Change your Snapchat display name in Settings

Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. Go to Settings (the gear icon), then scroll down and tap "Username" or "Display Name" depending on your device. Tap "Change Name" and enter your new name. Snapchat allows you to change your display name once every 30 days, so choose carefully — you cannot change it again when ready after.

Your display name is what other users see when they look at your profile. It is different from your username, which is the handle you use to log in and cannot be changed. If you want to change your username instead, you will need to create a new account, as Snapchat does not allow username changes on existing accounts.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name and username are two separate things; only the display name can be changed in Settings.
  • You can change your display name once every 30 days, so the change takes effect when ready but you are locked out of another change for a month.
  • Your username (the handle you log in with) cannot be changed on an existing account.
  • If you want a different username, you must create a new Snapchat account with the username you prefer.
  • Changes to your display name show up right away to your friends and in search results.

What happens to your old display name

Once you change your display name, your old name disappears from your profile when ready. Your friends will see the new name the next time they open Snapchat or refresh your profile. Snapchat does not keep a public history of past display names, so only you know what your name used to be.

If your friends have you saved in their contacts with your old name, their phone's contact list will not update automatically. They may need to manually update your contact information if they want their phone to match your new Snapchat name.

The difference between display name and username

Display name is the friendly name that shows on your profile and in conversations. You can change it once per month and it can include spaces, numbers, and special characters. Username is your unique login handle — the name you type when you sign in. It cannot be changed and is permanent to your account.

When someone searches for you on Snapchat, they can find you by either your display name or your username. If you change your display name but keep the same username, people who know your username can still find you. This is why changing your display name alone does not make you harder to locate if someone has your username.

Why Snapchat limits display name changes to once per month

The 30-day limit prevents spam, impersonation, and confusion among friends. Without this restriction, someone could change their name constantly and confuse people about who they are talking to. The limit also reduces the load on Snapchat's servers, which have to update your profile across the platform every time you make a change.

If you change your display name and when ready regret it, you cannot undo the change or revert to your old name for 30 days. You can only change it again after the month has passed. Plan your new name before you submit the change.

What to do if you want a completely different username

Snapchat does not offer a way to change your username on an existing account. If you want a different username, you must create a new account with the username you prefer. This means you will start with zero friends and zero Snaps — your history does not transfer.

Before you create a new account, tell your friends your new username so they can add you. You can keep your old account active while you build your friend list on the new one, or delete the old account after everyone has switched over. Snapchat does not automatically notify your friends that you have moved to a new account.

Troubleshooting display name changes that do not work

If the "Change Name" button does not appear or is grayed out, you may have already changed your name within the last 30 days. Check the date of your last change — Snapchat counts from that exact date, not from the start of the calendar month. If you changed your name on the 15th, you cannot change it again until the 15th of the next month.

If you see an error message when you try to save a new name, the name may contain characters Snapchat does not allow, or it may be too long. Snapchat display names can be up to 32 characters. Try removing special characters or shortening the name. If the problem persists, restart the app and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username instead of my display name?

No. Snapchat usernames cannot be changed on existing accounts. Your username is permanent and tied to your account login. If you need a different username, you must create a new Snapchat account with the username you want.

What if I change my display name and my friends cannot find me?

Your friends can still find you by your username, which does not change. If they search for your old display name, they will not find you, but if they search for your username or look you up in their friends list, you will appear. Make sure to tell your friends your new display name so they know who you are.

Can I change my display name more than once a month?

No. Snapchat enforces a 30-day waiting period between display name changes. The timer starts from the date you made your last change, not from the calendar month. You must wait the full 30 days before you can change it again.

Will my Snaps or chat history disappear if I change my display name?

No. Changing your display name does not affect your Snaps, conversations, or any other account data. Everything stays exactly as it is — only the name that appears on your profile changes.

What characters can I use in my display name?

Snapchat allows letters, numbers, spaces, and most punctuation marks in display names. The name can be up to 32 characters long. If you get an error when trying to save a name, try removing special characters or making it shorter.