It can be concerning when you notice something strange or different with your Snapchat account. One common issue is finding that your display name has been changed without your knowledge. Your Snapchat display name is the name friends see when they receive Snaps from you or see you in their friend lists. If your display name suddenly changes unexpectedly, it’s natural to wonder what happened and whether your account has been compromised in some way.
In this article, we’ll walk through how to check if your Snapchat display name was changed, how it could have happened, and what you can do to secure your account. We’ll also look at some tips to prevent display name changes in the future.
Checking if Your Snapchat Display Name Was Changed
If you notice your Snapchat display name is suddenly different than what you had set, here are the steps to confirm if and when it was changed:
- Open the Snapchat app and tap on your profile icon in the top left corner.
- Tap on the settings gear icon in the top right corner.
- Scroll down and tap on the “Username” option.
- This will show your current Snapchat display name at the top of the screen.
- Scroll down further until you see the “Past Names” section.
- Here you will see a record of any previous display names used on your account and when they were changed.
Checking the past names section will let you confirm if, when, and to what your display name was recently changed.
If you do see an unexpected name change in your history, continue reading for how this could have happened and what to do next.
How Could Someone Have Changed Your Snapchat Display Name?
There are a few potential scenarios that could result in your Snapchat display name being altered:
You changed it accidentally
It’s possible you inadvertently changed your own display name without realizing it. If you don’t remember doing this but see the name change in your history, it could have been an accidental slip or something you did while distracted.
A friend played a prank on you
If you left your phone unattended or lent it to someone, they may have decided to prank you by changing your display name. Friends and family who have access to your unlocked phone could easily open Snapchat and change your display name.
Your account was hacked
Unfortunately, your Snapchat may also have been hacked if you notice an unfamiliar display name change. Hackers who gain access to your account sometimes change profile info like display names. Other signs of hacking can include new friend additions, Snapchat password changes, and unfamiliar Snapchat logs.
Snapchat glitched
In rare cases, display name changes could happen due to a Snapchat glitch. App issues and bugs could potentially cause profile info like your name to revert or change.
What to Do if Your Snapchat Was Hacked
If you determine the display name change was due to someone maliciously accessing your account, here are important steps to secure your Snapchat:
Change your password
First, open Snapchat settings and reset your account password. Make sure it’s unique and not used on any other accounts. Enabling two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security when logging in.
Revoke account access
In settings, tap “Manage Account Access” to see if any unfamiliar sessions or devices are linked to your Snapchat. Revoke access from anything suspicious.
Check account history
Review your Snapchat logs and history for any unusual activity during the timeframe of the display name change. Watch for suspicious friend additions, conversations, etc.
Change display name back
Once your account is secured, you can change your display name back to what you originally had set. Make sure to select something unique that friends would recognize.
Run security software
Scan your mobile device with trusted antivirus software to check for any potential malware or keyloggers that could have captured your Snapchat login details. Also be cautious of suspicious links going forward.
How to Prevent Snapchat Display Name Changes
To help prevent unwanted display name changes in the future, here are some useful tips:
Don’t share your password
Keep your Snapchat login information private and don’t share your password with others. Friends don’t need your password to add you as a friend.
Enable login verification
Use two-factor authentication via SMS text or an authentication app to add an extra step when logging in to your account.
Log out on shared devices
Always remember to fully log out of your Snapchat account on any shared or public devices. Don’t stay logged in on a friend’s phone, for example.
Set a login passcode
You can require a 4-digit PIN to open the Snapchat app on your mobile device as another safeguard.
Be wary of phishing
Don’t click on suspicious links or provide your Snapchat login details if asked in unsolicited emails, texts or websites, as these could be phishing attempts.
Recovering From a Snapchat Name Change
Having your Snapchat display name suddenly changed can be upsetting but is usually recoverable. Take time to check what exactly happened and thoroughly secure your account. If the issue was just a harmless prank or accidental change, you can move on after updating your display name back. But if there are signs of hacking, take precautions to prevent more serious account risks.
With the right mix of security settings, vigilance about links and password sharing, and quick response if anything looks amiss, you can stay in control of your Snapchat profile. Pay extra attention to display name changes and you can catch potential problems early.
Conclusion
In summary, here are some key points to keep in mind about Snapchat display name changes:
- Check your Snapchat settings under your profile and username to see current and past display names used on your account.
- Your display name could have been changed accidentally, as a prank, due to hacking, or possibly a glitch.
- If hacked, take steps like changing your password, revoking account access, checking your history, and running security scans.
- Avoid password sharing, use login verification, log out on shared devices, and avoid suspicious links to stay secure.
- Act quickly if you see an unexpected display name change to limit the risks and restore your profile.
Stay vigilant about protecting your Snapchat account and responding to any suspicious activity. With the right precautions, you can hopefully avoid or resolve display name changes before they become a bigger issue.