How to change your Reddit Username
Your Reddit username is a core part of your identity on the platform, but you may want to change it for personal or professional reasons. This guide walks you through the process of updating your username directly from your Reddit account settings. Learn how to navigate to the username change feature and complete the update in just a few clicks.
Quick summary
In this tutorial, you'll learn how to access your Reddit profile settings and change your username to something new. You'll navigate through your account menu, locate the username change option, and confirm your new username. By the end, your Reddit profile will display your updated username across all your posts and comments.
Why this matters
Changing your Reddit username can help you rebrand your online presence, improve privacy, or align your account with a new personal or professional identity. Unlike many platforms, Reddit allows username changes, making it easy to update how you're identified in the community. Whether you've outgrown your current username or simply want a fresh start, this is a straightforward process.
Step-by-step guide
- 1
Open the navigation menu
Start by clicking on the dropdown menu in the upper right corner of your Reddit homepage. This menu displays sorting options and will allow you to access your account settings.
- 2
View your karma count
Click on your karma display to see your account statistics and prepare to access your profile settings. This element shows your current standing on the platform.
- 3
Navigate to your profile
Click on the 'Profile' option from the menu that appears. This takes you to your dedicated profile page where all account settings are accessible.
- 4
Select Change Username option
Locate and click on 'Change Username' within your profile settings. This option opens the username modification interface where you can enter your new desired username.
- 5
Enter your new username
Click in the text field and type your desired new username. Make sure your choice follows Reddit's username guidelines, including length and character restrictions.
- 6
Proceed with confirmation
Click the 'Continue' button to move forward with your username change. Reddit will validate your new username and check its availability.
- 7
Finalize your new username
Click 'Save Username' to confirm and permanently apply your new username to your account. Your profile will immediately reflect this change across the entire platform.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about how to change your reddit username.
Can I change my Reddit username back to my original username?
Reddit allows you to change your username, but you can only change it once every 30 days. If you want to revert to a previous username, you'll need to wait the required period before making another change. Keep in mind that if someone else has claimed your old username in the meantime, you won't be able to use it again.
Are there any restrictions on what username I can choose?
Yes, Reddit usernames must be between 3 and 20 characters long and can only contain letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens. Usernames cannot contain spaces or special characters beyond underscores and hyphens. Additionally, your chosen username cannot already be in use by another Reddit account.
Will changing my username affect my post history or karma?
No, changing your username does not affect your karma, awards, or post history. All your previous posts and comments will still be associated with your account, and they'll now display under your new username. Your account age and all accumulated achievements remain intact.
How long does it take for my new username to appear across Reddit?
Your new username typically appears across Reddit immediately after you confirm the change. However, there may be a brief delay of a few minutes for the update to propagate across all Reddit servers and cached data. If you still see your old username after a few minutes, try refreshing your browser.
What happens if my desired username is already taken?
If your desired username is already taken, Reddit will inform you during the confirmation step and prevent you from using it. You'll need to choose a different username that hasn't been claimed. Try variations with numbers, underscores, or hyphens to find an available option.