You can change your Reddit username once, and only in the first 30 days

Reddit creates a random username for you when you sign up — something like "Delicious-Kangaroo-47" or "Vast-Argument-8392". You get one chance to replace it with something you choose, but only within 30 days of account creation. After that window closes, the username is permanent and cannot be changed, deleted, or transferred to another account.

The change takes effect when ready, and your old username becomes available for other users to claim. Any posts, comments, or karma you earned stay attached to your new username — nothing is lost except the old name itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 30 days from account creation to change your auto-generated username to something custom.
  • After 30 days, Reddit locks your username permanently and does not allow changes under any circumstances.
  • The change happens when ready, and your post history and karma follow your new username automatically.
  • Your old username becomes available for other users once you change it.
  • You can only change your username once — there is no second chance if you change your mind.

Where to find the username change option

Open Reddit on a web browser (the mobile app does not have this feature). Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select User Settings. On the left sidebar, click Account. Look for the section labeled Username — you will see your current auto-generated name displayed there.

If you see a button or link that says Change or Edit next to your username, you are still within the 30-day window. Click it to proceed. If no button appears, your 30 days have passed and the option is no longer available.

What happens when you enter a new username

Type your desired username into the field. Reddit will check it in real time and tell you if it is already taken or if it breaks the site's naming rules. Usernames can contain letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, but cannot start with a number or contain spaces. They must be between 3 and 20 characters long.

Once you enter a valid, available name, you will see a confirmation prompt. Read it carefully — this is your final note to back out. After you confirm, the change is permanent and when ready. You cannot undo it or revert to your old username.

Common reasons the change option does not appear

The most common reason is that your 30-day window has closed. Reddit counts from the exact moment you created your account, not from when you first logged in. If you signed up but did not use the account for a few weeks, the clock was still running.

A second reason is that you are using the Reddit mobile app. The username change feature only works on the desktop website. Switch to a web browser on a computer or phone to access it. Some third-party Reddit apps also do not support this feature, so stick with the official Reddit website.

If you see the option but it is grayed out or disabled, you may have already changed your username once. Reddit allows only one change per account, ever. If you have already used that one change, no further changes are possible.

What to do if your 30 days have passed

If you missed the window, your username is now locked. Reddit does not make exceptions, and contacting support will not reverse this decision. Your only option is to create a new account and choose a better username during the first 30 days of that account.

Before you start over, think through what you want your username to be. Avoid usernames that include your real name, birth year, or other identifying information. Keep it something you will not regret in a few years, since you cannot change it again after the initial 30-day period.

Tips for choosing a username you will keep

Your username appears on every post and comment you make. It is how other users identify you, and it becomes part of your Reddit history. Choose something that reflects your interests without being too specific to a trend that might feel dated later. Avoid numbers that look like birthdates, and do not use the same username you use everywhere else online if you value privacy.

Test how it looks and sounds before you confirm. Say it out loud. Imagine it on a post you are proud of. If you hesitate, do not confirm — go back and try a different name. You only get one shot, so take the 30 seconds to be sure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username after 30 days if I contact Reddit support?

No. Reddit's policy is absolute — the 30-day window is the only time you can change your username, and support cannot override this. Once the window closes, your username is permanent for that account.

If I change my username, do I lose my posts and comments?

No. Your entire post history, comments, karma, and awards all stay with your new username. The change only affects the name displayed next to your content — everything else transfers automatically.

What happens to my old username after I change it?

Your old auto-generated username becomes available for other users to claim. You cannot reclaim it or reserve it. If you change your mind about your new username, you cannot switch back to the old one.

Can I change my username on the Reddit mobile app?

No. The username change feature only works on the Reddit website in a web browser. Open Reddit.com on your phone or computer browser to access the change option.

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere?

The change is when ready. Your new username appears on your profile and on all your posts and comments when ready after you confirm the change.