LightningX VPN Logo

How to Change Reddit Username? Here’s the Only Way

How to Change Reddit Username?

When you sign up for Reddit using your Google or Apple account, Reddit will assign you a random username by default. Or maybe you’re just no longer a fan of the username you picked years ago. So, what can you do if you want to change your Reddit username?

Reddit doesn’t normally let users change their usernames once they’ve been set. But there are a few exceptions.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to change your Reddit username, who’s eligible to do it. Plus, we’ll talk about what to do if you’ve already missed your one-time opportunity.

Can I Change My Reddit Username?

The answer is no. Once you register a Reddit account, you cannot change your username.

According to Reddit’s official policy, usernames can’t be edited or changed after they’ve been set. Your current username is tied to your account for life. However, if you signed up using a Google (Gmail) or Apple ID, Reddit may give you a one-time opportunity to pick a custom username.

You can only change it once, and only within the first 30 days after creating your account. If you miss that window, there’s no way to change your username unless you create a new account from scratch.

How to Change Your Username on Reddit? (Desktop Users)

If you signed up for Reddit using your Google or Apple ID, and your account is still less than 30 days old, Reddit may give you a chance to choose your own custom username.

Here’s exactly how to check if you’re eligible:

  • You signed up with Google or Apple, not email
  • It’s been less than 30 days since you created the account
  • You haven’t set a custom username yet

Note: If you already picked a username or signed up using just an email address, Reddit won’t let you change it.

6 Steps to change your Reddit username on Desktop

Change your Reddit username on Desktop

Step 1: Head to Reddit.com in your browser and log in.

Step 2: Click your profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen.

Step 3: In the drop-down menu, click “Profile.” If you’re eligible, a pop-up will appear asking if you’d like to set a new username.

Step 4: Only users within the 30-day window will see this prompt. If it doesn’t show up, that means your chance has expired.

Step 5: Type in your desired username (between 3–23 characters) and make sure it’s available.

Step 6: Click “Save Username” to confirm. Once saved, the name is permanent.

Changing your Reddit username will not delete your posts, comments, or Karma points. Everything will carry over automatically.

How to Change Your Reddit Username on Mobile?

If you prefer to browse Reddit on the phone, here’s how to change your Reddit username using the mobile app on Android, iPhone, or iPad.

You’re eligible if:

  • You created your account using a Google or Apple ID
  • It’s been less than 30 days since you signed up
  • You haven’t chosen a username yet

6 Steps to Change Your Reddit Username on Mobile

Step 1: Open the Reddit app and log in.

Step 2: Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.

Step 3: Select “My Profile” from the drop-down menu. If you’re eligible, a window will pop up asking if you want to set a new username.

Step 4: Only users who haven’t selected a name yet and are still within the 30-day window will see this. Don’t tap “Keep Username” unless you’re 100% sure.

Step 5: Type in your new username (3–23 characters) and check if it’s available.

Step 6: Tap “Save Username” to lock it in. Your username is officially updated!

If you don’t see the pop-up to change your username, it likely means that your 30-day window has passed, or you didn’t sign up with Google/Apple. In that case, your only option is to delete your Reddit account and start fresh.

Want to access Reddit or other websites more freely and securely? Try LightningX VPN.

With 2,000+ global servers, advanced encryption, and no speed or bandwidth limits, LightningX VPN helps you browse without restrictions, protect your privacy, and even unlock region-specific content.

Start with a free trial and enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee!

How to Create a New Reddit Account? (Desktop & Mobile)

Did you miss your chance to change your Reddit username? Creating a new Reddit account is a simple and effective solution. Reddit doesn’t limit how many accounts you can have, so you’re free to start fresh anytime.

1. Create a Reddit Account on Desktop

Step 1: Click on your profile photo or username in the upper right corner of Reddit, then scroll down and click “Sign Out”.

Step 2: You’ll see a “Sign Up” button in the upper right corner of the homepage, and click it.

Step 3: You have three options to sign up:

  • Enter your email address.
  • Use “Continue with Google.”
  • Use “Continue with Appl.e”

If you sign up using Google or Apple, Reddit will assign you a random username. But don’t worry, you’ll have 30 days to change it.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to finish registration.

2. Create a Reddit Account on Mobile (iPhone and Android)

Step 1: Open the Reddit app and tap your profile photo in the top-right corner.

Step 2: Tap the downward arrow next to your current username to expand your account options.

Step 3: If you want to replace your old account, tap Sign Out. If you want to keep both accounts, tap “+ Add Account”.

Step 4: You can sign up using Email, Google, or Apple. If Reddit detects that your email is already in use, tap + Continue to Account Creation to proceed.

Step 5: Complete the registration by following the app’s instructions.

Step 6: If you signed up with a Google or Apple account, Reddit will assign you a random username. To set a custom username:

  • Tap your profile photo
  • Go to My Profile
  • Tap Change Username

Tip: Reddit makes it easy to manage multiple accounts without logging in and out each time. Just tap the arrow next to your username, and you can switch accounts or add a new one in seconds.

What Happens After You Change Your Reddit Username?

If you change your Reddit username, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Your new username will immediately show up on your profile, posts, and comments.
  • Your karma and posting history remain the same, and nothing is deleted or reset.
  • The change is permanent. Once you click “Save,” you won’t be able to change your username again or restore your old username.

Can You Reuse a Reddit Username If You Delete Your Account?

Nope. Once a username is deleted, it’s gone for good. Even if you delete your account, that username becomes unavailable forever. You (or anyone else) won’t be able to use it again.

So if you’re thinking of deleting your account just to free up your username, unfortunately, that won’t work.

FAQs: Change Reddit Username

1. Can I get my old Reddit username back?

No, once a Reddit username is deleted, it’s gone forever. You can’t get it back, and no one else can use it either.

2. Is my Reddit username permanent?

Yes, your Reddit username is permanent. Unless you signed up with Google or Apple, in which case you have 30 days to change it once.

Enjoy Unlimited, High-Speed, and Secure
Browsing! Protect Your Privacy Now!

30 day money back guarantee
Protect Your Privacy Now!