You can change your Snapchat username once every 30 days

Snapchat lets you change the username you log in with, but only once per month. The process takes about two minutes and happens entirely in the app settings. After you change it, your display name (the name friends see) stays the same unless you change that separately.

The one-time-per-month limit is a hard rule — Snapchat will not let you change it again until 30 days have passed from your last change. If you have never changed your username before, you have one change available right now. If you changed it recently, the app will show you exactly when you can change it again.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Snapchat, tap your profile icon, then tap the username field to see your change options and the 30-day timer.
  • Your new username must be between 2 and 15 characters, contain only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, and cannot be taken by another account.
  • Changing your username does not change your display name — friends still see your old display name until you update it separately in settings.
  • If your new username is rejected, Snapchat will tell you why (usually because it is taken or contains forbidden characters) and you can try a different one immediately.

Step-by-step: changing your username in Snapchat

Step 1: Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon. This is the circle in the top-left corner of the camera screen. It opens your profile page.

Step 2: Tap the username field. You will see your current username displayed near the top of your profile. Tap directly on the username text — not on your name or display name, but the actual username you use to log in.

Step 3: Tap "Change Username". A popup will appear with a button labeled "Change Username". Tap it. If the button is grayed out or says "Try again in X days", you have already used your one change this month and must wait until the timer runs out.

Step 4: Type your new username. A text field will appear. Delete your old username and type the new one. Snapchat shows you in real time whether the username is available — if it is taken, the field turns red and shows "Username taken". If it is available, the field stays white.

Step 5: Tap "Save" or "Confirm". The exact button label depends on your phone, but it is the button that appears after you finish typing. Snapchat saves the change immediately. You will see a confirmation message, and your profile now shows your new username.

Rules for your new username

Snapchat usernames must follow specific rules, and the app rejects anything that breaks them. Your username must be between 2 and 15 characters long. It can contain letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, periods, and underscores only — no spaces, hyphens, or special characters like @, #, or &.

The username must not already be taken by another account. If you see "Username taken" in red, that exact username belongs to someone else and you cannot use it. Try adding a number or underscore to make it unique. Usernames are not case-sensitive, so "john.smith" and "John.Smith" are treated as the same username.

Snapchat also blocks usernames that contain certain words or phrases, though the app does not always explain which ones. If your username is rejected and you are sure it follows the character rules and is not taken, try removing or changing any words that might be flagged. The most common reason for rejection is that the username is already taken, not that it violates content rules.

What happens to your display name when you change your username

Your display name and your username are two separate things on Snapchat. Your username is what you type to log in and what appears in search results. Your display name is what your friends see next to your messages and on your profile.

When you change your username, your display name does not change automatically. Friends will still see your old display name in their chats and on your profile. If you want to change what your friends see, you need to update your display name separately. To do this, go to your profile, tap your display name (not your username), and type a new one.

This separation means you can change your username without confusing your friends, since they are used to seeing your display name. However, it also means you have to make two separate changes if you want both your username and display name to be different.

What to do if your username change fails

If Snapchat rejects your new username, the app shows a message explaining why. The most common reasons are: the username is already taken, it contains forbidden characters, it is too short (fewer than 2 characters), or it is too long (more than 15 characters).

If the username is taken, try a variation — add a number at the end, use an underscore or period in the middle, or pick a different name entirely. You can try as many different usernames as you want in a single session; the 30-day limit only applies to successful changes. If the message says the username contains invalid characters, remove any spaces, hyphens, or special characters and try again.

If you see an error message that does not explain the problem, or if the change fails for a reason you cannot fix, close the Snapchat app completely and open it again. This clears temporary glitches. If the problem continues, restart your phone and try once more. If it still fails after that, the issue is likely on Snapchat's end and you may need to wait a few hours before trying again.

The 30-day waiting period explained

Snapchat enforces a strict 30-day cooldown between username changes. This means once you successfully change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. The timer starts the moment you tap "Save" on your new username, not at the start of the next day or month.

You can see exactly when your next change becomes available by opening your profile and tapping the username field. If you have already used your change this month, Snapchat shows a message like "Try again in 28 days" with the exact date and time you can change it again. This timer is account-specific, so it does not reset if you log out or switch devices — it is tied to your Snapchat account.

The reason for this limit is to prevent spam and account takeover abuse. If someone gains temporary access to your account, they cannot lock you out by changing your username repeatedly. The 30-day window gives you time to regain control before they can change it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once a month?

No. Snapchat allows one username change every 30 days, and this limit cannot be bypassed. If you have already changed your username this month, you must wait until the 30-day timer runs out before you can change it again. The app shows you the exact date and time when your next change becomes available.

Will my friends see my old username after I change it?

Your friends will not see your old username in their chats or on your profile. Once you change your username, it updates everywhere immediately. However, your display name (what friends see next to your messages) does not change unless you update it separately. Friends may still recognize you by your display name even if your username changes.

What if someone else takes the username I want?

If the username you want is already taken, you cannot use it. Try adding numbers, periods, or underscores to create a similar username that is available. For example, if "john.smith" is taken, try "john.smith1" or "john_smith". You can test as many variations as you want before you settle on one.

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, not through the website or desktop version. Open the Snapchat app on your phone, go to your profile, and tap your username to make the change.

What happens to my old username after I change it?

Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it. Snapchat does not hold old usernames or reserve them for you. If you think you might want to use your old username again in the future, you should not change it, since someone else may take it and you cannot get it back.