Hi there! I'm Sarah, and I've been a tech enthusiast for as long as I can remember. I've been using Snapchat since its early days, and I've seen it evolve from a simple photo-sharing app to a full-fledged social media platform. One question I get asked a lot, especially by those new to Snapchat, is about changing their usernames. Let's dive into that.

**Understanding the Difference: Display Name vs. Username**

Before we get into the how-to, it's crucial to understand the difference between a display name and a username on Snapchat:

* Display Name: This is the name your friends see on Snapchat. It can be changed as often as you like, and it doesn't have to be unique. You can even use emojis or special characters in your display name.

* Username: This is your unique identifier on Snapchat. Think of it like your account's social security number. It's what people use to add you on Snapchat, and *it cannot be changed*. This is a security measure Snapchat has in place.

**Why You Can't Change Your Snapchat Username**

Snapchat's decision to make usernames unchangeable is rooted in security and user experience. Here's why:

* Preventing Impersonation: If users could change their usernames at will, it would be incredibly easy for someone to impersonate others. Imagine someone switching their username to yours and then contacting your friends, potentially spreading misinformation or even trying to scam them.

* Maintaining Account History: Your username is tied to your entire Snapchat history — your snaps, chats, memories, and friends list. Allowing username changes would create chaos and make it difficult to track conversations or maintain account integrity.

**What to Do If You REALLY Want a New Username**

If you're absolutely set on having a different Snapchat username, your only option is to create a brand new account. Here's what you'll lose by doing so:

* Your Entire Friend List: You'll need to rebuild your friend list from scratch.

* Your Snap Score: Your hard-earned Snap Score will be reset to zero.

* Your Chat History: All your past conversations will be gone.

* Your Memories: Any Snaps you've saved to your Memories will be lost.

Choosing a New Username

If you decide to create a new account, here are some tips for choosing a new username:

* Keep it Short and Memorable: Make it easy for people to remember and type in.

* Reflect Your Personality or Interests: Choose something that represents you.

* Check Availability Across Platforms: See if the username is available on other social media platforms in case you want to maintain consistency.

**Remember, there's no way to change your existing Snapchat username. Choose wisely from the start, and if you must switch, be prepared for the consequences.**

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Currently the username on an existing Snapchat account cannot be changed. The official support document from Snapchat states: For security reasons, it is currently not possible to change the username for an existing account. If you wish, you may delete your account and create a new one.read more >>