Yes, you can change your Snapchat name, but with limits
Snapchat lets you change your display name (the name friends see) as many times as you want. Your username (the handle you log in with) can be changed once, and only if you have never changed it before. If you have already changed your username once, you are stuck with it permanently.
The difference matters because most people think of their username when they think of their Snapchat identity. Friends add you by username, and that username appears in search results. Your display name is just what shows up in your chat list and on your profile — it is cosmetic and changeable without restriction.
Key Takeaways
- Your display name can be changed unlimited times from your profile settings, and the change takes effect when ready.
- Your username can only be changed once in your account lifetime, so choose carefully before you use that one change.
- Changing your username does not log you out or affect your friends list, but friends will need to search your new username to re-add you if they delete you.
- You cannot use a username that is already taken, contains certain words, or is shorter than three characters.
- If you have already changed your username once, you cannot change it again — contact Snapchat support if you believe your account was compromised.
How to change your display name
Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. Tap the gear icon to open Settings. Scroll down and tap "Username" — despite the label, this section controls your display name. Tap the name field and type the new name you want to use. Snapchat allows up to 20 characters, and you can use spaces, numbers, and most punctuation.
The change takes effect when ready. Your friends will see the new name in their chat list and on your profile right away. You do not need to restart the app or confirm anything — just type and move on.
How to change your username (one time only)
If you have never changed your username before, you will see a button labeled "Change Username" in that same Settings menu under Username. Tap it. Snapchat will show you your current username and a field to enter a new one. Type the new username you want — it must be at least three characters, cannot contain spaces, and can only use letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.
After you submit the change, Snapchat will confirm that the new username is available. Once you confirm, the change is permanent and cannot be undone. You will not be able to change your username again. Your friends can still find you by your new username, and your account history, snaps, and friends list stay exactly the same.
What happens if your username is already taken
Snapchat will tell you when ready if the username you chose is already in use. The app will not let you proceed until you pick a different one. Try adding a number to the end, using an underscore or period in the middle, or choosing a different word altogether. Usernames are not case-sensitive, so "JohnSmith" and "johnsmith" are the same username.
If you are trying to reclaim a username you used to have, you cannot — once someone else takes it, it is gone. Snapchat does not reserve old usernames for former users.
Restrictions on usernames and display names
Snapchat blocks certain words and phrases from being used as usernames, usually those related to illegal activity, hate speech, or sexual content. If you try to use a blocked word, the app will reject it without telling you why — you will just see an error message. Try a variation or a completely different username.
Display names have fewer restrictions. You can use almost any character, emoji, or phrase, though Snapchat may remove your account if your display name violates their community guidelines — for example, if it contains hate speech or impersonates a real person or brand.
What to do if you have already changed your username once
If you have already used your one username change, you cannot change it again through the app. The "Change Username" button will no longer appear in your settings. This is permanent — Snapchat does not make exceptions or allow second changes.
If you believe your account was compromised and someone else changed your username without your permission, contact Snapchat Support through the app. Go to Settings, scroll to "Help," and tap "Contact Us." Explain what happened and provide as much detail as you can. Snapchat may restore your old username if they determine your account was hacked, but this is not may provide.
How username changes affect your account
Changing your username does not log you out, delete your account, or affect your friends list. All your snaps, memories, and chat history stay exactly where they are. Your Snapcode (the scannable code on your profile) updates to reflect your new username, so friends can still scan it to add you.
Friends who have you saved in their contacts will still see you in their chat list, even if they have not updated your contact name on their phone. However, if a friend deletes you and wants to re-add you, they will need to search for your new username — they cannot search for your old one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username back to what it was before?
No. Once you change your username, you cannot change it back, even if the old username is no longer in use. Your one lifetime change is final. If you regret the change, you are stuck with the new username.
Do my friends get notified when I change my display name or username?
No notification is sent. Friends will see your new display name the next time they open the app or refresh their chat list. If you change your username, they will not know unless you tell them, but they can still message you and see you in their friends list.
What is the difference between my username and my display name?
Your username is your login handle and the name people search for to find you — it is permanent after one change. Your display name is what appears in chat lists and on your profile — it is purely cosmetic and can be changed as often as you want.
Can I use special characters or emojis in my username?
No. Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Display names can use emojis and most special characters, but usernames cannot.
What if Snapchat says my username is inappropriate?
Snapchat blocks certain words automatically. If you see an error message, try a different username. If you believe your username was rejected by mistake, contact Snapchat Support, but they rarely overturn these decisions.