How to Change Your Reddit Username (What's Possible)

You joined Reddit years ago with a handle that seemed hilarious at 2am, and now you'd like it to look a bit more grown up. Or you've started using Reddit for your business and the name doesn't match anything else you do. I get asked this a lot, and the answer isn't the one most people hope for.

Reddit's help centre is clear on it, so I'll tell you exactly what it says, then show you the two routes that do work: changing your display name and starting a fresh account.

Can you change your username on Reddit?

No. Reddit's help article on the topic says a username can't be changed once it's finalised, and that includes the capitalisation. You can't tweak a letter, add a number or swap an underscore, and there's no hidden setting that unlocks it.

That's why you'll find loads of old advice online that promises a rename button. If a site or video claims to change your Reddit username in place, treat it with suspicion. Reddit doesn't offer it, and you should never hand your password to anyone who says they can do it for you.

Changing your Reddit display name instead

Here's the useful part. Your display name is a separate thing from your username, and Reddit does let you change it. It's the friendlier label that can appear on your profile, while the username (the u/ handle) stays the same.

Reddit's profile settings article describes where to find it:

• On the website, open Settings and go to the Profile section.
• In the mobile app, open your profile page and select Edit.
• Type the display name you'd like to show, then save the change.

Menus vary a little between app versions, so if the wording on your screen differs, look for the profile editing area, where your bio, banner and avatar also live.

Starting a new Reddit account with the username you want

If you want a different handle itself, Reddit's answer is to create a new account. The help article says you're welcome to do that and keep both accounts, so nothing forces you to give up the old one.

A new account starts from nothing, though. Your old posts, comments and karma stay with the old username. Some communities also hold back new members until an account has some age or karma, so a fresh account may be limited at first.

1. Choose the username carefully, because it will be permanent from the moment it's finalised.
2. Keep it short, easy to spell and free of numbers that mean nothing to anyone but you.
3. Set up the display name, avatar and bio on the new account so it looks real from day one.
4. Decide whether the old account stays active, goes quiet or gets tidied up.

What happens to the old Reddit username if you delete the account

People often think deleting the old account frees up the name. It doesn't. Reddit's help says that even if you delete an account, the username can't be reused by you or anyone else. So don't delete the old account hoping to grab the handle for the new one.

Reddit also has a help article for people who want a username that someone else holds but hasn't used for a long time. If that's your situation, read Reddit's own guidance rather than trusting third-party sites that promise to sell you handles.

Using two Reddit accounts without breaking the rules

Having more than one account is fine. Reddit's help on multiple accounts says it's allowed, but you mustn't use your accounts to vote on the same posts or comments. That's treated as vote manipulation, and it's the quickest way to get an account banned.

• Use one account for personal browsing and another for work or a hobby, if you like.
• Never upvote your own posts from a second account.
• Never use a second account to dodge a ban or a community's rules.

One more thing before you rush into anything: write down what you want. If it's a nicer label above your posts, the display name is enough. If it's a handle that matches your brand across the web, a new account is the only route, and it's worth thinking about for a day before you commit.

Choosing a good Reddit username if you're a business owner or creator

If you're using Reddit to find customers or build a name, your handle is a tiny piece of branding. A plain, human name usually works better than anything that sounds like a company shouting. I go through how to use the site sensibly in my step-by-step guide to Reddit for lead generation.

Communities there are wary of anyone who looks like an advert, which is why I'd read how brands build a presence on Reddit before posting under a business name.

If your Reddit username change option is missing

It isn't missing, it simply doesn't exist. If you can't find a button to change your username, that's expected. Look for the display name field in profile settings instead, and use a new account if the handle itself matters. When something really looks broken, Reddit's help centre is the place to ask.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change my Reddit username?

No. Reddit's help says a username can't be changed once it's finalised, including its capitalisation. You can change your display name, or create a new account.

What's the difference between a Reddit username and a display name?

The username is your permanent u/ handle. The display name is a separate label you can edit in your profile settings on the web or by selecting Edit on your profile in the app.

Can I keep my old account if I make a new one?

Yes. Reddit's help says you're welcome to create a new account and keep both, though your posts and karma stay with the old username.

If I delete my Reddit account, can I reuse the username?

No. Reddit says a deleted account's username can't be reused by you or anyone else.

Is it allowed to have more than one Reddit account?

Yes, but Reddit says you shouldn't use your accounts to vote on the same posts or comments, because that counts as vote manipulation.