How to change your Snapchat user name

If you’re looking to change your Snapchat username and can’t work out how to do it, there’s a very good reason that has nothing to do with your software skills. The fact is, it’s not actually possible to change your Snapchat username. 

Snapchat says this is because of “security reasons.” These same reasons also mean it’s not possible to transfer account data, Memories, or Snapstreaks from one username to another. Your Snapchat username is the one that was set when you first created your Snapchat account, and that is set forever. 

What you can change, however, is your Snapchat display name — the words shown directly below or next to your avatar — and we’re here to show you how to do that. 

Note: If you want to change your Snapchat username because you’re being bullied or suffering any other kind of abuse via the platform, you can report that abuse in the app or online. The Cybersmile Foundation can also offer you support and point you in the direction of where else to get help. 

How to see your Snapchat username and display name 

To view your Snapchat username and display name, you need to tap on your profile icon (a teeny picture of your avatar) that you can see at the top left of your phone’s screen. 

Image: screengrab: amy-mae turner

Your Snapchat username is shown underneath your avatar, below your display name.  

Image: screengrab: amy-mae turner

How to change your Snapchat display name 

As we’ve explained, while it’s not possible to change your Snapchat username, it is possible to change your Snapchat display name. 

You can customize it to appear how you’d like, and you can change it as many times as you like. 

You can change it via your Snapchat settings, but there’s also a quicker way. Head to your Snapchat profile page by clicking on your profile icon avatar image. 

Tap on your display name. This will bring up a pop-up window with your current display name in it. 

Image: screengrab: amy-mae turner

Tap on words to delete them, or overtype them with how you would like your display name to appear.  

Image: screengrab: amy-mae turner

Tap “Save” when you’re happy with the changes. 

Image: screengrab: amy-mae turner

You can make this change as many times as you want. Snapchatters will continue to see the display name you chose when they first added you, but new friends should see your updated display name. 

Do note that Snapchatters who have you in their phonebook may see the name they’ve saved you as in their phone.

How to delete Snapchat

If you’re really not happy with your Snapchat username and changing your display name doesn’t go far enough for you, your only other option is to delete your Snapchat account and sign up for a fresh one with a new username. 

Choose wisely, of course.