You can change your Reddit username once every 30 days through your account settings
Reddit lets you change your username, but only once per month. The process takes about two minutes and happens entirely in your account settings—you do not need to contact Reddit support or create a new account. Your old username becomes available for other users to claim after you change it, and your post history stays attached to your new name.
One important limit: you cannot change your username back to a previous one you used. If you change from "OldName" to "NewName," you cannot later switch back to "OldName." Choose carefully, because you are locked into the new name for 30 days before you can change again.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Reddit username once every 30 days from the User Settings menu on desktop or the Profile menu on mobile.
- Your username change takes effect when ready, and all your posts and comments stay attached to your new name.
- You cannot revert to a previous username, so pick a name you will be happy with for at least a month.
- If your desired username is already taken, you will see an error message and must choose a different one.
- The change is permanent for 30 days—you cannot undo it or change back within that waiting period.
How to change your username on desktop
Open Reddit in a web browser and log into your account. Click your profile icon in the top right corner of the page, then select "User settings" from the dropdown menu. This opens your account settings page.
On the left side of the settings page, click the "Account" tab. Scroll down until you see the "Username" field. Click the "Change" button next to your current username. A text box will appear where you can type your new username. Reddit will show you whether the name is available as you type—if it is taken, you will see a red X next to it. If it is available, you will see a green checkmark.
Type your new username and click "Change" to confirm. The page will refresh, and your new username appears when ready in the top right corner. You are done—the change is live across all of Reddit.
How to change your username on mobile
Open the Reddit app and tap your profile icon at the bottom right of the screen. This opens your profile menu. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the top right corner of the profile screen.
Scroll down and tap "Settings." On the Settings page, tap "Account." Scroll to find "Username" and tap the "Change" button next to it. A text field appears where you can enter your new username. As you type, Reddit shows you whether the name is available. Once you have typed a name that is not taken, tap "Change" to confirm.
Your new username takes effect when ready. You will see it displayed at the top of your profile screen and throughout the app.
What happens to your posts and comments after you change your username
All of your posts, comments, and saved items stay attached to your new username. Other users will see your new name when they look at your profile or read your comments in threads. Your post history does not disappear, and your karma score does not reset.
The old username you were using becomes available for other Reddit users to claim. If someone else takes that name, they will not have access to your posts or account—they are straightforward using the name you left behind. Your account itself is separate from your username, so changing the name does not affect your account security or login information.
Common mistakes to avoid when changing your username
The most common mistake is choosing a username you cannot live with for 30 days. Because you cannot change back to a previous name and you have to wait a month between changes, take a moment to think about whether you like the new name before you confirm it. If you are changing because you want a more professional username for work or school, make sure the new name actually reflects that.
Another mistake is trying to claim a username that is already taken. Reddit shows you when ready whether a name is available, so check before you tap or click "Change." If the name you want has a red X next to it, that name is in use and you cannot have it. You will need to pick something else.
Do not assume you can undo the change if you change your mind right after. Once you confirm the change, it is permanent for 30 days. There is no "undo" button or way to reverse it within that window.
What to do if your desired username is taken
If the username you want shows a red X in the text field, that name is already in use by another account. You have two options: wait and check back later, or choose a different name.
Some users abandon accounts or stop using Reddit, which means usernames occasionally become available again. However, Reddit does not have a public list of when inactive accounts will be recycled, so there is no way to know when a taken name might open up. If you want to try a variation of the name—adding a number, underscore, or abbreviation—you can check whether those alternatives are available right away.
The 30-day waiting period between username changes
After you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This timer starts the moment you confirm the change, and there is no way to speed it up or reset it. If you change your username on a Monday, you cannot change it again until the following Monday.
If you realize you made a mistake with your new username, you will have to wait the full 30 days before you can change it to something else. This is why it is important to think through your new username before you confirm the change. Once the 30 days have passed, you can change your username again, but remember that you cannot go back to any username you have used before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username more than once a month?
No. Reddit enforces a 30-day waiting period between username changes. Once you change your username, you must wait a full month before you can change it again. There is no way to bypass this limit or request an exception.
What if I change my username and then want to change it back?
You cannot change back to a previous username. Once you switch away from a name, that name is off-limits to your account forever. You can only change to a completely new username, and you have to wait 30 days between changes.
Will my karma and post history disappear if I change my username?
No. Your karma score, posts, comments, and saved items all stay attached to your account and display under your new username. Changing your username does not reset or delete any of your account history.
Does changing my username affect my password or login information?
No. Your username and your login email are separate. You log in with your email address and password, not your username. Changing your username does not change how you log in or affect your account security.
What happens to my old username after I change it?
Your old username becomes available for other Reddit users to claim. If someone else takes that name, they own a new account with that username—they do not gain access to your old posts or account information. Your account is tied to your email, not your username.