Your public profile name is separate from your username and can be changed in your account settings

Snapchat lets you set a display name — the name that appears on your profile and in conversations — separately from your username, which is permanent and cannot be changed. If you want people to see a different name when they visit your profile or chat with you, you change the display name through your account settings. This takes about two minutes and you can do it as often as you want.

The display name is what friends see at the top of your profile. It is also what shows up in group chats and when you send snaps. Your username, by contrast, is the handle people use to add you — it stays the same forever once you create it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name and username are different — the display name is what people see, and the username is what they use to find you.
  • You change your display name by opening Snapchat, tapping your profile icon, selecting "Name," and typing the new name you want.
  • Display names can be up to 20 characters and can include spaces, numbers, and most symbols.
  • You can change your display name as many times as you want with no waiting period between changes.

Steps to change your display name on Snapchat

Open Snapchat and tap the profile icon in the top left corner of the camera screen. This takes you to your profile page, where you see your username, display name, and other account details.

Look for the line that shows your current display name. Tap on "Name" or the name field itself — the exact label depends on your app version, but it is always near the top of your profile. A text box will open with your current display name highlighted.

Delete the old name and type the new one. Snapchat allows up to 20 characters, including spaces, numbers, and punctuation marks like hyphens, underscores, and periods. When you are done typing, tap outside the text box or press the checkmark button to save the change. The new name appears on your profile when ready.

What happens after you change your display name

Your new display name shows up right away on your profile and in all your conversations. Friends who have you saved will see the new name in their chat list and when they open a conversation with you. If you send a snap or message, the new name appears as the sender.

Your username does not change. People still add you using your original username, and your username is still what appears in search results when someone looks for you. Only the display name — the human-readable name on your profile — changes.

There is no waiting period between changes. If you want to change your display name again tomorrow, or next week, you can do it the same way with no restrictions.

Limits and rules for display names

Snapchat enforces a 20-character limit, which includes spaces. If you try to enter a name longer than that, the app will not let you save it. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and common punctuation marks like hyphens, underscores, periods, and apostrophes.

Snapchat's community guidelines still explore to display names. Names that contain hate speech, slurs, or explicit sexual content may be flagged or removed by Snapchat's moderation system. If your display name is removed, you will be notified and asked to choose a new one. Repeated violations can result in account restrictions.

You cannot use special characters that are not standard on a keyboard, and some symbols may not display correctly across different devices. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and basic punctuation if you want your name to look the same for everyone.

Difference between display name and username

Your username is the handle you chose when you created your account. It is permanent, cannot be changed, and is what people type into the search bar to find you and add you as a friend. Usernames are lowercase, contain no spaces, and are visible in your profile URL.

Your display name is the friendly name that appears on your profile and in chats. It can have spaces, capital letters, numbers, and punctuation. You can change it whenever you want. If you do not set a display name, Snapchat shows your username instead.

Think of it this way: your username is your permanent address, and your display name is the nameplate on your door. People need your address to find you, but they see the nameplate when they arrive.

Troubleshooting: changes not showing up

If you change your display name but it does not appear on your profile, close Snapchat completely and reopen it. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to show the new name across all screens. Force-close the app by swiping it away from your recent apps list, then open it again.

If the name still does not appear after a refresh, check that you actually tapped the save button or checkmark. Some versions of the app require you to confirm the change before it takes effect. Go back to your profile and verify that the new name was saved.

If Snapchat rejected your display name without explanation, it may contain words or phrases that violate the community guidelines. Try a different name without numbers, symbols, or words that could be flagged. If you believe your name was removed in error, you can contact Snapchat support through the app's help center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username instead of my display name?

No. Snapchat does not allow you to change your username once it is created. If you want a completely different username, you would need to create a new account. The display name is the only part of your profile identity you can change.

Will my friends see my old name if they have me saved in their contacts?

No. Once you change your display name, it updates everywhere for everyone. Friends who have you saved will see the new name in their chat list and on your profile. The old name disappears when ready.

How often can I change my display name?

You can change it as many times as you want with no waiting period. Snapchat does not limit how often you update your display name, so you can change it daily if you choose.

What if someone else has the display name I want?

Display names do not have to be unique on Snapchat. Multiple people can have the same display name. You can use any name you want as long as it follows the character limit and community guidelines.

Does changing my display name affect my Snapchat score or streaks?

No. Your Snapchat score, streaks, and all other account data remain exactly the same. Changing your display name is purely cosmetic and does not affect any of your account statistics or history.