You cannot change your Reddit username after you create it

Reddit does not allow you to edit or change the username attached to your account once it has been created. This is a permanent choice. If you want a different username, you will need to create a new Reddit account with the name you prefer.

This policy applies to all Reddit accounts, regardless of how long you have had the account or what your current username is. There is no exception process, no appeal, and no way to request a change from Reddit staff. Reddit has maintained this rule since the platform's founding and shows no sign of changing it.

Key Takeaways

  • Reddit usernames cannot be changed or edited under any circumstances after account creation.
  • If you want a different username, you must create a new account with the name you want.
  • Your old account will still exist with your original username unless you delete it.
  • Deleting your account removes your username from public view but does not free it up for someone else to use immediately.
  • Any posts, comments, or saved content on your old account will not transfer to a new account.

Creating a new account with a different username

To get a new username, go to Reddit.com and click "Sign up" in the top right corner. Enter the username you want, your email address, and a password. Reddit will tell you immediately if the username is already taken or if it violates Reddit's naming rules. Usernames can be 3 to 20 characters long and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores.

Once you create the new account, you can log in and start using Reddit under your new username. You will be starting fresh — you will have no post history, no saved items, and no subscriptions to communities. You will need to rejoin the subreddits you were part of before and rebuild any saved content you want to keep.

Reddit allows you to use the same email address for only one account at a time, so if you want to keep your old account active while using a new one, you will need to use a different email address for the new account.

What happens to your old account

Your old account remains on Reddit with your original username unless you delete it. Deleting your account removes your username from public view and removes your profile page, but Reddit's servers retain a record that the account existed. The username itself does not become available for someone else to use right away — it enters a holding period before it can be claimed by another person.

If you do not delete your old account, anyone can still see that the username exists, though your posts and comments may show as deleted or removed depending on what you did with them before leaving. You can delete individual posts and comments without deleting your entire account, which gives you control over what remains visible.

Some people choose to keep their old accounts active but inactive, while others prefer to delete them entirely. There is no right answer — it depends on whether you want to preserve the account history or remove it completely.

Transferring content from your old account

Reddit does not provide a way to move posts, comments, or saved items from one account to another. If you have content on your old account that you want to preserve, you will need to copy it manually — take screenshots, save links, or write down information you want to keep.

Subreddit subscriptions and saved posts do not transfer either. You will need to resubscribe to communities on your new account and rebuild your saved list if that matters to you. Some people use browser bookmarks or note-taking apps to keep track of their favorite subreddits so they can rejoin them quickly on a new account.

Choosing a username you will keep

Because you cannot change your username later, think about what you want before you create your account. Consider whether you want your username to be tied to your real name, whether you want it to reflect your interests, and whether you will still like it in a few years. Many people regret usernames they chose quickly without thinking them through.

You can use Reddit's search function to check whether a username is already taken before you try to create an account. Go to Reddit.com/user/[username] and replace [username] with the name you want. If the page shows a profile, the username is taken. If the page says "page not found," the username is available.

Take time to test out a few options in your mind before you commit. Think about how the username will look in conversations, whether it could be misunderstood, and whether it ties you to something that might change (like a favorite band or TV show you might stop liking).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay Reddit to change my username?

No. Reddit does not offer a paid service to change usernames, and there is no way to change your username regardless of payment. This is a permanent design choice by Reddit.

What if I created my account with a username I now hate?

Your only option is to create a new account with a different username. You can delete your old account if you want, but you cannot rename it. Decide what you want to do with your old account's content before you delete it, since deletion is permanent.

If I delete my old account, can someone else use that username?

Not immediately. After you delete an account, Reddit holds the username for a period of time before it becomes available to others. The exact length of this holding period is not publicly stated by Reddit.

Will my saved posts and subscriptions move to my new account?

No. Your new account starts completely empty. You will need to resubscribe to subreddits and rebuild your saved list manually on your new account.

Can I have two Reddit accounts at the same time?

Yes. Reddit allows you to create and maintain multiple accounts. You can log out of one account and log into another, or use Reddit's account switcher feature if you are on the mobile app or desktop site. However, you cannot use the same email address for multiple accounts.