How to Change Your Snapchat Username in 2022: The Complete Guide

Have you ever thought to yourself, "I wish I could change my Snapchat username to something cooler?" Well, good news: Snapchat now allows you to change your username within the app!

In this comprehensive 2800+ word guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know to change your Snapchat username in 2022. I‘ve got you covered on the step-by-step process, requirements, limitations, and tips to help you pick the perfect new Snapchat name.

Here‘s what we‘ll cover:

Can You Really Change Your Snapchat Username Now?
The Benefits of Changing Your Username
The Exact Steps to Change Your Snapchat Username
Snapchat Username Change Rules and Limitations
How to Pick Your New Snapchat Username
What Happens to Your Old Username?
Will Changing Your Username Affect Your Snapchat Account?
FAQs: Common Snapchat Username Change Questions

So if you‘re ready to upgrade your Snapchat username, let‘s get started!

Can You Really Change Your Snapchat Username Now?

Yep, it‘s officially possible as of 2022! After years of Snapchatters requesting this feature, Snapchat began rolling out the ability to change your username directly within the iOS and Android apps in February 2022.

Previously, the only way to get a new Snapchat username was to delete your account and sign up for a new one. But this meant losing your Snapstreaks, memories, friends list, and Snapscore.

Now, Snapchat finally allows you to change your username once per year while keeping everything on your account intact. Your contacts, snaps, memories, settings, and Snapcode all remain the same.

According to Snapchat‘s press release, "Starting today, Snapchatters globally will be able to change their username — their unique Snapchat identifier! — directly within the app. Your friends will still be able to find you through your phone number, and any usernames that are released will be made unavailable to claim in the future, freeing up more great usernames for the Snapchat community."

This is a game-changer for Snapchatters looking for a fresh username. But why change your username in the first place?

The Benefits of Changing Your Snapchat Username

Here are some of the best reasons you may want to change your Snapchat username:

1. Your Original Username is Embarrassing

Let‘s be honest, we all made some cringey username choices back in middle school. Now that you‘ve grown up, ditch the old embarrassing usernames like xXemo_girlXx or dabbing_boy32.

2. You Want Something More Mature

Maybe you first created your Snapchat in high school and went with a silly username. If you want something that better represents the more mature and professional you, a username change can help.

3. You‘re Rebranding Yourself

If you‘ve gone through a major life change and want your username to match your new personal brand, a change could be ideal. For example, updating it after getting married or starting a new career.

4. Your Username is Hard to Remember

Usernames like coolguy90210 or jamesbond007soundcoolbutareimpossibletoremember. Pick something simpler that friends can easily memorize.

5. You‘re Tired of Random Numbers in Your Handle

Snapchat used to append long strings of random digits to usernames when the original was taken. Now you can replace something like katie3580193012 with your real name.

If you go by something different on Instagram or TikTok compared to Snapchat, changing your Snap username can help sync them all up.

7. It Doesn‘t Match Your Name Anymore

If you changed your first name, last name, or married name in real life, you can modify your Snapchat to match your current name.

8. You‘re Tired of Your Old Jokes

Inside jokes and references get stale after a while. It‘s a good time for an upgrade when your clever username stops feeling so clever.

9. You Were Too Young When You Created It

If you first made your account years ago as a teen, your tastes probably changed a lot since then. Evolve your username along with your maturity.

10. You Want to Brand Your Business

For influencers, entrepreneurs, creators, and small business owners looking to grow their brand on Snapchat, changing to a business username like @yourcompany can add legitimacy.

As you can see, there are plenty of great reasons to change your Snapchat username! Next, let‘s look at the step-by-step process.

The Exact Steps to Change Your Snapchat Username

Ready to change your Snapchat username to something new? Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Snapchat App on Your iPhone or Android

First, make sure you have the latest version of the Snapchat app installed on your mobile device. The option to change your username is not yet available on the web.

Step 2: Go to Your Snapchat Profile

From the camera page, tap your profile icon in the top left corner. This will open up your profile page.

Step 3: Tap the Gear Icon to Access Settings

Tap the gear icon in the top right corner of your profile to open your Settings page.

Step 4: Tap "Username" and then "Change Username"

Under the Account Actions section in Settings, tap on Username. This will open your current username profile.

Then tap the blue "Change Username" button at the bottom of the screen.

Step 5: Enter Your Password to Confirm

A popup will appear asking you to enter your Snapchat password to confirm the username change. Type it in and tap the Confirm button.

Step 6: Pick Your New Unique Username

On the next screen, type in the new username you want. Make sure it‘s unique, memorable, and appropriate.

Step 7: Tap "Change My Username"

Once you‘ve entered your new desired username, tap the blue "Change My Username" button at the bottom.

And that‘s it! Your Snapchat username will be changed right away. All your existing friends will still be able to find you, and a notification will go out alerting them of your new handle.

It‘s that simple to change your username on Snapchat in 2022! But there are some limitations you need to keep in mind, which I‘ll explain next.

Snapchat Username Change Rules and Limitations

Snapchat has set some ground rules when it comes to changing your username. Here are the key limitations to know:

You can only change your username once per year – After changing your username, you have to wait a full year before changing it again. So pick wisely!
Your old username is permanently unavailable – Once you switch usernames, no one else can ever claim your old one. It‘s gone from Snapchat forever.
Usernames must be unique – Your new username cannot be one that‘s already taken by another Snapchatter. Be creative!
Change only via mobile app – As of now, you can only change your Snapchat username via the iOS and Android apps. No option on desktop yet.
Your friends can still see your old username – While your old username can‘t be claimed again, friends who still have you added will be able to see your previous handle on your profile.
Friends will be notified of your new username – Snapchat will send a notification to your friends list informing them of your new username.
Some users must wait to change – Not all Snapchatters have access to change usernames yet. Snapchat is rolling it out slowly.

So in summary, while changing your username is now possible, you only get one shot per year. Pick wisely and make sure it‘s a username you want to stick with!

Next, I‘ll share some tips on how to select the perfect Snapchat username for you.

How to Pick Your New Snapchat Username

With the ability to finally change your Snapchat username, it‘s important to pick a good one! Here are some top tips:

Choose Something Memorable and Recognizable

You want friends to be able to easily remember your new username. Avoid anything overly complex or confusing.

Make Sure It‘s Unique to You

Get creative and come up with a username that defines your personal brand and interests. Don‘t just copy celebrities or influencers.

Consider Using Your Real Name

Using your real first and last name as your username can make it easier for new friends to find and identify you.

Add Numbers if Needed for Uniqueness

If your first name is already taken, try adding your birth year, graduation year, or favorite number after it.

Avoid Anything Offensive or Inappropriate

Snapchat prohibits usernames with offensive language, hate speech, threats, or adult/illegal content. Keep it clean!

Steer Clear of Exes‘ Names

Even if you‘re on good terms, referencing exes in your username can be seen as disrespectful or cause mixed signals.

Don‘t Impersonate Celebrities or Brands

You could get banned for pretending to be someone famous or claiming branded names like @nike or @mcdonalds.

Consider Your Future Goals

If you plan to become an influencer or public figure, pick a username that aligns with that professional brand.

Research Username Availability First

Double check if the username you want is available before going through the change process.

Ask for Feedback from Friends

Get a second opinion from friends before settling on a new username. They may spot issues you missed.

Putting thought into your new ideal username will ensure it‘s a change you‘re happy with for the long haul. But what happens to your old username after you change it?

What Happens to Your Old Username After Changing It?

Once you officially change your Snapchat username, your old username is permanently gone from the app. Here‘s what users need to know about old usernames:

No one can claim it again – Your exact previous username will be unavailable to other Snapchatters forever. It can never be recycled or reused.
You can‘t switch back to it – After changing your username once, you can‘t revert or change back to your old handle. It‘s set in stone.
Friends can still view it – While you have a shiny new username, existing friends who haven‘t deleted you can still see your old username on your profile.
It remains on your memories – Username changes only impact your current profile. Old usernames will still show up in any saved chat logs, stories, and memories.
Search doesn‘t bring it up anymore – Friends searching your old username in the app will no longer be able to find or add you.
It‘s not immediately deactivated – Your old username won‘t free up for 24-48 hours after changing. This prevents others from quickly snatching it.

So while your old handle enters retirement, it sticks around in limited capacity so as not to break past snaps and memories. But it can never be claimed again!

Now let‘s look at the important question: how does changing your username impact your Snapchat account?

Will Changing Your Username Affect Your Snapchat Account?

The good news is that changing your Snapchat username does NOT reset your account or delete any data!

According to Snapchat, "Changing your username will not affect your friends, Snap score, Memories, Snapstreaks, or any other information tied to your account."

Here‘s what remains unchanged when you switch to a new username:

Your friends list – All of your friends will stay added after changing your username.
Your Snapscore – Your lifetime Snapchat score does not get reset back to zero. It stays the same.
Your snapstreaks – No need to worry about lost streaks! Your message streaks with friends continue tracking.
Memories and chats – Nothing from Memories or Chat gets deleted when you change usernames. They still have your old username on them though.
Your profile info – Your bio, profile pictures, etc will all stay the same after changing usernames.
Snapcode – You keep the same Snapcode. Friends can still scan it to add your new username.
Bitmoji – Your personalized Bitmoji remains linked and unchanged.
Trophies case – You don‘t lose any of your hard-earned Snapchat trophies or achievements.

So aside from now going by a new username, everything on your actual Snapchat account stays perfectly intact! It makes the process totally stress-free.

Now let‘s wrap up with answers to some frequently asked questions about changing Snapchat usernames.

FAQs: Common Snapchat Username Change Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have about changing their Snapchat username:

How often can you change your Snapchat username?

You can only change your Snapchat username once per year. After changing it, you have to wait a full year before changing it again.

Can someone else take your old username?

No. Once you change your username, no one else can claim your exact previous handle. It‘s permanently retired by Snapchat.

Can you revert back to a previous username?

Unfortunately no, you cannot revert back to a previously used Snapchat username after changing your handle. The change is permanent.

Does your username history show up on your profile?

Friends who still have you added can see your list of past usernames on your profile. But it does not show for new friends or people viewing your profile.

Can someone impersonate your old username?

No, after changing a username, Snapchat permanently retires it across all users. No one can sign up with your exact old handle.

Do your Memories update with your new username?

No, your old username will still show up in any saved chat logs, stories, snaps, and memories. Your new handle only applies to new content.

Do you lose your Snapstreaks when changing username?

Nope! Rejoice – yourSnapstreaks remain intact no matter how many times you change your Snapchat username. Your streaks, scores, and friend list are never reset.

Can you change your username on desktop?

As of now, the ability to change your Snapchat username is only available on the iOS and Android mobile apps. Snapchat has not yet launched the feature for web.

And there you have it! Those are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions people have about the Snapchat username change process.

In Summary…

Snapchat now offers the long-awaited ability to update your username directly within the mobile app. You can refresh your handle once per year while keeping all friends, memories, scores, and data on your account.

Simply go through the Change Username steps in your Settings when you‘re ready for something new. Put thought into picking a username that best represents you. And don‘t stress – nothing on your actual Snapchat will be erased!

I hope this guide gave you all the insights, tips, and steps you need to successfully change your Snapchat username in 2022. Let me know if you have any other questions!