Can we change our ID on Snapchat?

Snapchat IDs, also known as usernames, are unique identifiers that allow people to find and add you on Snapchat. While Snapchat does not allow users to change their original ID, there are a few workarounds that can essentially let you take on a new identity on Snapchat.

Why would you want to change your Snapchat ID?

There are a few common reasons why someone might want to change their Snapchat ID:

• Your original ID is an old nickname or inside joke that no longer reflects who you are.
• Your ID contains your real name and you want more privacy.
• Your ID is something embarrassing from when you were younger.
• You want your Snapchat to match your other social media usernames.
• You no longer associate with the person who helped choose your original ID.

While Snapchat does not allow you to change your ID outright, there are a couple of workarounds that can essentially give you a new identity on Snapchat.

Method 1: Create a new account

The most straightforward way to change your ID is to simply create a brand new Snapchat account with a new username. Here is how to create a new Snapchat account:

1. Open the Snapchat app and tap “Sign Up” to create a new account.
2. Enter your email address and create a password.
3. Tap “Next” and enter your birthday.
4. On the next page, enter your desired new username.
5. Keep following the prompts to add a profile photo and set up your account.

The main downside to making a new account is that you will lose access to your old Snapchat memories and have to start rebuilding your friend list from scratch. However, this ensures you can fully reinvent your identity on Snapchat.

Things to know about creating a new Snapchat account:

• Make sure to use a different email address than your original Snapchat account.
• Snapchat requires accounts to be at least 13 years old.
• You can always logout and switch between your old and new accounts if you want to preserve your memories.
• Let close friends know you have a new account so they can find and add you again.

Method 2: Change your display name

If you don’t necessarily need a brand new ID and just want your profile to appear differently, you can simply change your display name. Here’s how:

1. Go to your profile by tapping the ghost/bitmoji icon in the top left.
2. Tap the gear icon to access your settings.
3. Tap “Name” and enter your new desired display name.

This will change how your name appears across Snapchat, including on your profile and when sending Snaps. However, your original username will still be associated with your account.

Things to note about changing your display name:

• Your old name will still show up in old Snaps and Chats.
• Friends may still know you by your old display name.
• This doesn’t allow you to choose a new unique ID.

Method 3: Add emojis and characters

If you want to slightly modify your ID without creating a whole new account, you can add emojis and special characters. This can help make your ID look new and different.

Here’s how to add emojis and characters to your Snapchat username:

1. Go to your profile and tap the settings gear icon.
2. Tap “Username” and enter the emoji or special character you want to add.
3. You can also add multiple emojis/characters to bookend your username.

For example, if your name is “john”, you could change it to “????john????” or “john?????????????”.

Things to keep in mind when adding emojis/characters:

• You can only use emojis and characters supported by Snapchat’s keyboard.
• Your friends will still be able to search your original name and add you.
• This can make your name harder to say or remember.

Method 4: Delete your account and start over

If you’re comfortable fully deleting your current Snapchat account, you can delete your account and then sign up again with your desired new ID.

Here is how to permanently delete your Snapchat account:

1. Go to your profile and tap the settings gear icon.
2. Scroll down and tap “Delete Account.”
3. Enter your password when prompted.
4. Tap “Continue” to permanently delete your account.

Once your account is deleted:

• You can sign up for Snapchat again with a new ID.
• Your old username will become available for anyone to claim.
• All your old Snaps and Chats will be gone. They cannot be recovered.

Deleting your account is permanent, so only do this if you’re absolutely ready to start over on Snapchat.

FAQs about Changing your Snapchat ID

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about changing usernames on Snapchat:

Is it possible to change my Snapchat ID?

No, Snapchat does not allow users to change their original ID after creating an account. The only way to get a new username is to create a brand new account.

Can I change my Snapchat name or display name?

Yes! You can change your display name in your settings. However, this only changes how your name appears in Snaps and Chats, not your unique ID.

What happens if I delete my Snapchat account?

Deleting your account permanently erases your account and all Snapchat data. It allows you to create a new account with a new username but everything from your old account will be gone.

Can someone else take my old Snapchat ID if I delete my account?

Yes, if you delete your Snapchat account, your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim. Someone else can create an account with your exact old ID.

If I create a new account, can I merge it with my old account?

Unfortunately no, Snapchat does not allow you to merge accounts. Your accounts are separate entities. You can log in and out of both, but they cannot be combined.

Will all my friends from my old account add me again?

Not necessarily. While close friends may find and add your new account, most casual Snapchat connections will likely not look for your new account. Be prepared to rebuild your friend list.

Conclusion

While Snapchat doesn’t allow you to officially change your username, there are a few workarounds:

• Creating a brand new account with a new ID
• Changing your display name
• Adding emojis or special characters to your existing ID
• Deleting your account and signing up again

Each option has tradeoffs, so think carefully about which method best suits your needs. With some clever maneuvers, you can essentially reinvent yourself on Snapchat and get a brand new ID.