You can't change your Reddit username after you create it

Reddit does not allow you to change the username on an existing account. Once you pick a username when you sign up, that name is permanent for that account. This is different from many other social platforms — there's no settings option, no admin form, and no workaround that will let you rename an account you already have.

If you want a different username, your only option is to create a new Reddit account with the name you prefer. This means starting fresh: your new account will have no post history, no saved items, and no communities you've joined. Your old account and all its content will remain under the original username unless you delete it.

Key Takeaways

  • Reddit usernames cannot be changed once an account is created, even by contacting Reddit support.
  • If you want a different username, you must create a new account and choose the name during signup.
  • Your old account will keep its original username and all its posts unless you delete the account entirely.
  • You can use the same email address for multiple Reddit accounts, but you'll need to log out and back in to switch between them.
  • Deleting an account removes your username from public view but does not free up that username for someone else to claim.

Creating a new account with your preferred username

Start by going to reddit.com and clicking "Sign up" in the top right corner. You'll be asked for an email address, a password, and a username. This is where you enter the name you want. Reddit usernames can be 3 to 20 characters long and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores — but no spaces or special characters like @ or #.

Check whether your preferred username is available before you finish creating the account. Reddit will tell you immediately if the name is taken. If it is, try variations: adding a number at the end, using an underscore instead of a hyphen, or shortening the name. Once you complete signup, that username is locked to your new account.

You don't need a different email address for each account. You can use the same email for multiple Reddit accounts, but you'll only be able to log into one at a time. When you want to switch accounts, log out of the current one and log back in with the username and password of the account you want to use.

What happens to your old account

Your original account stays active with its original username unless you delete it. All your posts, comments, and saved items remain attached to that account. If you leave the account active, people can still find your old posts by searching your username or visiting your profile.

If you want to remove your old account from public view, you can delete it. Go to your account settings, scroll to "Deactivate account," and follow the prompts. Deleting an account removes your username from Reddit's public directory and hides your profile, but it does not free up that username for someone else to use. The username stays reserved to that deleted account.

Moving your communities and saved content to a new account

When you create a new account, you'll need to rejoin the communities (called subreddits) you were part of on your old account. There's no automatic way to transfer your subscriptions. Go to each subreddit you want to join and click "Join" — this is faster than it sounds if you keep a list of your favorite communities.

Saved posts and comments cannot be transferred between accounts. If there are posts you want to keep, take screenshots or save the links to a document before you switch to your new account. Reddit does not provide a bulk export tool for saved content, so this has to be done manually for items you consider important.

Choosing a username you won't want to change

Since you're stuck with your username, spend a moment thinking about what you want before you sign up. Avoid usernames that include your real name, birth year, or other personal information — Reddit is a public platform and your username appears on everything you post. A username that made sense in 2015 might feel outdated in a few years, so pick something neutral if you can.

Test whether the username feels right by saying it out loud or imagining it on a post you're proud of. You can't change it later, so this small pause at signup saves frustration down the road. If you're not sure, you can always create the account, use it for a few days, and then create a second account with a different name if the first one doesn't feel right.

If your username was taken by someone else

If the username you want is already in use, you have a few options. First, try small variations: adding numbers, using underscores or hyphens, or changing one letter. Many people add their birth year or a number at the end when their first choice is taken.

You can also check whether the account holding that username is active. If it belongs to an account that hasn't posted in years and has no activity, it's still locked to that account and you can't claim it. Reddit does not release old usernames, even if the account is inactive. Your only path forward is to pick a different name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Reddit support change my username for me?

No. Reddit support will not change usernames under any circumstances. The policy is firm: usernames are permanent. If you contact Reddit about this, they'll direct you to create a new account if you want a different username.

Will my old account's posts disappear if I stop using it?

No. Your posts, comments, and profile stay on Reddit indefinitely unless you delete the account. Even if you never log back in, the content remains public and searchable under your old username. Deleting the account removes your profile from view but keeps the username reserved.

Can I use the same email for two Reddit accounts?

Yes. You can sign up for multiple Reddit accounts using the same email address. You'll log in with your username and password, not your email, so each account is separate. You can switch between them by logging out and logging back in with a different username.

What if I delete my old account — can someone else take that username?

No. Even after you delete an account, the username stays reserved to that deleted account. No one else can claim it. The username is permanently tied to that account whether it's active or deleted.

Is there any way to change my username without creating a new account?

No. There is no setting, tool, or process that lets you rename an existing Reddit account. Creating a new account is the only way to get a different username.