Want a fresh start or a name that better fits you on Snapchat? While you can change your "Display Name" anytime, your actual username is much more permanent and comes with specific rules. This guide walks you through the exact steps to change your Snapchat username, explains the crucial yearly limit, and clears up common confusion with other profile names.
Table of Contents
- The Crucial Difference: Username vs. Display Name
- Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Snapchat Username
- Username Rules & Important Restrictions
- How to Change Your Display Name (Anytime)
- Troubleshooting & Common Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Crucial Difference: Username vs. Display Name
Before you start, understanding this difference is key to avoiding frustration.
- Username (@example): This is your unique account identifier. It's how friends add you and appears in your profile URL. Snapchat only allows you to change it once every 365 days.
- Display Name: This is the name your friends see in their chat lists and on your profile. You can change this to anything you like, as often as you want, with no restrictions.
If you just want friends to see a different name, change your Display Name. If you need to change the unique handle people use to find you, you must change your username.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Snapchat Username
Follow these steps in the Snapchat mobile app. You cannot change your username on the web version.
- From the Camera screen, tap your Bitmoji or profile icon in the top-left corner to go to your Profile.
- Tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner to open Settings.
- Scroll down to the "My Account" section and tap "Username."
- Tap the option for "Change Username."
- Enter your desired new username in the text field and tap "Next."
- For security, you will be prompted to enter your Snapchat password. Do so and tap "Confirm" to finalize the change.
Username Rules & Important Restrictions
Snapchat has strict rules for usernames. Keep these in mind when choosing your new one:
- Length: Must be between 3 and 15 characters long.
- Characters: Can only contain letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and one of the following special characters: a hyphen (-), an underscore (_), or a period (.). No other symbols or emojis are allowed.
- Format: Must start with a letter and must end with either a letter or a number.
- The Annual Limit: This is the most important rule. You can only change your username once every 12 months (365 days). The counter resets exactly one year from the date of your last change.
- Snap Stars & Public Profiles: If you have a verified Snap Star account or a Public Profile, you cannot change your username through the standard app settings. You must contact Snapchat support to submit a formal request.
How to Change Your Display Name (Anytime)
Since you can change your Display Name whenever you want, it's the best way to keep your profile fresh. Here’s how:
- Go to your Profile and tap the gear icon (⚙️) for Settings.
- Under "My Account," tap "Name."
- Enter your new Display Name (up to 30 characters, including spaces).
- Tap "Save."
Note: Friends who already added you might continue to see the name you had when they added you. New friends will see your updated Display Name.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
- "Change Username" option is grayed out or missing? This means you have changed your username within the last year. You must wait until the 365-day period is over. Snapchat does not show a countdown timer for this.
- "Username is taken"? You must choose a completely unique username that no other Snapchat account is using. Try adding numbers, underscores, or a different variation.
- "Username is invalid"? Check the format rules above. Ensure it starts with a letter, is the right length, and doesn’t contain forbidden characters.
- Changed your mind? A username change is permanent for that year. You cannot revert to your old username, and it may become available for someone else to claim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I change my Snapchat username more than once a year?
No. The once-per-year (365-day) limit is strictly enforced for all regular accounts. There are no exceptions or paid options to bypass this restriction.
Will my friends be notified when I change my username?
No, Snapchat does not send a notification to your friends. However, your new username will appear on your profile. If a friend searches for your old username, it will no longer find you.
I'm a creator with a Public Profile. Are the rules different?
Yes. If you have a Public Profile or are a Snap Star, you cannot change your username in the app. You must submit a request to Snapchat for review. For more on managing a Public Profile, you can refer to Snapchat's Public Profile help guide.
What happens to my old username?
After you change it, your old username is released. After a period of time, it may become available for another user to claim. You cannot reclaim it unless it is still available when you are next eligible to change your username.
Useful External Links for Official Information
- Snapchat's Official Username Change Guide - The definitive source from Snapchat Support.
- Snapchat's Display Name Guide - Official information on changing your Display Name.