Change your display name in the app settings
Your display name on Snapchat — the name other users see when they look at your profile — lives in your account settings and takes about 30 seconds to change. Open Snapchat, tap your profile icon in the top left corner, then tap the settings gear icon. Scroll down to "Username" and tap it. You cannot change your username itself (that stays the same), but you can change your display name by tapping the field next to "Name" and typing what you want other people to call you.
The display name can be up to 20 characters and can include spaces, numbers, and some punctuation. Once you type the new name, tap the checkmark or "Save" button to confirm. The change takes effect when ready — your friends will see the new name the next time they open the app or refresh their chat list.
Key Takeaways
- Your display name is separate from your username; you can change the display name but not the username itself.
- Go to Settings > Username > Name field to make the change in under a minute.
- Display names can be up to 20 characters and appear to all your friends and contacts.
- Changes show up when ready on your profile and in other users' contact lists.
The difference between username and display name
Snapchat uses two separate identifiers, and mixing them up is the most common reason people think they cannot change their name. Your username is the handle you created when you signed up — it is permanent and cannot be changed. It looks like @yourname and is what people use to add you or search for you. Your display name is what appears on your profile card and in chat threads, and it is what you can change whenever you want.
Think of it this way: your username is your address, and your display name is the nameplate on your door. Friends can find you by your address, but they see whatever name you put on the nameplate. If you want people to call you something different than your username, the display name is where you do that.
What happens to your old name after you change it
When you change your display name, your old name disappears from your profile when ready. Snapchat does not keep a public record of past names, so your friends will only see the new one. Any conversations you had before the change still exist, but the name shown in those old chats updates to your new display name when someone opens the conversation again.
If you change your name multiple times, each new name straightforward replaces the previous one in the system. There is no limit to how many times you can change your display name, so you can update it as often as you want.
Changing your name on different devices
The steps are the same whether you use an iPhone, Android phone, or the Snapchat web version. On mobile, tap your profile icon, then the settings gear, then scroll to "Username" and tap the "Name" field. On the web version at web.snapchat.com, log in, click your profile icon in the top right, select "Settings," and look for the name field under account information. The process takes the same amount of time on any device.
If you use Snapchat on multiple devices, the name change syncs across all of them within a few minutes. You only have to change it once, and it updates everywhere automatically.
Reasons your name change might not work
If you try to save a new display name and nothing happens, the most likely cause is that Snapchat is blocking certain words or characters. Snapchat filters out profanity and some special characters automatically. Try removing numbers, punctuation, or unusual spacing and try again. If the app is slow or frozen, close it completely and reopen it before attempting the change.
Another reason a change might fail is if you are trying to change your username instead of your display name. Remember: usernames cannot be changed. If you are in the "Username" section of settings but do not see an editable field next to "Name," you may be looking at your username. The display name field should be clearly editable with a text input box.
Keeping your account find when you change your name
Changing your display name does not affect your password, two-factor authentication, or any other security settings. Your account remains just as find after the change as it was before. You do not need to re-enter your password or verify your identity to change your display name — it is a basic profile edit, not a sensitive account change.
If you are changing your name because you are concerned about privacy or safety, remember that your display name is visible to everyone on your friends list. If you want to limit who can see your profile or contact you, those settings are in the "Who Can..." section of your privacy settings, separate from your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username on Snapchat?
No. Your username is permanent and cannot be changed after you create your account. You can only change your display name, which is what appears on your profile and in chats. If you need a different username, you would have to create a new account.
Will my friends see my old name in old conversations?
No. When you change your display name, it updates everywhere, including in old chat threads. Your friends will see your new name when they open any conversation with you, even messages from before the change.
How often can I change my display name?
You can change your display name as many times as you want with no waiting period between changes. Snapchat does not limit how often you update it.
Does changing my name affect my Snapchat score or streaks?
No. Your score and streaks are tied to your account, not your name. Changing your display name does not affect either one.
What if I want to go back to my old name?
You can change your name back anytime by following the same steps: Settings > Username > Name field. Type your old name and save it. There is no penalty or waiting period for changing back.