Change your display name in the app settings

Your Snapchat display name — the one your friends see when they message you — lives in your account settings and takes about 30 seconds to change. Open Snapchat, tap your profile icon in the top left corner, then tap the settings gear icon. Scroll down to "Username" and tap it. You cannot change your username itself (the handle you log in with), but you can change your display name, which is what appears above your username on your profile.

Tap "Name" instead of "Username" to edit the display name. Type in the new name you want, then tap "Save" at the top right. Snapchat will confirm the change when ready. Your friends will see the new name the next time they open the app or refresh their chat list.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name and your username are two different things — you can change your display name anytime, but your username (login handle) cannot be changed.
  • To change your display name, go to Settings > Name and type the new name you want your friends to see.
  • The change takes effect right away and shows up on your profile and in chat conversations.
  • Snapchat allows you to change your display name as often as you want, with no waiting period between changes.
  • If you want a completely different username, you will need to create a new Snapchat account.

The difference between username and display name

Snapchat uses two separate name fields, and mixing them up is the most common source of confusion. Your username is the handle you type when you log in — it is permanent and cannot be changed once your account is created. Your display name is what your friends see on your profile and in conversations, and it can be changed whenever you want.

If you created your account as "snapuser2024" and later change your display name to "Jordan," your friends will see "Jordan" in chats, but your login username stays "snapuser2024." This matters because if you want a completely different username, changing your display name will not do it — you would need to create a new account.

Where the display name appears

Once you change your display name, it shows up in several places. Your friends will see it on your profile when they tap your name in a conversation or search for you. It also appears above your username on your profile card. In group chats, your display name is what shows next to your messages. Your username, by contrast, appears smaller underneath your display name and does not change.

The change is visible to everyone who has you added as a friend. There is no delay — it takes effect when ready across the app.

What characters and lengths are allowed

Snapchat allows letters, numbers, spaces, and most common punctuation marks in your display name. You can use up to 20 characters. The app will not let you save a name that contains certain symbols or that violates Snapchat's community guidelines — for example, you cannot use slurs or hateful language. If you try to save a name that breaks these rules, Snapchat will show an error message and ask you to choose something else.

There is no restriction on how often you change your display name. You can update it as many times as you want, and there is no waiting period between changes.

If you want to change your username instead

If you are unhappy with your actual username (the login handle), Snapchat does not offer a way to change it. The only option is to create a new account with a different username. This means you will lose your chat history, your friends list, and any Snapstreaks you have going. Your old account will still exist, but you will not be able to log back into it with the old username once you stop using it.

Before you create a new account, think about whether changing your display name instead would solve your problem. Most people who want a "new name" on Snapchat actually just want a different display name, which you can do in seconds without losing anything.

Troubleshooting if the change will not save

If you try to save a new display name and the app will not let you, the most common reason is that Snapchat flagged the name as against its community guidelines. This usually means the name contains language the app considers offensive or hateful. Try a different name without slurs, insults, or explicit language.

If the app keeps rejecting a name that seems harmless, try logging out and back in, then attempt the change again. If you are still stuck, restart the Snapchat app entirely. Rarely, a temporary glitch in the app can prevent the save button from working — closing and reopening Snapchat usually fixes it. If none of these steps work, contact Snapchat support through the app's settings menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on Snapchat?

No. Your username is permanent and cannot be changed. If you want a different username, you must create a new Snapchat account. This will mean losing your chat history, friends list, and any active Streaks.

Will my friends know when I change my display name?

Snapchat does not send a notification when you change your display name, but your friends will see the new name the next time they open the app or refresh their chat list. There is no way to hide the change.

How many times can I change my display name?

You can change your display name as many times as you want with no waiting period or limit. Snapchat does not restrict how often you update it.

What if Snapchat says my new name violates community guidelines?

Snapchat's filter rejected the name because it contains language the app considers offensive or hateful. Try a different name without slurs, insults, or explicit content. If a harmless name keeps getting rejected, restart the app and try again.

Can I use special characters or emojis in my display name?

You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most punctuation marks, but not emojis. Snapchat limits display names to 20 characters total. Some special characters may be blocked if they violate community guidelines.