If you made your Snapchat account years ago, there’s a good chance you regret your username today. Maybe it sounds childish. Maybe it includes random numbers. Or maybe it just doesn’t match who you are anymore.

For a long time, Snapchat didn’t allow username changes at all. Once you picked one, you were stuck with it. That changed recently. Snapchat now lets users change their username, but there are a few rules you need to understand before doing it.

This guide walks you through how to change your Snapchat username step by step, what happens after you change it, the limitations you should know about, and whether it’s the right move for you.

Can You Actually Change Your Snapchat Username?

Yes, you can. Snapchat finally allows username changes, but it’s not unlimited.

You’re allowed to change your Snapchat username once every 12 months. That’s it. There’s no shortcut, no hack, and no customer support workaround.

Snapchat added this restriction to prevent impersonation and misuse. So before you move ahead, make sure you really want the new username you choose.

Quick summary:

  • Username change is allowed
  • Only once per year
  • Must be done from the Snapchat app
  • Friends, chats, and streaks stay safe

Difference Between Username vs Display Name

Before changing anything, it’s important to understand what exactly you want to change.

Snapchat Username

This is your unique identity on Snapchat.

  • Used to log in
  • Used when people search for you
  • Cannot be duplicated
  • Can only be changed once per year

Snapchat Display Name

This is just your name as shown to friends.

  • Not unique
  • Can be changed anytime
  • Does not affect login
  • Doesn’t change your actual account ID

If you just want people to see a different name, changing your display name might be enough. If you want a full identity change, then username is what you’re looking for.

How to Change Your Snapchat Username (Step-by-Step)

The process itself is simple. Just make sure your app is updated before you start.

Step 1: Open Snapchat

Log in to your account as usual.

Step 2: Go to Your Profile

Tap your Bitmoji or profile icon in the top-left corner.

Step 3: Open Settings

Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner.

Step 4: Tap on “Username”

Scroll down until you see the Username option.

If you don’t see it, you’re either not eligible yet or your app needs an update.

Step 5: Enter Your New Username

Type the username you want. Snapchat will instantly check if it’s available.

Step 6: Enter Your Password

This is just a security check.

Step 7: Confirm the Change

Snapchat will show a warning message explaining that the change is limited. Confirm it only if you’re sure.

Once confirmed, your username changes immediately.

Rules You Must Follow When Choosing a Username

Snapchat doesn’t allow every username.

Here are the basic rules:

  • Length must be between 3 and 15 characters
  • Letters and numbers are allowed
  • You can use underscores, hyphens, dots
  • No spaces
  • No offensive or restricted words
  • Must be unique

If your username breaks any of these rules, Snapchat won’t let you proceed.

Why Can’t I Change My Snapchat Username?

If you don’t see the option to change your username, don’t panic. This usually happens for a reason.

Common reasons:

  • You already changed your username in the last 12 months
  • Your app is outdated
  • Snapchat hasn’t rolled out the feature to your account yet
  • Temporary app or server issue

What you can try:

  • Update the Snapchat app
  • Log out and log back in
  • Clear cache (Android users)
  • Wait and try again later

If none of these work, you’ll likely need to wait until the 12-month period is over.

How Often Can You Change Your Snapchat Username?

Only once per year.

That means:

  • You cannot change it again before 12 months
  • Snapchat support won’t reset the timer
  • Changing your display name doesn’t affect this limit

So take your time choosing.

What Happens After You Change Your Username?

This is the part most people worry about. The good news is, nothing breaks.

Things that stay exactly the same:

  • Your friends list
  • All chats and saved messages
  • Snap streaks
  • Memories
  • Snapscore

Things that change:

  • Your login username
  • Your public profile URL
  • Search visibility under your new name

Your friends won’t get a notification, but they may notice the new username when they open your profile.

Can Someone Take Your Old Username?

No, not immediately.

Snapchat holds old usernames for a while to avoid impersonation and confusion. There’s no clear timeline for when an old username becomes available again.

You also can’t switch back to your old username unless Snapchat allows it in the future.

Should You Change Your Username or Just Your Display Name?

Ask yourself this:

  • Do you just want a cleaner name for friends to see?
  • Or do you want a full identity reset?

If it’s just about appearance, change your display name. It’s instant and unlimited.

If your username is embarrassing, outdated, or hurts your personal brand, then a username change makes sense.

How to Change Your Snapchat Display Name

If username change feels risky, here’s how to change your display name instead.

  1. Open Snapchat
  2. Go to Profile
  3. Tap Settings
  4. Tap Name
  5. Enter a new name
  6. Save

You can do this anytime, as many times as you want.

Tips for Choosing the Right Snapchat Username

Since you only get one change per year, don’t rush it.

Some practical tips:

  • Keep it simple and readable
  • Avoid random numbers
  • Don’t use trends that may age badly
  • Match your name across platforms if possible
  • Avoid sharing personal info like birth year
  • Say it out loud to see if it sounds good

If you’re a creator, consistency builds trust.

Username Change Not Showing? Here’s What to Do

Sometimes the update doesn’t appear everywhere instantly.

Try this:

  • Close and reopen the app
  • Log out and log back in
  • Ask a friend to check your profile
  • Wait 24 hours

In most cases, it syncs on its own.

Can You Change Snapchat Username Without Waiting a Year?

No. Any site or video claiming tricks or hacks is misleading you. Using third-party tools can get your account locked or banned.

Stick to the official app only.

Is It Safe to Change Your Snapchat Username?

Yes, as long as you do it inside the Snapchat app.

Just remember:

  • Never use third-party apps
  • Don’t share your password
  • Enable two-factor authentication

Snapchat will never ask you to change your username via email or message.

Android vs iPhone: Is There Any Difference?

Not really.

The steps are the same on both platforms. The only difference is minor layout changes and cache options on Android.

Functionally, the feature works the same.

Final Thoughts

Changing your Snapchat username is a small feature, but it’s a big decision because of the yearly limit. Snapchat has made the process safe and straightforward, but it’s still something you should think through carefully.

If your current username no longer fits who you are, changing it can be worth it. Just make sure the new one is something you’ll be comfortable with long-term.