How to Change Your Snapchat Display Name

This guide walks you through changing the display name that friends see on your Snapchat profile. It only takes a few taps in the app, and you don’t need any special tools or account settings. You can change it as often as you like, but keep in mind that your display name is different from your username, which cannot be changed.

What You’ll Need

The Snapchat app installed on your phone (iOS or Android).
Your login credentials (you need to be logged in to your account).

Step-by-Step

Open Snapchat on your phone. Make sure you’re logged in to the account you want to edit.
Tap your profile icon in the top-left corner of the camera screen. This takes you to your profile page.
On your profile page, tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
Scroll down to the My Account section. You’ll see a row labeled Name – tap it.
In the text field, type your new display name. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and some special characters. Note that there is a character limit (usually around 50 characters).
Tap Save (or the checkmark on iOS) in the top-right corner of the screen.
Your display name is now updated. Friends will see the new name when they view your profile or receive a snap from you, though it may take a few minutes to update everywhere.

Common Mistakes

Confusing display name with username: Your username is your unique handle (like @johnsmith) and cannot be changed. The display name is the friendly name shown next to it, and it’s the one you’re editing here.
Not tapping Save: If you exit the editing screen without tapping Save, your changes will be discarded.
Using inappropriate or offensive names: Snapchat may flag or remove names that violate their guidelines. Stick to something appropriate.
Expecting an immediate change everywhere: The change is usually instant on your own device, but it might take a few minutes for friends’ apps to refresh and show the new name.

Tips

Use a name that your friends will recognize – your real name, a nickname, or a fun alias. Avoid changing it too often, as it can confuse people.
If you want to change your display name frequently (e.g., for an event or a joke), that’s fine, but remember that your friends will see the change, so make it something you’re comfortable with.
Your display name is also used in chat and when you appear in group conversations, so keep it appropriate for all contexts.
If you have a public profile or are a creator, your display name is part of your brand – choose it carefully.

Troubleshooting

If you followed the steps but the name didn’t change, or you’re having trouble, try these fixes:

Force-close and reopen Snapchat. Sometimes the app needs a refresh. On iOS, swipe up from the bottom and swipe the Snapchat card away. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Snapchat > Force Stop, then reopen.
Check your internet connection. A weak connection might prevent the save from going through. Try switching from Wi-Fi to cellular data or vice versa.
Update the app. An outdated version might have bugs. Go to your app store and check for updates.
Clear the app cache. On Android: Settings > Apps > Snapchat > Storage > Clear Cache. On iOS, you may need to offload the app (Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Snapchat > Offload App) and reinstall – but make sure you remember your login info.
Log out and log back in. Go to Settings > Log Out, then log in again. This often syncs your profile data.
If the name field is grayed out or unresponsive, it could be a temporary server issue. Wait a few hours and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Snapchat username instead?

No, Snapchat does not allow you to change your username once it’s set. You can only change your display name, which is the name shown to friends.

Will my friends see the old name in chat history?

Usually, the new name will appear in all places, including chat history, after a short delay. However, some older messages might still show the old name until the app refreshes.

Is there a limit to how often I can change my display name?

There is no published limit, but changing it too frequently may trigger a temporary cooldown or be flagged as suspicious. It’s best to change it only when needed.

Can I use emojis in my display name?

Yes, you can include emojis and special characters, as long as they are supported by the system. Just be aware that some emojis may not display correctly on all devices.

Why does my display name show as ‘New User’ for some people?

This usually happens if you’ve never set a display name or if your account was created recently. Once you set a display name, it should replace ‘New User’ for everyone.

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

No, changing your display name has no effect on your Snapchat score, friends list, or any other account metrics. It’s purely cosmetic.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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