Change your display name in Settings
Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. Tap the settings gear icon in the top right. Scroll down and tap "Username" — this is the handle people use to find you, and Snapchat does not let you change it once you create it. Instead, look for "Name" just above or below Username. Tap "Name" and type in whatever display name you want to use. This is what appears on your profile and in conversations, and you can change it as often as you like.
After you type your new name, tap the checkmark or "Done" button to save it. The change takes effect when ready. Your friends will see your new display name the next time they open the app or refresh their chat list.
Key Takeaways
- Your display name (what friends see) is different from your username (your handle), and only the display name can be changed.
- Go to Settings through your profile icon, then tap "Name" to edit what appears on your profile and in chats.
- Changes to your display name show up right away for everyone who has you added.
- You can change your display name as many times as you want, but your username stays the same forever.
Why Snapchat separates username from display name
Snapchat locks your username because it is how people find and add you — if usernames could change, your friends might lose track of you or accidentally add someone else with your old handle. Your display name is the flexible part. It is purely cosmetic and does not affect how anyone contacts you.
This setup means you can rebrand your profile without losing your network. You can change your display name to match a nickname, a project, a mood, or anything else, and all your existing friends stay connected to the same account.
What happens to old conversations when you change your name
Your display name change does not affect any existing chats or Snaps. Old messages stay in your conversation history exactly as they were. When someone opens a past conversation, they will see your new name at the top, but the messages themselves do not change.
If you have sent Snaps that are still in someone's inbox, they will show your new name when they open them. This is different from editing a message in other apps — Snapchat does not let you edit Snaps after you send them, so the name change is the only thing that updates retroactively.
Changing your name on different devices
The process is the same whether you use Snapchat on iPhone or Android. Open the app, go to your profile, tap Settings, find "Name," and type your new display name. If you use Snapchat on multiple devices with the same account, the name change syncs across all of them within a few seconds.
If you log out and log back in on a different device, you will see your updated name right away. Snapchat stores your display name on its servers, so it follows your account, not your phone.
Restrictions and things to know
Snapchat does not restrict what characters you can use in your display name the way some apps do. You can use spaces, numbers, emojis, and most symbols. There is no character limit that most users will hit — you can make your display name quite long if you want.
The only real limit is that Snapchat may remove your account if you use your display name to impersonate someone else or violate the app's community guidelines. Changing your name repeatedly in a short time will not get you in trouble, but using a name designed to deceive people into thinking you are someone you are not can result in a ban.
If you cannot find the Name option
Make sure you are looking at the right setting. "Username" is your handle and cannot be changed. "Name" is your display name and is what you want to tap. If you do not see a "Name" field, try updating Snapchat to the latest version from your app store — older versions sometimes have slightly different menu layouts.
If you still cannot find it after updating, try logging out and logging back in. Occasionally a glitch will hide the setting until you refresh your session. If the problem persists, you can contact Snapchat support through the app by going to Settings, tapping "Help," and selecting "Contact Us."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username instead of my display name?
No. Snapchat does not let you change your username once you create your account. Your username is permanent. If you really need a different username, your only option is to create a new Snapchat account, but you will lose all your friends and chat history on the old one.
Will my friends get a notification when I change my name?
No. Snapchat does not send notifications when you change your display name. Your friends will see the new name the next time they open the app or look at your profile, but they will not get an alert about the change.
How often can I change my display name?
You can change your display name as often as you want with no limit. Some apps restrict how frequently you can rebrand, but Snapchat does not. You can change it multiple times a day if you choose to.
Does changing my name affect my Snapchat score or streaks?
No. Your Snapchat score and streaks are tied to your account, not your display name. Changing your name does not reset anything or affect your stats in any way.
What if someone else is using the name I want?
Display names do not have to be unique on Snapchat — multiple people can have the same display name. You can use any name you want, even if someone else is already using it. Your username is what makes your account unique.