Can I change my Reddit username? > Short Answer: No. For 99% of users, Reddit usernames are permanent.
The 30-Day Exception: If you signed up via Google or Apple ID and haven’t yet posted, commented, or upvoted, you have a 30-day window to change your autogenerated name.
The Workaround: If your name is locked, you can change your Display Name for profile branding or create a New Account (Reddit allows multiple accounts on one email).
Can You Change Your Reddit Username in 2026 (Workarounds & Guide)
How to Change Your Reddit Username (If Eligible)
If you are using a generic name like “Ad-Typical-202” and joined via a third party, you might still have time. Follow these steps before you take any action on the platform (like posting or commenting), which could permanently lock your name.
- Open Reddit: The mobile app is the easiest place to see this prompt, but it works on desktop too.
- Tap your Avatar: Go to your profile menu.
- Watch for the Prompt: If you are eligible, a pop-up or menu option will appear asking if you’d like to change your username.
- Confirm and Save: Enter your unique name.
- Warning: Once you click “Save” or “Continue,” this name is locked forever.
- Crucial Tip: Even “upvoting” a post can sometimes trigger the system to “finalize” your account, locking the autogenerated name.
What to Do If Your Username is Locked (2026 Workarounds)
If you don’t see the “Change Username” prompt, your account has likely been “finalized.” Here is how to pivot:
1. Update Your Display Name (Best for Branding)
This doesn’t change your @handle (which appears on posts), but it changes the bold text people see when they visit your profile page.
- Path: Settings > Profile > Display Name.
- Value: Great for showing your real name, business name, or alias to followers who click on your profile.
2. The “Fresh Start” Protocol (The Clean Slate)
Since you cannot transfer Karma or post history between accounts, starting over is the only way to get a custom @handle.
- Pro Tip: You can use the same email address for multiple Reddit accounts. You don’t need a new email.
- The Strategy: Keep your old account for its history and accumulated karma. Use the new account for your active community engagement and building your new identity.
Expert Tips for Your New Identity
- Avoid “Real-World” PII: Reddit values anonymity. Never put your real full name, birth year, or location in your username.
- Check Availability First: Use a tool like https://www.google.com/search?q=RedditUsernames.com or just search Reddit to see if your choice is taken before you go through the sign-up process.
- Length Matters: Keep it between 3 and 23 characters. Short and punchy is easier to remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Reddit username after 30 days?
No. Once the 30-day window passes (or you interact with the site), the username is permanent.
Will I lose my Karma if I make a new account?
Yes. Karma is tied to the specific account, not your email. A new account starts at 0.
Can I merge two Reddit accounts?
No, Reddit does not allow account merging.
Why can’t I change my username like on Twitter/X?
Reddit prioritizes accountability. Permanent usernames prevent bad actors from harassing communities and then changing their names to hide their history.