Reddit does not let you change your username after you create it

Once you pick a username when you sign up for Reddit, that name is permanent. Reddit's system does not include a built-in feature to rename an existing account. If you want a different username, you have to create a new account with the name you prefer.

This is different from many other social platforms. Twitter lets you change your handle. Facebook lets you change your name. Reddit treats the username as a fixed identifier tied to your account history, karma, and post record. The company has stated this is by design and has not announced plans to change it.

Key Takeaways

  • Reddit usernames cannot be changed once your account is created, so you must create a new account if you want a different name.
  • Your old account and all its history remain on Reddit unless you delete it, but you can delete your posts and comments before leaving.
  • You can transfer your subscriptions to a new account by visiting your saved subreddits and subscribing to them again on the new profile.
  • If your username contains personal information you want to hide, deleting your account and starting fresh is the most direct option.

Creating a new account with your preferred username

Start by going to reddit.com and clicking "Sign up" in the top right corner. Enter the username you want, your email address, and a password. Reddit will tell you immediately if the username is already taken. If it is, try variations — adding numbers, underscores, or abbreviations — until you find one that is available.

Once you have created the new account, you are logged in and can start using it right away. You will have zero karma and no subscriptions. Your old account still exists and is separate from this one.

Moving your subscriptions to your new account

Log into your old account and go to your subscriptions. You can see all the subreddits you follow by clicking your username in the top right, then selecting "Saved" or navigating to your profile. Reddit does not have a bulk export tool, so you will need to manually subscribe to each subreddit on your new account.

Open your new account in another browser tab or window. Search for each subreddit by name and click "Join" to subscribe. If you followed a large number of communities, this takes time, but it is the only way to recreate your feed. Some users take screenshots of their subscription list on the old account to reference while subscribing on the new one.

Removing posts and comments from your old account

Before you stop using your old account, consider what you want to do with your post history. Reddit keeps posts and comments visible to other users even after you stop logging in. If you want to remove your content, you have two options: delete individual posts and comments, or delete your entire account.

To delete individual items, go to your profile on the old account, find the post or comment, click the three dots next to it, and select "Delete." You can do this for as many posts as you want to remove. To delete your entire account, go to User Settings, scroll to "Account," and click "Deactivate Account." Reddit will ask you to confirm and enter your password. Once you deactivate, your username becomes unavailable and your profile is removed from public view, though Reddit may keep a record of your posts for legal reasons.

Telling people about your new account

If you have followers or participate in communities where people know you by your old username, you may want to let them know you have switched accounts. You can post a message in communities where you are active, or send direct messages to people you interact with regularly. Keep it brief — something like "I am moving to a new account, [new username], for privacy reasons."

Some subreddits have rules about self-promotion or account switching, so check the community guidelines before posting. In smaller communities or ones where you are a regular contributor, a simple announcement usually goes over well.

What happens to your old account

Your old account does not disappear when you create a new one. It remains on Reddit with all its history intact unless you delete it. Other users can still see your old posts and comments, and they can still send you direct messages. Your old username is tied to your account and cannot be reused — even after you delete the account, that username stays unavailable.

If you deactivate your account, your profile page becomes private and your username no longer appears in searches, but your posts may still be visible in subreddit archives and in Google search results. Deleting individual posts before deactivating is the best way to clean up your history.

Why Reddit does not allow username changes

Reddit's design treats usernames as permanent identifiers because they are tied to your account's reputation system. Your karma score, post history, and community standing are all linked to your username. Allowing changes would make it harder for the community to track who is posting what and would make it easier for users to hide a problematic post history.

This approach is intentional. It encourages users to think carefully about their username before signing up, and it keeps the platform's record-keeping straightforward. Other platforms have moved toward letting users change their handles because they treat usernames as display names rather than account identifiers, but Reddit has not made that shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same email address for my new account?

Yes. Reddit allows multiple accounts per email address. You can use the same email for both your old and new accounts, or use a different email if you prefer. Just make sure you remember which email goes with which account.

Will my karma transfer to my new account?

No. Karma is tied to your username and account history. Your new account starts at zero karma. You will build karma on the new account as you post and comment.

Can I reclaim my old username if I delete my account?

No. Even after you delete an account, the username remains unavailable and cannot be reused by anyone, including you.

What if someone else has already taken the username I want?

You cannot use it. Try adding numbers, underscores, or abbreviations to make a variation. For example, if "JamesRodriguez" is taken, you could try "JamesRodriguez1" or "James_Rodriguez."

Do I have to delete my old account?

No. You can keep both accounts active and switch between them. Many Reddit users maintain multiple accounts for different purposes. Just log out of one and log into the other when you want to switch.