You cannot change your Reddit username after you create it

Reddit does not offer a way to change the username on an existing account. Once you pick a username when you sign up, that name is permanent for that account. If you want a different username, you will need to create a new Reddit account with the name you prefer.

This is different from some other platforms — Twitter lets you change your handle, and Facebook lets you change your name. Reddit's policy is stricter. The company has stated this is by design, to keep usernames tied to account history and prevent impersonation.

Key Takeaways

  • Reddit usernames cannot be changed once an account is created, even if you contact Reddit support.
  • If you want a different username, you must create a new account and choose a new name during signup.
  • Your old account and its history will remain under your original username unless you delete the account.
  • You can change your display name (the name shown on your profile) separately from your username, which may be enough for some users.
  • Deleted accounts free up usernames after 30 days, so you could theoretically reclaim a name you used before if you wait.

The difference between username and display name

Reddit has two separate name fields that can confuse people. Your username is what appears in your post history and comments — it is the permanent identifier tied to your account. Your display name is optional and shows on your profile page instead of your username if you set one.

You can change your display name as many times as you want. To do this, go to your profile, click the three dots or settings icon, select "Edit profile," and enter a new display name in the field provided. This does not change your actual username, which will still appear in your comment history and posts.

If you only want people to see a different name when they visit your profile, changing your display name may be the simpler solution than creating a new account.

How to create a new account with a different username

If you decide you need a completely different username, creating a new account takes a few minutes. Go to reddit.com and click "Sign up" in the top right corner. Enter an email address, choose your new username, create a password, and complete any verification steps Reddit asks for.

When you choose a username during signup, check whether it is already taken. Reddit will tell you immediately if the name is unavailable. You can try variations — adding numbers, underscores, or abbreviations — until you find one that is open. Keep in mind that usernames are case-insensitive on Reddit, so "MyName" and "myname" are treated as the same account.

Once you create the new account, you can log into it and start fresh. Your old account will still exist under your original username unless you delete it.

What happens to your old account

If you create a new account, your old one does not disappear automatically. All your posts, comments, and history remain attached to your original username. Other users can still see what you posted under that name.

If you want to remove your old account, you can delete it. Go to your account settings, scroll to "Deactivate account," and follow the prompts. Reddit will ask you to confirm. After deletion, your username becomes available again after approximately 30 days, though your posts and comments may remain visible on Reddit for some time depending on how they were archived.

Deleting an account is permanent and cannot be undone, so make sure you have saved anything you want to keep before you proceed.

Why Reddit does not allow username changes

Reddit's policy reflects how the platform works. Usernames are the core way Reddit tracks reputation and history. Your karma score, awards, and post history are all tied to your username. If usernames could be changed, it would be easy for someone to build a reputation and then switch to a different name, leaving no trace of their past behavior.

This design also prevents impersonation. If you could change your username to match someone else's old name after they deleted their account, it could create confusion or allow fraud. By keeping usernames permanent, Reddit makes it harder to deceive other users about who you are.

Some users dislike this policy because it means old posts or comments they regret are permanently attached to their name. Others see it as a feature that encourages accountability.

Alternatives if you want to start over

Beyond creating a new account, you have a few other options depending on what you want to achieve. If you want to hide your post history but keep your account, you can delete individual posts and comments one at a time, or use a third-party tool designed to bulk-delete Reddit content (though Reddit's terms of service restrict some of these tools).

If you want a fresh start without losing access to communities you have joined, you can keep your old account but simply stop using it and switch to a new one for posting. You will still be able to read and vote on Reddit with either account.

If your concern is privacy, you can also edit your profile to remove personal information and make your account private so only approved followers can see your posts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I contact Reddit support to change my username?

No. Reddit support will not change usernames for any reason, including if you made a typo during signup or if your account was compromised. The policy is absolute. Your only option is to create a new account.

If I delete my account, can I use that username again?

Not immediately. After you delete an account, the username becomes available again after approximately 30 days. You can then create a new account with that same name if you want to reclaim it.

Will my new account have the same karma and awards as my old one?

No. Karma and awards are tied to your username and account. A new account starts at zero karma. Your old account keeps all its history and karma under the original username.

Does changing my display name change my username?

No. Your display name is separate from your username. Changing your display name only affects what shows on your profile page. Your username stays the same in your posts and comments.

What if someone else took the username I want?

If the username is already in use, you cannot have it unless that account is deleted and you wait 30 days for it to become available. You can try variations of the name, or choose something different. There is no way to request that Reddit give you someone else's username.