Gmail or another provider.