You cannot change your Reddit username after you create it

Reddit does not offer a way to change the username on an existing account. Once you pick a username during signup, that name is permanent for that account. If you want a different username, you will need to create a new Reddit account with the name you prefer.

This is different from platforms like Twitter or Instagram, where you can change your display name or handle whenever you want. Reddit treats usernames as fixed identifiers tied to your account history, karma, and saved posts.

Key Takeaways

  • Reddit usernames cannot be changed on an existing account under any circumstances.
  • Creating a new account with a different username is the only way to get a new Reddit name.
  • Your old account and its history remain under your original username if you abandon it.
  • You can change your display name (the name shown next to your posts) separately from your username, though most people see your username instead.

What happens to your old account if you create a new one

When you create a new Reddit account, your old account does not disappear. It remains active under your original username with all your posts, comments, and karma intact. Other users can still see your old account and everything you posted under that name.

If you want to distance yourself from your old account, you can delete your posts and comments manually, but this is time-consuming if you have years of history. Deleting your account entirely removes your username from public view, though Reddit's servers may retain some data. The account cannot be recovered once deleted.

The difference between username and display name

Reddit has two separate name fields that can cause confusion. Your username is what you choose at signup and cannot be changed — it appears in your profile URL and is how the system identifies you. Your display name is optional and can be changed anytime in your account settings.

Most Reddit users see your username, not your display name. The display name shows up mainly in your profile and in some notifications. If you are looking to change what people see next to your posts and comments, changing your display name will not do it — they will still see your username.

How to create a new account with a different username

Go to reddit.com and click "Sign up" in the top right corner. Enter an email address, choose your new username, create a password, and complete any verification steps Reddit requires. You can then log out of your old account and log into your new one.

Your new account starts with zero karma and no history. You will need to resubscribe to communities you want to follow and rebuild your saved posts and preferences. If you had a paid Reddit Premium subscription on your old account, that does not transfer to the new account.

Why Reddit locks usernames in place

Reddit keeps usernames permanent because they function as permanent identifiers for posts and comments across the site. If usernames could change, old posts would become confusing — a post from "JohnSmith" could suddenly appear to be from "NewName" if the original user changed their name. This would make Reddit's archive unreliable and could be used to impersonate other users or hide a posting history.

Other platforms handle this differently. Twitter lets you change your handle but keeps your account ID separate so links to your old posts still work. Reddit chose the simpler approach of locking the username permanently.

Alternatives if you want a fresh start

If you want to keep your old account but use a different name going forward, you can create a second account for new activity. Many Reddit users maintain multiple accounts for different purposes — one for professional communities, one for hobbies, one for throwaway posts. You can switch between them by logging out and logging back in.

If your old username has become associated with posts you regret, deleting those specific posts is faster than deleting your entire account. You can delete individual comments and posts from your profile history without affecting the rest of your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay Reddit to change my username?

No. Reddit does not offer a paid username change service. The restriction is technical and permanent — there is no workaround or exception, even for Reddit Premium subscribers.

What if my username violates Reddit's rules?

Reddit's moderators can remove posts or ban you from communities, but they cannot force a username change. If your username itself violates site-wide rules, Reddit's admin team may suspend or delete your account, but they will not rename it. You would need to create a new account with a compliant username.

Can I reserve a username I want before creating my account?

No. Usernames are claimed only when you complete account signup. You cannot reserve a name in advance. If someone else creates an account with the name you want, that username is taken and you cannot use it.

Will my karma transfer to a new account?

No. Karma is tied to your account and username. A new account starts at zero karma. Your old account keeps all its karma if you abandon it without deleting it.

Can I change my username on Reddit mobile?

The restriction applies everywhere — Reddit's website, mobile app, and third-party apps all use the same account system. You cannot change your username from any platform or device.