Where to find your username settings in Snapchat

Your Snapchat username is the handle people use to add you — it's different from your display name, which is what appears on your profile. To change it, open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top-left corner, then tap the settings gear icon. Scroll down to "Username" and tap it. You'll see your current username and a button to change it.

Snapchat only lets you change your username once every 30 days. If you've already changed it recently, you'll see a countdown showing when you can change it again. The system enforces this limit strictly — there's no way around the 30-day window, even if you contact Snapchat support.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Snapchat username once every 30 days through your profile settings, and the change takes effect when ready.
  • Your new username must be between 2 and 15 characters, contain only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, and cannot start with a number.
  • Changing your username does not affect your display name, friends list, or chat history — only the handle people use to search for you.
  • If your desired username is already taken, you'll need to choose a different one; Snapchat does not have a waitlist for unavailable usernames.

Rules for choosing a new username

Snapchat has specific requirements for what characters and formats are allowed. Your username must be 2 to 15 characters long and can only contain letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, periods, and underscores. It cannot start with a number, and Snapchat will reject it if you try.

Usernames are permanent once you set them — you cannot use the same username again after you change it, even if you wait months. This means if you change from "jane.smith" to "janesmith2024," you cannot switch back to "jane.smith" later. Think through your choice before you confirm it.

What happens to your account when you change your username

Changing your username does not delete or reset anything on your account. Your display name stays the same, your friends list remains intact, and all your chats and memories stay where they are. The only thing that changes is the handle people use to find you and add you as a friend.

People who already have you added will still see you in their friends list under your display name. They won't be notified that you changed your username. However, if someone tries to search for your old username after you change it, they won't find you — they'll need to search for your new username or your display name instead.

If your desired username is already taken

When you try to set a new username, Snapchat will tell you when ready if it's already in use. There is no waitlist or reservation system for usernames. If the one you want is taken, you'll need to choose a different one right then.

Common strategies are to add a number at the end (like "jane.smith22"), use an underscore or period in a different spot, or pick a variation that's close to what you wanted. You can try as many different usernames as you want during your 30-day window — you only get one change every 30 days, but you can experiment with different options before you confirm your final choice.

Troubleshooting if the change won't go through

If you're seeing an error message when you try to change your username, first check that you're using only allowed characters (letters, numbers, periods, underscores) and that your username is 2 to 15 characters long. If it meets those requirements and still won't work, try closing Snapchat completely and reopening it.

If you see a message saying you've already changed your username recently, you're within the 30-day window and will need to wait. The timer resets from the date of your last change, not from the calendar month. If you changed your username on March 15, you can change it again on April 15, regardless of what day of the month it is.

Difference between username and display name

Your username is the unique handle that appears in search results and that people type to find you. Your display name is what shows on your profile and in conversations with friends. You can change your display name as often as you want with no restrictions, but your username has the 30-day limit.

If you want to change how your name appears to friends but don't want to wait 30 days, change your display name instead. Go to your profile, tap the settings gear, scroll to "Name," and enter what you'd like to appear. This takes effect when ready and doesn't affect your username or the 30-day timer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once in 30 days?

No. Snapchat enforces a strict 30-day limit between username changes. You get one change every 30 days, measured from the date of your last change. There is no exception to this rule.

Will my friends still be able to find me if I change my username?

Your existing friends will still see you in their friends list under your display name. If someone new wants to add you, they'll need to search for your new username or your display name. Your old username will no longer work for finding you.

Can I use a username someone else used before?

No. Once a username is taken, even if the person who had it deletes their account or changes their username, that username cannot be reused. Snapchat does not recycle old usernames.

What if I change my username by mistake?

You'll have to wait 30 days before you can change it again. Snapchat support cannot override the 30-day timer or change your username for you. Plan your next change carefully, since you're locked in for a month.

Does changing my username affect my Snapchat score or streaks?

No. Your score, streaks, and all account history remain exactly the same. Only the handle people use to search for you changes.