The Reddit community is broad and easy to start in, just pick a username. Now, what if you want to change that username after you’ve created an account? Maybe it is too personal or creative, or you have simply grown tired of it. Well, you’re in the right place; find out how to change your username on Reddit. Learn How to Change My Reddit Username in this article.
Can I Change My Reddit Username?
The first thing to know is that Reddit doesn’t allow you to change the username once you create it. Unlike other platforms where you can always edit your username without any restrictions, Reddit does not allow this just to preserve the integrity of your identity across the platform. However, there are ways around it.
The Workaround: Create a New Account
Since you cannot change the username on Reddit, your best option is to create a brand-new account. It’s pretty much a hassle but, unfortunately, it’s the only way to create a new username if you don’t like the one you originally picked.
Here’s how you do it:
- Log out of your existing Reddit account: First, you’ll want to log out of your old account so you can start fresh.
- Create a new account: Go to the Reddit homepage or the app, and click on “Sign Up”. Follow the prompts to create your new account, including choosing a new username.
- Transfer your subscriptions and settings: You can manually follow the same subreddits or adjust the settings on your new account to match the old one.
What If I Don’t Want to Lose My Karma or History?
The only disadvantage to opening a new Reddit account is that you will have to begin from scratch when it comes to both karma and posting history. Karma gets linked to the original username and consequently cannot be transferred.
And this is the worst bit:
There’s no easy way to transfer karma, comment history, or posts made from one account to another. That said, if it doesn’t bother you much, creating a new account is an option.
Alternative: Reach Out to Reddit Support
If you’re hell-bent on changing your username and not creating a new account, it’s worth a shot at reaching out to the support team at Reddit. Chances are slim that they’ll make an exception, but they might have some solution or workaround to offer you in rare cases.
To contact Reddit support:
- Visit the Reddit help page. Select a relevant issue (like account settings).
- Click “Contact us” and explain the situation to them.
It’s worth asking but, again, no promises there.
Changing Your Display Name vs. Changing Your Username
What is it that cannot change your username for Reddit? Because you cannot change your username on Reddit, you can still choose how your profile appears by changing it in a display name. It’s the name visible on your profile and posts that do not tie into your username at all.
Steps to Changing Your Display Name
- Go to your Reddit profile.
- Click on “Edit Profile.”
- In the field for “Name,” put your new display name.
- Save changes.
Your username will not be affected; however, this gives you the ability to personalize your profile and not lose any karma.
Selecting a Fine Username
Your username is a permanent, one-time decision, so choose it carefully. Here are some tips on selecting a good username on Reddit:
- Simple: A simple and easily remembered name will make it easier for people to recognize you.
- Avoid random characters: While tempting, it usually makes your username harder to remember or share among your existing ones.
- Stay anonymous or creative: If here to share opinions under private locations, then choose something that doesn’t reveal much about you, or else if you are using Reddit to build a persona, think about something catchy and related to your interests.
What Happens to My Old Reddit Account When I Create a New Account?
Creating a New Reddit account does not do away with your older account; however, the username is the one that prevents you from continuing to use it. Either way, you can visit the old account to reference the posts or comments that you have made, though you will not be able to edit or change them through your newer account.
Key Takeaway
- One cannot change a Reddit username after creating it.
- The only option left is to sign up again on Reddit with a new account to create just the username you want.
- Your display name can be changed to give a new look to your profile without touching the username. One may contact Reddit support for further assistance, but there is no guarantee that they would entertain your request. Therefore, take your time and think carefully about choosing the right username for you since it’s a big deal in choosing a username.
FAQs
Can I change my Reddit username after creating an account?
No, Reddit does not allow changing the username after account creation.
Can I do this and not lose my karma?
Karma and post history are not something that can be transferred from one account to a new account. You will start fresh with a new account.
What if I can’t change my username and I want my profile to look different?
Go to your profile settings and edit the display name. It does not affect the username, but for others, the profile looks different.
How can I reach Reddit customer support about changing my username?
To reach Reddit support, go to the help page, select a suitable issue, and click on “Contact Us.” They may help you, but generally, changing a username isn’t done with them.
Can I still use my old Reddit account after creating a new one?
Yes, you can still access your old account, but you’ll be unable to change the username or make it your new one.
Conclusion
No one can change his or her username on Reddit, and the safest way to get a new one is to recreate an account. You can start a completely new one using all the tips from above while keeping your old name for backup if ever. Whether you go for a display name switch or a brand new username, choose wisely and customize your profile to be interesting and personal. Happy Redditing!