You can add emoji to your Snapchat username, but only when you first create your account
Snapchat lets you put emoji in your username during the sign-up process, but not after. Once your account exists, the username is locked — you cannot edit it to add, remove, or change emoji later. This means if you want emoji in your name, you need to decide before you finish creating your account.
The process is straightforward: when Snapchat asks you to choose a username, you type or paste emoji characters into that field just like you would type letters. Snapchat accepts most standard emoji from your device's emoji keyboard. If you realize after account creation that you want emoji in your name, your only option is to create a new Snapchat account and start over.
Key Takeaways
- Emoji can only be added to your username during account creation, not afterward.
- You access emoji through your device's built-in emoji keyboard — the same one you use in text messages.
- Snapchat accepts most standard emoji, though some special characters may not work.
- If you add emoji during sign-up and later want to remove them, you cannot edit your username; you would need a new account.
- Your display name (the name friends see) is separate from your username and can be changed anytime without emoji restrictions.
How to add emoji during Snapchat sign-up on iPhone
Open Snapchat and tap Sign Up. Fill in your name, birthdate, phone number or email, and password as prompted. When you reach the username screen, tap the text field where it says "Username".
Tap and hold the space bar (or look for the emoji icon, usually a smiley face) to open your emoji keyboard. Scroll through the emoji categories and select the ones you want. Type them directly into the username field alongside letters and numbers. For example, you could type alex🎮gamer or 🌙luna22. When you are happy with your choice, tap Continue to finish creating your account.
How to add emoji during Snapchat sign-up on Android
Open Snapchat and tap Sign Up. Enter your name, birthdate, phone number or email, and password. When the username screen appears, tap the text field.
Tap the emoji icon on your keyboard (usually located near the space bar or at the bottom of the keyboard). Select the emoji you want from the menu that appears. Add as many as you like, mixed with letters and numbers. Once your username looks the way you want it, tap Continue to complete sign-up.
What emoji work and what does not
Most standard emoji from your device's emoji keyboard work in Snapchat usernames — animals, objects, symbols, faces, and nature emoji are generally accepted. However, Snapchat does filter out some characters. Flag emoji, skin tone modifiers, and certain symbol combinations sometimes get rejected or removed automatically.
The best approach is to try the emoji you want during sign-up. If Snapchat rejects it, you will see an error message telling you the username is not valid. You can then try a different emoji or remove it and use only letters and numbers. There is no way to know in advance which emoji will be rejected, so testing during the sign-up process is the only reliable method.
Why you cannot edit your username after creating your account
Snapchat treats your username as a permanent identifier tied to your account. Unlike your display name (which friends see and you can change anytime), your username is the handle that connects to your account behind the scenes. Snapchat does not allow changes to it because doing so could break links, friend connections, and other account data.
This is why the decision to add emoji matters before you finish sign-up. Once you tap the final confirmation button, your username — with or without emoji — is set. If you decide later that you want emoji in your name, or want to remove emoji you added, you would need to create a brand new Snapchat account with a different username.
How to change your display name if you already have an account
If you already created a Snapchat account without emoji and want to add them now, you cannot change your username. However, you can change your display name, which is what your friends see next to your messages and profile. Display names can include emoji and can be edited anytime.
To change your display name, open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left. Tap your name at the top of the profile screen, then tap Edit Name. Type or paste your new display name with emoji, then tap Save. Your friends will see the new name when ready, though your username (the one you use to add friends) stays the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use emoji in my username if I already have a Snapchat account?
No. Usernames cannot be changed after account creation. If you want emoji in your username, you would need to create a new account during sign-up. You can, however, add emoji to your display name, which is what friends see and can be changed anytime.
What happens if I try to use an emoji that Snapchat does not accept?
Snapchat will show an error message saying the username is not valid. You can then remove that emoji and try a different one, or remove emoji entirely and use only letters and numbers. You have unlimited attempts during sign-up to find a combination that works.
Will my emoji username work on all devices?
Yes. Once your account is created with emoji in the username, the emoji display consistently across iPhone, Android, and the web version of Snapchat. The emoji will show the same way to your friends regardless of what device they use.
Can I copy and paste emoji into my username instead of typing them?
Yes. You can copy emoji from anywhere — a website, another app, or a notes app — and paste them directly into the username field during sign-up. This is often faster than scrolling through your emoji keyboard to find the ones you want.
If I create a new account with emoji in the username, will my old account still exist?
Yes. Your old Snapchat account will remain active with its original username. Creating a new account does not delete the old one. Your friends will still have your old account unless you tell them your new username and they add you again.