Change your Snapchat display name in settings in under a minute

Your Snapchat display name is the name that appears to your friends when they message you or view your profile. You can change it whenever you want through the app's settings, and the change takes effect when ready. The process is the same whether you use iPhone or Android.

The name you change is separate from your username — your username is permanent and cannot be changed. Your display name is what shows up in conversations and on your profile, while your username is the handle people use to add you.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Snapchat, tap your profile icon in the top left, then tap the gear icon to reach settings.
  • Select "Username" in the settings menu, then tap "Display Name" to edit what your friends see.
  • Type your new name and tap the checkmark to save — the change appears when ready to all your contacts.
  • Your username stays the same and cannot be changed, even though your display name can be updated as often as you want.
  • Snapchat allows spaces, numbers, and most punctuation in display names, but usernames have stricter rules.

Step-by-step: opening Snapchat settings

Start by opening the Snapchat app and tapping your profile icon. This is the circular icon in the top left corner of the camera screen — it shows your profile picture or avatar.

Once your profile opens, look for the gear icon in the top right corner. Tap it to enter your account settings. This is where all your personal information and preferences live.

Finding and editing your display name

In the settings menu, scroll down until you see "Username." Tap on it to expand that section. You will see two options: your username (which you cannot change) and your display name (which you can).

Tap on "Display Name" to open the editing field. Clear the current name and type the new one you want. Snapchat allows letters, numbers, spaces, and most punctuation marks in display names, so you have flexibility with what you choose.

When you are happy with the new name, tap the checkmark or confirm button. The change saves when ready and appears to all your friends right away.

What happens after you change your display name

Your new display name shows up in your profile, in group chats, and in one-on-one conversations. Friends will see the updated name the next time they open a chat with you or view your profile. There is no delay — the change is live as soon as you confirm it.

Your username does not change. If someone has you saved under your old display name in their phone contacts, that local contact name will not update automatically — they would need to edit it themselves in their phone's address book if they want to see the new name there.

Changing your display name back or updating it again

You can change your display name as many times as you want. There is no limit on how often you update it, and there is no waiting period between changes. straightforward follow the same steps: profile icon, settings gear, Username, Display Name, type the new name, and confirm.

If you want to revert to a previous name, you can do that the same way. Snapchat does not prevent you from using a name you have used before.

Understanding username versus display name

Your username is permanent and unique to your account. It is what people type into the search bar to find you and add you as a friend. Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores — no spaces or other punctuation. Once you create a username, Snapchat does not allow you to change it.

Your display name is what your friends see and what you see on your own profile. It can contain spaces, numbers, letters, and most punctuation. You can update it whenever you want without any restrictions or cooldown periods.

Troubleshooting: name changes that do not save

If you tap the checkmark but the name does not save, check your internet connection first. Close the app completely and reopen it to see if the change went through — sometimes the display takes a moment to refresh.

If the problem persists, try logging out and back in. Go to settings, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Logout." Then open Snapchat again and sign in with your username and password. Once you are back in, try changing your display name again.

If you see an error message saying the name is not allowed, Snapchat may have flagged it for containing words or patterns it does not permit. Try a different name with different wording or punctuation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on Snapchat?

No. Your username is permanent and cannot be changed once you create it. You can only change your display name. If you absolutely need a different username, your only option is to create a new Snapchat account.

Will my friends see my old name in old messages?

No. Old messages will show your new display name when your friends open the conversation. Snapchat updates the name retroactively throughout the app.

How often can I change my display name?

You can change it as many times as you want with no waiting period between changes. There is no limit on how frequently you update it.

What characters can I use in my display name?

Display names allow letters, numbers, spaces, periods, hyphens, underscores, and most punctuation. If Snapchat rejects a name, try removing special characters or rephrasing it.

Does changing my display name affect my Snapchat score or streaks?

No. Your score and streaks are tied to your account, not your name. Changing your display name has no effect on either one.