How to Change Reddit Username – Complete Guide

How to Change Reddit Username: Reddit is one of the world’s largest social platforms, known for its massive variety of communities and open discussion format. Whether you use it to follow niche hobbies, debate current events, or simply browse memes, your username plays a central role in your Reddit identity.

But what if you want to change it? Maybe you picked a random name when you first joined, or perhaps you’ve outgrown your old handle. Understanding how to change your Reddit username is essential—especially since Reddit has specific limitations that make this process different from other platforms.

Let’s explore the rules, process, and possible workarounds for changing your Reddit username.

1. Can You Change Your Reddit Username?

The short answer: It depends on how you created your account.

Unlike platforms like Instagram or Twitter, Reddit usernames are generally permanent once you set them. However, there are exceptions:

• New Accounts: If you signed up with a Google, Apple, or email account and Reddit assigned you a default username (e.g., “u/Interesting_Carrot37”), you can change it once.
• Existing Named Accounts: If you created your own username at signup, you cannot change it later. Your only option is to create a new account.

Reddit enforces this to maintain user identity consistency and prevent impersonation.

2. How to Change Reddit Username (If Eligible)

If you’ve just created a Reddit account and still have the auto-generated name, here’s how you can change it:

A. On Mobile (iOS & Android Apps)

1. Open the Reddit app and log in.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select My Profile.
4. You’ll see a prompt asking if you want to keep your assigned username or change it.
5. Tap Change Username.
6. Enter your desired username (must be unique and follow Reddit’s rules).
7. Confirm your choice—remember, you cannot change it again later.

B. On Desktop (Website)

1. Log in to your Reddit account.
2. Click your profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select Profile.
4. If eligible, you’ll see a prompt to change your username.
5. Enter your new name and confirm.

3. Rules and Restrictions for Usernames

When choosing a new Reddit username, you must follow their guidelines:

• Length: Between 3 and 20 characters.
• Allowed Characters: Letters, numbers, underscores (_); no spaces.
• No Offensive Terms: Reddit prohibits hateful or explicit language.
• Unique Requirement: Your chosen name must not be taken by another user.

If your first choice is unavailable, consider adding underscores, numbers, or abbreviations.

4. What If You Can’t Change Your Username?

If you already set your username when signing up, Reddit won’t let you change it. In this case, you have two options:

1. Create a New Account
   • Sign up with a fresh email address.
   • Choose your preferred username during the signup process.
   • Subscribe to your favorite subreddits again and reconfigure your settings.
2. Use Display Name for Customization
   • Reddit allows you to set a Display Name (visible on your profile page but not on posts/comments).
   • Go to your profile settings, find the Display Name field, and enter the name you want.
   • While this won’t change your actual username, it can help personalize your profile.

5. Pros and Cons of Changing Your Username

Pros

• Better reflects your current interests or brand.
• Easier for friends and followers to recognize you.
• Avoids keeping a random or embarrassing default name.

Cons

• Permanent once set—no future changes.
• Can confuse followers if they knew you by your old name.
• If creating a new account, you’ll lose post history and karma.

6. Tips for Choosing a Great Reddit Username

• Be Unique: Aim for something memorable but easy to spell.
• Avoid Trends: Popular memes fade quickly—choose something timeless.
• Think Long-Term: This will be your name for as long as you use Reddit.
• Check Availability: Try searching your chosen name before finalizing.

7. Common Myths About Changing Reddit Usernames

Myth 1: You can change your username anytime
Fact: Once set, your Reddit username is permanent unless you were assigned a random one at signup.

Myth 2: Mods can change your username for you
Fact: Moderators have no ability to change usernames. They can only ban or approve accounts.

Myth 3: You can request Reddit admins to change it
Fact: Even Reddit admins do not change usernames for users except in rare policy violations.

8. Step-by-Step Example for Changing a Default Username

Let’s say you signed up with Google and got the name u/Bold_River_832.
Here’s what you’d do:

• Open Reddit app → Profile → My Profile.
• Choose “Change Username.”
• Enter your desired name: u/RiverExplorer.
• Confirm. Now all your posts and comments will show the new username.

Conclusion

Changing your Reddit username is only possible if you’re still using the auto-generated default name given at account creation. Once you manually choose and confirm a username, it becomes permanent.

If you’re past the changeable stage, you can either create a new account or set a display name for personalization. While this limitation may feel restrictive, it’s designed to keep Reddit communities consistent and free from impersonation issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I change my Reddit username after posting?
Only if you still have the auto-generated name and haven’t confirmed a permanent one. Once set, you cannot change it.

2. Can I reuse a username from a deleted account?
No—once a username is taken, it’s unavailable, even if the account is deleted.

3. Will my karma transfer if I make a new account?
No—karma, awards, and post history stay with the original account.

4. Can I hide my username from others?
Not on posts or comments, but you can use a display name for your profile page.

5. What’s the difference between username and display name?
Your username is your permanent public ID on Reddit, shown on all posts and comments. Your display name is only visible on your profile page and can be changed anytime.