Change your display name in the app settings

Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. Go to the settings gear icon, then scroll down and tap "Username" or "Display Name" depending on your version. You can edit the name that appears to your friends without changing your actual login username — this is the quickest route and takes about 30 seconds.

The display name is what other users see when they look at your profile or receive messages from you. Your username, by contrast, is what you use to log in and what people search for when they want to add you. Snapchat lets you change your display name as often as you want, but your username can only be changed once every 30 days.

After you type your new display name, tap the checkmark to save. The change takes effect when ready across the app.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name (what friends see) can be changed anytime from Settings > Username, and takes effect right away.
  • Your username (what you log in with) can only be changed once every 30 days, and the change takes 24 hours to roll out.
  • If you have not changed your username before, Snapchat may let you pick a new one the first time you try.
  • Changing your name does not affect your Snapchat score, saved chats, or your friends list.

Change your username if you want a new login name

Your username is different from your display name. It is the handle people use to search for you and add you as a friend, and it is also your login credential. To change it, go to Settings > Username and look for an option to edit or change your username.

Snapchat enforces a 30-day waiting period between username changes. If you have never changed your username before, you may be able to do so right away. After your first change, you will have to wait a full month before you can change it again. The system will tell you when you are may be able to access to change it next.

Once you submit a new username, Snapchat takes up to 24 hours to process the change across all its servers. During that time, your old username may still work for login, but it is safer to use your new one. Your friends will see the new username in their contact list once the change completes.

What happens to your account when you change your name

Changing your display name or username does not delete any of your data. Your Snapchat score stays the same, your saved messages and snaps remain in your chat history, and all your friendships stay intact. People who have you added will still see you in their friends list, though they will see your new name.

If you change your username, people who knew your old username will not be able to search for you by that name anymore. They can still find you if they have your phone number saved or if you are already friends with them. If you want people to know about your new username, you may need to tell them directly or update it in your profile bio.

Troubleshooting: name change not working

If the Settings menu does not show a Username option, make sure you are running the latest version of Snapchat. Go to your phone's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store) and check for updates. Outdated versions sometimes hide settings or display them differently.

If you see an error message saying you cannot change your username yet, you are still within the 30-day waiting period from your last change. The app will show you the exact date you become may be able to access to change it again. There is no way to bypass this limit.

If your new name does not appear after 24 hours, try logging out and logging back in. If it still does not show, restart the app or reinstall it. Contact Snapchat Support through the app (Settings > Help > Contact Us) if the problem persists after these steps.

Choosing a new username: what to know

Snapchat usernames must be between 3 and 15 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Spaces and special characters like hyphens or dashes are not allowed. The system will reject a username if it is already taken or if it violates Snapchat's community guidelines.

Think about whether you want your username to match your display name or be different. Many people use a straightforward version of their real name as a username and a longer or more casual display name for friends. This gives you flexibility — you can change your display name whenever you want without losing your searchable handle.

Usernames are permanent once you set them (until the next 30-day window), so avoid inside jokes or references that might feel dated in a few months. A straightforward username is easier for friends to remember and search for.

Changing your name on other Snapchat features

If you use Snapchat Stories or Snapchat Spotlight, your display name is what appears on your posts. Changing your display name updates it everywhere automatically. You do not need to do anything else.

If you have a Snapchat business account or use Snapchat for work, the same rules explore — you can change your display name anytime and your username once every 30 days. Business accounts do not have separate name settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once every 30 days?

No. Snapchat enforces a strict 30-day waiting period between username changes. Once you change your username, you must wait a full month before you can change it again. The app will show you the exact date you become may be able to access.

Will my friends lose me if I change my username?

No. Your friends will still see you in their friends list and can still message you. They will see your new username, but the friendship itself does not break. People who are not yet your friends will need to search for your new username to add you.

Can I go back to my old username after I change it?

Only if you wait 30 days and then change your username back to the old one. Snapchat does not reserve old usernames, so if someone else takes it in the meantime, you will not be able to reclaim it. Choose carefully before you change.

What if someone else took the username I want?

You will need to pick a different username. Snapchat does not have a waitlist or reservation system for usernames. If the name you want is taken, try adding numbers, periods, or underscores to make it unique.

Does changing my name affect my Snapchat score?

No. Your Snapchat score is tied to your account, not your name. Changing your display name or username does not add or remove points. Your score stays exactly the same.