You can change your Reddit username, but only once every 30 days
Reddit lets you change your username through your account settings. The process takes about two minutes. However, there is one hard rule: you can only change your name once per 30-day period, and you cannot change it back to a username you used before. Once you pick a new name, you are locked into it for at least a month.
Your old username does not disappear from your post history. Every comment and post you made under the old name stays attached to it, visible to anyone who looks at your profile. Changing your username does not hide or delete that history—it just changes what name appears on new activity going forward.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your username once every 30 days through Account Settings, and the change takes effect when ready.
- Your post and comment history remains under your old username and is still visible to other users.
- You cannot reuse a username you have already had, even after the 30-day waiting period passes.
- Changing your username does not affect your saved posts, subscriptions, or any other account data.
- If you created your account with a username you now dislike, you have only one chance to change it in the first 30 days.
Where to find the username change option
Open Reddit on a web browser or the mobile app and log in to your account. On the web, click your profile icon in the top right corner and select User Settings. On the mobile app, tap your profile icon at the bottom right, then tap the gear icon to open Settings.
In Settings, look for the Account section. You will see a field labeled Username with your current name displayed. Click or tap on that field to edit it. Type your new username and then click Change or Save, depending on which platform you are using.
Rules for choosing a new username
Reddit usernames can be 3 to 20 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. You cannot use spaces. Usernames are not case-sensitive, so "RedditUser" and "reddituser" are treated as the same name.
If the username you want is already taken, Reddit will tell you when ready and you will need to choose something else. You cannot reserve a username or put a username on a waiting list. The name either exists or it does not. If someone else has claimed it, you will have to pick a different one.
What happens to your old username
When you change your username, Reddit does not recycle your old one right away. Your old username becomes unavailable to anyone else for a period of time. This is a safety measure to prevent someone from when ready taking your old name and impersonating you.
However, your old username does not stay attached to your account. If you look at your profile after the change, you will see only your new username. But if someone searches for your old username or visits a direct link to one of your old posts, they will still see that post under the old name. The username change is forward-looking only.
The 30-day waiting period between changes
After you change your username, you must wait 30 days before you can change it again. This timer starts the moment you confirm the change. If you change your username on January 15, you cannot change it again until February 14 at the earliest.
Reddit enforces this limit to prevent spam and abuse. If you try to change your username before the 30 days are up, the system will show you an error message telling you when you will be able to change it next. There is no way to speed up this timer or request an exception.
You cannot reuse old usernames
Once you change away from a username, you cannot change back to it later, even after months or years have passed. This is permanent. If you have had three different usernames over time, you cannot go back to any of them. This rule exists to prevent account takeovers and confusion about who owns a particular username at any given time.
Think carefully before you confirm a username change. If you are not sure about your new name, you can close the settings page without saving and keep your current username. Once you click the final confirmation button, the change is locked in.
What does not change when you change your username
Your account data stays exactly the same. Your saved posts, subscriptions, upvote and downvote history, awards, karma, and all your settings remain unchanged. You do not lose access to any subreddits you were already a member of. Private messages you received under your old username are still in your inbox.
The only thing that changes is the name that appears on your profile and on any new posts or comments you make. Everything else—your account age, your reputation, your activity—stays the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username more than once a month?
No. Reddit enforces a strict 30-day waiting period between username changes. You must wait at least 30 days after your last change before you can change again. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Will changing my username delete my old posts?
No. Your posts and comments remain on Reddit under your old username. Anyone can still see them by visiting your profile or searching for your old username. Changing your username does not hide or remove any of your post history.
Can I get my old username back if I change my mind?
No. Once you change away from a username, you cannot use it again, even if you wait months or years. You can only change to a completely new username. Choose carefully before you confirm the change.
What if someone else takes my old username after I change mine?
Reddit holds your old username for a period of time after you change it, so someone else cannot when ready claim it. However, eventually it may become available. If you are concerned about impersonation, you can report a user to Reddit if they take your old name and try to use it to deceive others.
Does changing my username affect my karma or account age?
No. Your karma, account age, and all other account statistics stay the same. Only the name displayed on your profile and new activity changes. Your reputation and history are not affected.