How to Change Reddit Username: A Straightforward Guide

You might be wondering how to change a Reddit username that doesn’t feel like it represents you accurately. While updating your Reddit username might seem straightforward there are limitations to keep in mind.

On Reddit, your account is associated with two types of names: your display name and your Reddit username. Changing your display name is easy. Can be updated as needed. However, your Reddit username is permanent. Cannot be modified once your account is created.

In this article, we will discuss why Reddit imposes restrictions, on changing usernames after the account is created. We will also guide you on modifying your Reddit display name and creating accounts to have names for the subreddits you participate in.

Qualifications Required to Change Your Reddit Username

Unfortunately, altering your Reddit username can prove to be quite challenging, due, to the restrictions imposed by Reddit on management. Typically users are not permitted to modify the username they initially selected. If your desire is to utilize an username creating an account would be your most viable option.

However there is one exception. If you signed up on Reddit using the “Sign, in with Google” or “Sign in with Apple” options and it hasn’t been than 30 days since you created your account there is a possibility to modify your Reddit username.

Difference between usernames and display names on Reddit

It’s crucial to grasp the distinction between a Reddit username and a Reddit display name.

Although you cannot alter your Reddit username you do have the ability to change your display name.

The display name is visible, on your profile and posts while your username is utilized for logging in and remains unchanged.

Changing random usernames

If you find that your Reddit username appears random, it’s probably because you created your account using Google or Apple. 

When you sign up through Google, Reddit assigns a username automatically, but you have the option to change it within 30 days of account creation.

How to Change Reddit Username on iPhone

You have the option to change your username within 30 days of creating your account. If you’re using an iPhone here’s how you can do it:

1. First ensure that you are logged into your Reddit account through the app.
2. Tap, on the profile icon situated at the right corner of the screen.
3. Choose “My profile” to access your profile settings.
4. Next click on the three dot menu icon (..) found at the corner of the screen, and select  “Edit.”
5. Within the editing options you will find a section for “Change username.” Tap on this option. Enter your desired username.
6. Once you are satisfied with your chosen username proceed by tapping “Save” to confirm and apply the changes.

Remember it’s crucial to note that your Reddit username is distinct from your display name. While the username acts as your identification on the platform the display name offers a touch to your profile and can be modified whenever desired.

If you wish to alter your display name follow steps 1 to 3 mentioned above to access the “Edit Profile” page. Then make the adjustments, in the “Display Name” field.

Please be mindful that if you find yourself beyond the 30 day period after creating your account or have already settled on a username it won’t be possible to modify it.

In these cases, your sole recourse would involve deleting your existing Reddit account and establishing one using your preferred username.

How to Change Reddit Username on Android

Here’s how you can change your display name on an Android device:

1. Launch the Reddit app. Log in to your account.
2. Tap on your user icon located in the corner to access the profile menu.
3. Select “My profile.” If you meet the requirements you might see an option to change your display name.
4. Tap on that option. Proceed with updating your desired display name.

However if you have surpassed the 30 day timeframe for changing your display name or signed up using an email instead you will need to create an account in order to acquire your display name.

To do so follow these steps:

1. Open the Reddit app. Log out of your account (if you haven’t already).
2. Tap on “Sign Up”. Choose your method of registration (email Google account or Apple ID).
3. Create an account using the desired display name you wish to use.

If you want to change your display name, follow these steps:

1. Open the Reddit app.
2. Tap your user icon in the top left corner.
3. Select “My profile.”
4. Tap the edit icon next to your current display name.
5. Enter your desired display name and tap “Save.”

If you no longer wish to utilize your existing Reddit account there is an option to delete it. However it’s important to note that deleting your Reddit account is an action resulting in the loss of all your data.

To proceed with deleting your Reddit account please access the settings menu and navigate downwards until you locate the “Deactivate Account” option.

Follow the instructions to confirm your decision and permanently delete your account.

How to Change Reddit Username on a Web Browser

To change your display name from the web browser here’s what you need to do:

1. Start by opening your web browser on your computer and navigating to the Reddit homepage.
2. If you’re not already logged in, make sure to sign in to your Reddit account using your credentials.
3. Locate the arrow situated in the right corner of the page and click on it. From the options that appear select “Profile.”
4. Once you land on your profile page, you’ll notice an “Edit” button positioned below your existing display name and profile picture. Proceed to click on it.
5. A designated input field will be presented where you can enter your desired display name. Take your time to type in the name you prefer.
6. After finalizing your display name simply click on “Save” to complete the process.

Now with your updated display name, other users visiting your profile or reviewing your posts and comments will perceive this name.

For individuals who signed up with a Google account and aim to update their username within the timeframe adhere, to the steps:

1. Click on your user icon in the Reddit menu bar.
2. Select “Change Username” in your profile settings.
3. Enter your desired username and finalize it.

Creating and Switching Between Secondary Accounts

Since you cannot change your Reddit username after you’ve created your account, you can create a secondary account to switch between them instead. 

This allows you to have different usernames for different purposes or communities.

To create a new account, simply log out of your current account and click on the ‘Sign Up’ button on the top right corner of the Reddit homepage. 

You may choose a new username, which is different from your display name. 

Keep in mind that your Reddit username is what appears next to your posts, whereas your display name can be shown on your profile and may be changed at any time.

If you’re struggling to come up with a new username, consider using a Reddit username generator or looking at existing users for inspiration.

Be cautious of using your real name or sensitive information as your username.

How to switch between accounts

Managing accounts, on Reddit is a breeze once you have them set up. Here’s how you can effortlessly switch between your accounts:

Website:
1. Locate your user icon positioned at the corner of the website.
2. Click on the user icon. A menu will appear.
3. Look for the ‘Add Account’ option in the menu. Click on it.
4. Now you’ll be prompted to provide the login information for your account.
5. After entering the details you can seamlessly switch between accounts by clicking your user icon
6. From the drop down menu that appears select the account you wish to access.

Mobile App:
1. Open the Reddit mobile app. Find your user icon at the left corner of the screen.
2. Tap on your user icon. A menu will pop up.
3. Look for the ‘Add Account’ option within the menu. Give it a tap.
4. Enter the login information for your account when prompted.
5. Once added switching between accounts is as easy as tapping your user icon
6. In the list that appears select the account you desire to switch to.

By following these steps you’ll be able to manage multiple Reddit accounts and seamlessly transition, between them. This way you can readily engage in communities without altering username. Enjoy exploring Reddit from perspectives!

FAQs

Why can’t I change my Reddit username?

You can’t change your Reddit username because once it’s finalized, it remains permanent. 

The only exception is if you haven’t finalized a randomly assigned username for an account created with Google or Apple ID.

What is a flair next to the username?

A flair next to the username is a small piece of text or image that appears next to your username in certain subreddits. 

Flairs can be customized by subreddit moderators or sometimes chosen by users, and they usually represent a user’s status or interests within the subreddit.

How do I change my random Reddit username?

If you created your Reddit account using Google or Apple ID and haven’t finalized your assigned random Reddit username yet, click or tap on your user icon in the menu bar, then select “Change Username” in your profile settings. 

Remember, this option is only available within the first 30 days of creating your account.

Can I retrieve a deleted Reddit account?

No, once you’ve deleted your Reddit account, it can’t be retrieved. The action is permanent and irreversible. 

All your data, contributions, and username are lost.

If I deactivate my account, can I reuse my username?

No, once you deactivate your Reddit account, the username becomes unavailable for future use. 

It is permanently tied to the deleted account and cannot be reclaimed by you or anyone else.

Conclusion

In summary, changing your Reddit username is possible only if you created your account using the “Sign in with Google” or “Sign in with Apple” option less than 30 days ago. 

Follow these steps to change your username:

1. Click or tap your user icon in the Reddit menu bar.
2. Select Change Username in your profile settings.
3. Choose a valid username and click Continue.
4. Click Save Username in the confirmation box.

This process is straightforward and easy, allowing you to go by a different username on Reddit.