How to Change Your Username on Reddit [Guide]

If you have recently created a Reddit account and are not happy with the username you were assigned, you may be wondering if it can be changed. Many new Reddit users accidentally keep an automatically generated username or later decide they want something more personal or memorable. Unfortunately, Reddit has strict rules regarding usernames, so changing one is not always possible.

If you signed up with your Google account or Apple ID and have not finalized your username yet, Reddit allows you to replace the randomly generated username with one of your choice. However, once a username becomes permanent, Reddit does not allow it to be changed.

This guide explains everything you need to know about how to change your username on Reddit, including when it is possible, how to do it step by step, and what to do if your username is already locked.

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How to Change Your Username on Reddit

Before you begin, it is important to understand that this process only works if your Reddit account is still eligible for a username change.

If you already confirmed your username or created your account using an email address with a custom username, you cannot rename it later.

Step 1: Check Whether Your Reddit Account Is Eligible

The first thing you should do is determine whether your account qualifies for a username change.

Reddit only lets users change an automatically assigned username once. This option is usually available when you sign up using Google or Apple and have not yet finalized your account name.

Open Reddit and sign in to your account. If you recently created your account and notice that your username looks like a random combination of words and numbers, there is a good chance that it is still eligible for a change.

If your account has been active for some time, or you have already accepted the suggested username, the option will most likely no longer be available.

Understanding this limitation before you proceed helps avoid confusion because many users expect Reddit to work like other social media platforms, where usernames can be changed anytime.

Step 2: Open Your Reddit Profile Settings

Once you’ve confirmed that your account may still be eligible, the next step is to access your account settings.

Launch the Reddit app on your Android or iPhone, or visit the Reddit website in your preferred browser.

After logging in, select your profile icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. This opens the account menu, where you can access various settings related to your profile, notifications, privacy, and account information.

If your account qualifies, Reddit will usually display a prompt asking whether you would like to keep your current username or change it.

If you do not see this option, it generally means the username has already become permanent.

Take a moment to carefully review any messages Reddit displays before moving forward.

Step 3: Select the Option to Change Your Username

If Reddit offers the opportunity to choose a new username, this is the point where you can customize it.

Select Change Username when prompted.

A text box will appear where you can enter your preferred username.

Choose a username that is easy to remember and reflects your personality or interests. Many users prefer something simple because it is easier for friends and communities to recognize.

Keep in mind that Reddit usernames must be unique. If someone else already uses the name you want, you’ll need to try another variation.

Adding numbers, abbreviations, or an extra word often helps you find an available username without making it too complicated.

Before moving on, carefully review your spelling because this decision is permanent.

Step 4: Verify That Your New Username Is Available

After typing your desired username, Reddit automatically checks whether it is available.

If the username is already taken, you’ll receive a message asking you to choose another one.

Continue trying different combinations until Reddit accepts one.

Avoid using usernames that include personal information such as your full name, phone number, birth year, or email address. Keeping your username more private helps improve your online security.

It is also a good idea to choose a username that will still make sense months or years from now, especially if you plan to participate in many Reddit communities.

Once Reddit confirms that your chosen username is available, you can continue to the final confirmation step.

Step 5: Confirm Your New Username

After selecting an available username, Reddit will ask you to confirm your decision.

Read the confirmation message carefully.

Reddit clearly explains that this change cannot be reversed. Once you confirm the new username, you cannot edit it again in the future.

If you are completely satisfied with your choice, select Save, Confirm, or the equivalent button shown on your screen.

Your Reddit profile will immediately begin using the new username across the platform.

Any future posts, comments, and interactions will display your newly selected username.

Step 6: Verify That the Username Change Was Successful

Once the process is complete, it is a good idea to verify everything worked correctly.

Return to your Reddit profile.

Look at your profile page and confirm that your new username appears correctly.

You can also create a test comment or view one of your existing posts to ensure the updated username is displayed.

If everything looks correct, your username change has been completed successfully.

Remember that if Reddit accepts the new username, there is no option to change it again later.

Additional Tips

Before choosing a username, spend a little extra time thinking about whether you will still like it in the future.

Choose a username that is easy to spell and easy to remember.

Avoid including sensitive personal information in your username because it may reduce your privacy.

If your preferred username is unavailable, try adding a meaningful word instead of random numbers.

Remember that your display name and your username are different. While your username usually cannot be changed after confirmation, your display name can be updated later through your profile settings.

If your username is already permanent and you absolutely want a different one, your only option is to create a brand-new Reddit account using your preferred username, assuming it is available.

Before creating a new account, consider whether you want to leave behind your existing posts, comments, communities, and account history.

FAQs

Can I change my Reddit username anytime?

No. Reddit generally does not allow permanent usernames to be changed. Only eligible accounts with an automatically assigned username can change it once before confirming it.

How do I know if my Reddit username can still be changed?

If Reddit displays a Change Username prompt after signing in with a newly created account, your account is still eligible. If you do not see this option, the username has already been finalized.

Can I change my Reddit username from the mobile app?

Yes. If your account is eligible, you can change your username using both the Reddit mobile app and the Reddit website.

Is my display name the same as my username?

No. Your username is your permanent account identifier, while your display name is shown on your profile and can usually be updated later.

What happens if the username I want is already taken?

You’ll need to choose another unique username. Reddit does not allow two users to share the same username.

Can I rename my Reddit account after several years?

No. Once your username becomes permanent, Reddit does not provide an option to rename the account.

Will changing my username delete my posts?

No. If your account is eligible and you successfully change the username before it becomes permanent, your existing account data remains intact.