Change Your Display Name in Snapchat Settings
To change the name that appears on your Snapchat profile, open the app and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. Then tap the gear icon to enter Settings. Scroll down and tap "Username" — this is the handle people use to add you, and it cannot be changed once you set it. Instead, look for "Name" just above or below Username. Tap that field and type your new name, then tap outside the field or press the checkmark to save.
Your display name can be up to 32 characters and can include spaces, numbers, and most punctuation. This is what your friends see on your profile and in chat — it is separate from your username. The change takes effect when ready, and all your contacts will see the new name the next time they view your profile.
Key Takeaways
- Your display name is found in Settings under "Name" and can be changed as many times as you want.
- Your username (the handle people use to add you) cannot be changed and is set when you create your account.
- Display name changes show up right away to everyone who views your profile.
- If you cannot find the Name field, make sure you are logged into the correct account and that your app is up to date.
Where to Find the Name Field on Different Devices
On iPhone, the process is the same: profile icon, gear icon, then scroll to find "Name." The field appears in white text on a gray background. On Android, the steps are identical — tap your profile, tap Settings (the gear), and scroll until you see the Name field. Both versions update at the same speed.
If you do not see a Name field at all, your app may be out of date. Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android), search for Snapchat, and tap "Update" if it is available. Close Snapchat completely and reopen it after updating. The Name field should then appear in Settings.
The Difference Between Name and Username
Many people confuse these two fields because they sound similar. Your username is the unique handle assigned when you create your account — it is permanent and cannot be changed. When someone searches for you on Snapchat or wants to add you, they search for your username. Your display name is what appears on your profile card and in conversations. You can change your display name as often as you want, but your username stays the same forever.
For example, your username might be "snapuser2024" but your display name could be "Alex." If you change your display name to "Alexander," your username is still "snapuser2024" — people still add you using that original handle. This separation lets you keep a stable username while updating how your name appears to friends.
What Happens When You Change Your Name
When you save a new display name, Snapchat updates it across your entire account within seconds. Your friends will see the new name on your profile, in group chats, and next to your messages in one-on-one conversations. The old name disappears completely — there is no history or record of previous names visible to other users.
Changing your name does not affect your Snap score, your friends list, your saved chats, or any of your memories. Your account remains exactly the same; only the name that displays changes. You can change it back to the original name or pick something new whenever you want.
Troubleshooting If the Name Field Will Not Save
If you type a new name but it does not save, first check that you are not using characters Snapchat does not allow. The app accepts letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens, underscores, and periods. Emojis, special symbols like @, #, or &, and most punctuation marks will cause the field to reject your entry. Try removing any unusual characters and saving again.
If the field still will not save, try closing Snapchat completely and reopening it. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to close the app fully. On Android, go to Settings, tap Apps, find Snapchat, and tap "Force Stop." Then reopen the app and try again. If the problem continues, log out of your account (go to Settings, scroll to the bottom, tap "Log Out"), then log back in and attempt the change once more.
Changing Your Name on Snapchat Web
You can also change your display name using Snapchat's web version at web.snapchat.com. Log in with your username and password, then click your profile icon in the top right corner. Click "Profile" and look for the Name field. Type your new name and click the checkmark or press Enter to save. The web version works the same way as the mobile app — your new name appears everywhere within seconds.
The web version is useful if you are having trouble with the mobile app or if you prefer typing on a keyboard. All changes made on the web version sync when ready to your phone, and vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username on Snapchat?
No. Your username is permanent and cannot be changed once your account is created. If you need a different username, you would have to create a new Snapchat account. Your display name, however, can be changed anytime.
How many times can I change my display name?
You can change your display name as many times as you want with no limit. There is no waiting period between changes, so you can update it multiple times in one day if you choose.
Will my friends know when I change my name?
Snapchat does not send a notification when you change your display name. Your friends will only see the new name when they view your profile or see you in a chat. There is no activity log or announcement of the change.
What if someone else has the display name I want?
Multiple people can have the same display name on Snapchat — only usernames must be unique. If you want the same display name as someone else, you can use it. The difference is that people find each other by username, not by display name, so there is no conflict.
Can I use special characters or emojis in my display name?
Snapchat allows letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens, underscores, and periods in display names. Emojis and special symbols like @, #, $, or & will not work. If you try to save a name with these characters, the app will reject it and ask you to edit the field.