You can change your Snapchat username once every 30 days through the app settings

Snapchat lets you change the username you log in with, but only once per month. The change takes effect immediately in the app, though it may take a few hours for the change to show up when other people search for you. You cannot reuse a username you've had before, and you cannot change back to a previous username — each change is permanent.

The process itself takes less than a minute. You'll need to open Snapchat, go to your profile settings, find the username field, and enter a new one. If the username is already taken or violates Snapchat's policies, the app will tell you and ask you to try another.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the change is permanent — you cannot switch back to an old username.
  • The new username takes effect right away in the app, but may take a few hours to show up in search results when friends look for you.
  • If your new username is already taken or breaks Snapchat's rules, the app will reject it and ask you to pick a different one.
  • Your display name (the name friends see) is separate from your username and can be changed anytime without the 30-day wait.

Steps to change your username in the Snapchat app

Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top-left corner. This opens your profile page. Tap the settings gear icon in the top-right corner to enter Settings.

In Settings, scroll down and tap "Username". You'll see your current username displayed. Tap the text field below it to enter a new username. Type your new username — it must be between 2 and 15 characters, can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but cannot have spaces. Tap "Save" or "Confirm" (the button label depends on your phone's operating system).

If Snapchat accepts the username, you'll see a confirmation message. If the username is taken or violates content policies, Snapchat will show an error message and ask you to try a different one. Once you've successfully changed your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days.

What happens to your friends when you change your username

Your friends don't need to do anything. They can still message you and find you in their friends list using your display name (the name you set separately from your username). However, if they try to search for you by your old username, that search will no longer find you — they'll need to search for your new username or your display name instead.

If you have a public profile or a Snapcode that people use to add you, those will still work after you change your username. The Snapcode is tied to your account, not your username, so it remains valid.

The difference between username and display name

Your username is what you use to log in and what people search for when they look you up. It's the permanent identifier for your account. Your display name is what appears next to your messages and on your profile — it's what friends see most often. You can change your display name as many times as you want without waiting 30 days.

To change your display name instead, go to Settings, tap "Name", and enter a new display name. This change takes effect immediately and has no monthly limit. Many people keep a simple, recognizable display name while using a more creative or private username.

Reasons your username change might be rejected

Snapchat rejects usernames that are already taken by another account. If you see a message saying the username is unavailable, someone else has claimed it. Try a variation — adding a number, underscore, or period often makes a similar username available.

Snapchat also rejects usernames that contain hate speech, sexual content, or other material that violates its community guidelines. If your chosen username is rejected for this reason, the app will tell you it violates policies. Choose a different username that doesn't include profanity, slurs, or explicit references.

If you've already changed your username within the last 30 days, Snapchat will not let you change it again until the 30-day window has passed. The app will show you the date when you'll be able to change it next.

What to do if you forget your username

If you've forgotten your username but remember your email or phone number, you can still log in. On the Snapchat login screen, enter your email address or phone number instead of your username, then enter your password. Once you're logged in, you can see your username by going to Settings and tapping "Username".

If you've forgotten both your username and your password, tap "Forgot your password?" on the login screen. Snapchat will send a reset link to the email or phone number associated with your account. After you reset your password, you can log in and check your username in Settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Once you change your username, you cannot reuse any previous username you've had. Each username change is permanent. If you want to go back to an old username, you'll need to create a new account — you cannot recover it on your current account.

How long does it take for my new username to show up when people search for me?

The change takes effect immediately in your own app, but it may take a few hours for Snapchat's servers to update everywhere. During that time, some people may still find your old username in search results. After a few hours, only your new username will appear in searches.

What if someone else takes the username I want?

If a username is taken, you cannot have it. Try adding numbers, underscores, or periods to create a similar variation. For example, if "jane.smith" is taken, you might try "jane.smith22" or "jane_smith". Check availability by trying to enter the username in the change screen — Snapchat will tell you right away if it's available.

Can I change my username on the Snapchat website instead of the app?

No. Username changes can only be made through the Snapchat mobile app. You cannot change your username on the web version of Snapchat or through any other method. You must use the iOS or Android app to make this change.

Does changing my username affect my Snapchat score or streaks?

No. Your Snapchat score, streaks, memories, and all other account data stay exactly the same when you change your username. Only the name you log in with and the name people search for changes — everything else on your account remains unchanged.