How to Change Your Snapchat Username and Display Name
Want to rebrand on Snapchat or update how your name appears? Understanding the difference between your username and display name is crucial. This guide will explain what you can and cannot change, and how to update your profile identity in 2026.
Username vs. Display Name: What's the Difference?
It's important to understand the difference:
- Username: Your unique identifier (like @username) - this CANNOT be changed
- Display Name: The name that appears on your profile - this CAN be changed anytime
Your username is permanent and used for logging in and finding your account. Your display name is what friends see in their contact list and on your profile.
How to Change Your Display Name
Changing your display name is simple:
- Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon (Bitmoji) in the top left
- Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top right
- Scroll down and tap "Name"
- Enter your new display name
- Tap "Save" to confirm the change
Your display name will update immediately, and friends will see the new name in their contact list.
Why Can't I Change My Username?
Snapchat doesn't allow username changes for several reasons:
- Account security: Prevents account hijacking and identity confusion
- Friend connections: Your username is how friends find and add you
- Data integrity: Maintains consistency across all your Snapchat data
- Snapstreaks: Preserves streaks and friend relationships
What If I Really Need a New Username?
If you absolutely need a different username, you have one option:
- Delete your account: Go to accounts.snapchat.com and delete your current account
- Wait 30 days: The deletion process takes 30 days
- Create a new account: After deletion, create a new account with your desired username
Warning: This will permanently delete all your data, including friends, streaks, memories, and chat history. This cannot be undone.
Tips for Choosing a Good Display Name
- Keep it recognizable: Use a name friends will recognize
- Be professional: If using for business, keep it professional
- Update regularly: You can change it anytime, so update it as needed
- Match your brand: If you're a creator, align it with your brand
- Keep it simple: Easy-to-remember names work best
Display Name Best Practices
- You can use emojis in your display name
- Display names can be up to 80 characters long
- You can change it as often as you want
- Changes are instant and visible to all friends
- Your username (for login) never changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, you cannot change your Snapchat username once it's created. However, you can change your display name, which is what others see when they view your profile.
Your username is your unique identifier (like @username) and cannot be changed. Your display name is the name that appears on your profile and can be changed anytime.
Go to your profile, tap the gear icon, select 'Name,' and enter your new display name. Tap 'Save' to update it.
Yes, you can delete your account and create a new one, but you'll lose all your data, friends, streaks, and memories. This is a permanent action.
Yes, your friends will still find you by your username, which doesn't change. Only your display name changes, which is what they see in their friend list.
You can change your display name as often as you want - there are no limits on how many times you can update it.
Update Your Profile Today
Now that you know how to change your display name, update your profile to reflect who you are! Learn more about creating a public profile.
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