You can change your Snapchat username once every 30 days through the app settings

Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. Go to Settings (the gear icon), then scroll down and tap "Username." You'll see your current username and a button that says "Change Username" — tap it, enter your new username, and confirm. Snapchat will tell you when ready if the name is taken or if you've already changed it recently.

The 30-day waiting period starts from the moment you change your username, not from when you last changed it. If you try to change it before 30 days have passed, the app will show you a countdown timer telling you exactly when you can change it again. This limit applies whether you're on iOS, Android, or using the web version.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Snapchat username once every 30 days by going to Settings > Username and tapping "Change Username."
  • Your new username must be unique — Snapchat will reject it when ready if someone else has already taken it.
  • The 30-day waiting period begins the moment you complete a username change, and you cannot bypass it.
  • Your display name (the name your friends see) is separate from your username and can be changed anytime without restrictions.

What happens to your old username after you change it

Once you change your username, your old one becomes available for someone else to claim. Snapchat does not hold it for you or let you reclaim it later. If you think you might want to use an old username again, do not change it unless you are certain.

Your friends will see the change reflected in their contact list, but their saved chats with you will not disappear. The conversation history stays intact — only the name attached to it updates.

The difference between username and display name

Your username is what people type to add you on Snapchat — it is permanent until you change it, and it cannot contain spaces or most special characters. Your display name is what appears above your username in your profile and in friends' contact lists, and it can include spaces, emojis, and special characters.

You can change your display name as often as you want without hitting any waiting period. To change it, go to Settings > Username and look for the "Display Name" field above the username section. This is useful if you want to update how your name appears to friends without losing your actual username.

Why Snapchat limits username changes to once per 30 days

The 30-day limit exists to prevent account takeovers and impersonation. If usernames could be changed when ready and repeatedly, someone who gained access to your account could lock you out by changing it to something you would not recognize. The waiting period gives you time to notice unauthorized activity and recover your account.

It also prevents rapid-fire username cycling, which could be used to evade blocks or to spam other users by constantly appearing as a "new" account.

What to do if your desired username is taken

If the username you want shows as unavailable, someone else owns it. Snapchat does not have a waitlist or reservation system for usernames. Your options are to choose a different name or wait and hope the account holder abandons it — but there is no way to know if or when that will happen.

Many people add numbers, underscores, or periods to make a variation of their preferred name. For example, if "jane.smith" is taken, you might try "jane.smith1" or "jane_smith." Snapchat allows periods and underscores in usernames, which gives you some flexibility.

Changing your username on mobile versus web

The process is identical on iPhone, Android, and the Snapchat web version. Open the app or website, go to your profile, tap Settings, find Username, and select "Change Username." The 30-day timer works across all platforms — if you change your username on your phone, you cannot change it again on the web until 30 days have passed.

If you are having trouble finding the Username option, make sure you are logged into the correct account. Some older accounts or accounts with restrictions may have different menu layouts, but the core process remains the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once in 30 days?

No. Snapchat enforces a strict 30-day waiting period between username changes. The timer resets each time you change it, so if you change your username today, you cannot change it again for 30 days from today.

What if I change my username and regret it when ready?

You have to wait 30 days before you can change it again. Snapchat does not offer exceptions or manual overrides for this limit. If you want your old username back, you would need to wait until the 30 days pass, then hope no one else has claimed it in the meantime.

Will my friends lose my contact information if I change my username?

No. Your friends' saved conversations and contact information will not be affected. They will see your new username in their contact list, but the chat history and your profile connection remain intact.

Can I change my username if my account is locked or restricted?

If your account is locked due to a security issue or policy violation, you may not be able to access Settings. Contact Snapchat Support through the app or their website to resolve the account issue first, then you can change your username once access is restored.