Want to change your Reddit username? Whether you’re looking to protect your privacy or simply correct a name you regret choosing, you might wonder how. The good news is you’re in the right place!
In this guide, we’ll explain how to change your Reddit username and provide a few bonus tips on keeping your account secure and avoiding future username troubles.
If you’ve been searching for a solution and still haven’t figured out how to update your Reddit username, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. We’ll explain the quickest way to modify your username and share a few additional tricks to protect your identity on the platform.
Can You Change Your Reddit Username?
If you’re hoping to change your Reddit username, there’s one thing to keep in mind: Reddit does not allow users to change their usernames on existing accounts. Unlike Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok, where you can update your username whenever you want, Reddit locks in the username once it’s been set during registration.
The only way to get a new username on Reddit is by creating a new account. That’s why choosing your username carefully when you first sign up is crucial, as it becomes a permanent identifier for your account.
When Can You Change Your Username?
An exception to this rule is if you sign up with your Google, Apple ID, or Twitter account. In these cases, Reddit may automatically assign you a random username. Luckily, you can change this random name right after creating your account.
Before, you could change your Reddit username using a trick on your PC browser. However, now you can only do this using the Reddit app on your mobile phone.
Changing your Reddit username is nearly impossible if you don’t have access to your mobile phone.
Here’s how it works:
- Open the Reddit app. If you don’t have it yet, download it first.
- Choose to sign up with your Google account, Apple ID, Twitter, or phone number, and then fill in a new linked account (one you’ve never used for Reddit before).
- After creating, press the sign-up button
- Tap your profile icon located in the top right section.
- Tap the My Profile menu item. A message will appear asking you to change your username.
- Select the new user name, then press Save.
- Now you’re good to go!
But remember, once you’ve set your new username here, it becomes permanent, and no further changes will be allowed.
Did you miss the chance to change your username immediately? No problem. You can still update your username by going to User Settings.
Simply click on your profile icon in the top right corner, go to Settings, and you should find the option there.
Tip: If you want a consistent identity across platforms but worry about privacy, avoid using the same username on Reddit that you use on other social media. This can help keep your Reddit activity separate and secure.
If you’re unhappy with your username and don’t want to continue using your current account, deleting it might be the best option. Check out our guide on “How to Permanently Delete Your Reddit Account” for a step-by-step explanation of removing your profile and starting anew.
Little-Known Tip
Did you know? While Reddit doesn’t let you change your username, there’s still a way to update how your profile appears to others. You can customize your display name, which isn’t the same as your username but still allows you to add a personal touch.
Your display name appears when someone hovers over your username or visits your profile, so it’s a great way to give your account more personality. Unlike usernames, display names can be changed as often as you like, and you can update them whenever you want.
If you want to give your account a fresh look without creating a new one, changing the display name is a simple and effective way to do it.
Conclusion
In summary, unlike many other social platforms, changing your Reddit username isn’t possible on an existing account. The only way to get a new username is to create a brand-new account.
However, if you registered using a third-party account (like Google or Apple ID), Reddit might assign a temporary username that you can customize once during setup.
If you missed that opportunity or just want to refresh your profile, you can still change your display name. This doesn’t alter your username but allows you to customize how others see your profile.
It’s a simple and flexible way to update your online persona without the hassle of starting over.
Remember, your username is permanent, so choose wisely. For added privacy, avoid using the same username across multiple platforms. If you’re not satisfied with your current account, you can delete it and start anew.
By understanding these rules and tips, you can better manage your Reddit presence and make informed decisions about your profile.
