Snapchat lets you change your username once every 30 days through the app settings

Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. Go to Settings (the gear icon), then tap "Username" under the account section. Tap "Change Username" and enter your new username. Snapchat will tell you right away if the name is taken or contains blocked words. Once you confirm, the change takes effect when ready, and your old username becomes unavailable for 30 days before anyone else can claim it.

Your display name — the name friends see in their contact list — is separate from your username. You can change your display name as often as you want without waiting. If you only want to change how your name appears to friends, not your login username, go to Settings and tap "Name" instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Snapchat username once every 30 days through the Settings menu in your profile.
  • Your old username stays reserved under your account for 30 days after you change it, so no one else can take it during that time.
  • Display names (what friends see) can be changed anytime and do not count toward the 30-day limit.
  • Snapchat rejects usernames that are already taken, contain spaces, or include words on their blocked list.

What happens to your old username after you change it

When you change your username, Snapchat holds your old one for 30 days. During this time, no one else can register it, and you cannot change back to it. After 30 days, the old username enters a general pool and becomes available for anyone to claim.

This 30-day hold protects you if you change your mind or if someone tries to impersonate you by grabbing your old name. If you want to keep a username you have used before, you will need to change to it again before the 30 days are up — but you can only make one change per month, so plan accordingly.

Rules for what your new username can be

Snapchat usernames must be between 3 and 25 characters long and can include letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces are not allowed. The app will reject any username that is already taken or that contains words Snapchat has flagged as inappropriate or against their community guidelines.

Usernames are case-insensitive, meaning "JohnDoe" and "johndoe" are treated as the same account. If you are trying a username and Snapchat says it is unavailable, try adding a number, period, or underscore to make it unique. Avoid usernames that look like they belong to a brand or public figure unless that is actually you — Snapchat may suspend accounts that impersonate others.

The difference between username and display name

Your username is what you use to log in and what other users search for to add you. Your display name is the friendly name that appears in your friends' contact lists and on your profile. Many people use their real name as a display name but keep their username as something more private or creative.

Changing your display name does not affect your login credentials and does not trigger the 30-day waiting period. You can update it as often as you want. If you want friends to see a different name without changing your actual username, update your display name in Settings under "Name."

Why Snapchat might reject your new username

The most common reason a username is rejected is that someone else already has it. Snapchat will tell you when ready if the name is taken. Other rejections happen when your username contains spaces (not allowed), is shorter than 3 characters, or includes words on Snapchat's blocked list.

If you are trying to use a name associated with a celebrity, brand, or public figure and you are not that person, Snapchat may reject it or flag your account later. The app also rejects usernames that look like they are trying to impersonate verified accounts or official company profiles. If you keep getting rejected, try a different variation or contact Snapchat support to ask why a specific name was blocked.

What to do if you cannot change your username yet

If you changed your username recently, you will see a message telling you when you can change it again. The 30-day timer starts the moment you confirm your new username, not when you start the process. You cannot bypass this limit or change it twice in one month.

If you need a different username urgently, your only option is to use your display name instead — change that to what you want friends to see, and wait out the 30 days before changing your actual username. Some users also create a second account if they need a different username right away, though Snapchat's terms of service allow only one account per person.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not when ready. Your old username is reserved for 30 days after you change it. After those 30 days pass, it becomes available to anyone. If you want to reclaim it, you would have to wait until it is released and then use your one monthly change to switch back to it.

Does changing my username affect my Snapchat score or saved messages?

No. Your Snapchat score, saved chats, memories, and all your account data stay the same. Only the name people use to find and add you changes. Your friends will still see your conversation history and snaps.

What if someone took my old username after the 30 days?

Once the 30-day hold expires, Snapchat releases the username to the public. If someone claims it before you do, you cannot get it back. You would need to choose a different username or contact Snapchat support if you believe the account is impersonating you.

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

No. Username changes are only available through the Snapchat mobile app. Log into the app on your phone, go to your profile settings, and make the change there. Web access to Snapchat is limited to viewing stories and messages, not account settings.