How To Change Snapchat Username in a Few Easy Steps

Most social media sites have always allowed their users to change the name they registered with and then change it again as they prefer.  

I say most, as there has always been an odd one out—Snapchat. 

Users of the app have been begging its developers to let them change their usernames for years. And considering that it’s the 6th most popular social networking app in the US, the absence of such is pretty weird.

Finally, Snapchat gave its users what they wanted, leading us to ask how to change a Snapchat username?

I’m here to explain.

How To Change Snapchat Username?

A Snapchat username change is a straightforward and speedy process. 

The first thing you need to do is tap on your profile icon in the upper-left corner.

Then, tap on the Settings gear icon in the upper-right.

Under the My Account section, tap on Username.

Below the field with your Snapchat handle, you’ll see a Change Username button.

After you tap on it, you’ll get a warning that says you can change your username only once a year. If you still want to make the change, tap on Continue:

Write your desired handle in the username field. And Snapchat will let you know if it’s available or not.

When you pick an available name and tap on Next, you receive a prompt to enter your password. After doing so, tap the Confirm button.

You’ll receive another reminder that usernames can only change once a year. If you still want to proceed, tap on Continue.

And you’re done! You just learned how to change a Snapchat name.

Are You Allowed To Change Your Username Often?

Yes, I mentioned it twice already, but I want to emphasize that you can edit your Snapchat username only once a year!

Pick carefully, as you don’t want to be stuck with a handle you don’t like, especially if you’re like the many users who spend an average of 30 minutes per day on the app. 

Can You Use An Old Snapchat Username?

When thinking of changing your Snapchat handle, make sure you really want to get rid of your current one. Once you change it, you can never get it back. 

In fact, no one can have it. A username, once used, can not be claimed again by anyone. So, no, you can’t even have it if you make a new account.

As such, if you believe you will miss your current handle at any point in the future, perhaps best to stick with it. Only switch to a new one when you’re sure.

Snapchat Display Name vs. Username

People can find your account when they look up your Snapchat username. It appears on your profile. 

Your display name is what people can see above your Snaps and Stories on their feed and Snap Map. It also shows up at the top of your profile. People usually use their actual names for that. 

It can be changed anytime and as many times as you want. 

Still, though, there’s a little twist.

People who have already added you on Snapchat will continue to see your old display name, even after you’ve changed it. Meanwhile, your new friends will see your updated one.

Also, people who have you in their phonebook will probably see the name they’ve given you on their phone.

How To Change Your Snapchat Display Name?

The process of changing both Snapchat names is similar. 

I guided you through your username change, so let’s do the same for your display name.

Once again, go to your account and tap on the Settings gear icon.

Under the My Account section, tap on Name.

Delete your previous name and enter your new one. Then tap on the green Save button.

All done! Wasn’t that easy?  

Make sure you choose a name that people know you by to avoid confusion.

Wrap Up

All of us have gone through a “cringey” username phase. With adulting and maturing, though, people realize their own past mistakes. Only then do they look to make changes to possibly embarrassing usernames. 

That wasn’t possible on Snapchat until recently. Fortunately, though, now you can change both Snapchat names. 

However, when picking a new username, remember you’ll be stuck with it for at least a year.

If you have forgotten how to change your Snapchat username when a year passes, come back to this article. I’ll help you through the process again.