Snapchat update adds the option to change username next week, but there’s a catch

Long-time Snapchat users who have been using the app since they were much younger can finally get rid of their embarrassing usernames. An update coming next week will allow people to change usernames, and they might want to start brainstorming what cool new moniker they want to be known for on the platform.

Snapchat announced the much-requested update on Thursday (via The Verge), and confirmed that the option to change usernames will be available starting Wednesday, Feb. 23 on iOS and Android devices worldwide. However, The Tab reported that users in Australia have been seeing the new option already.

The same report noted that Snapchat users outside Australia could access the new feature right away through a VPN. But people might want to use the remaining days between now and Wednesday to think about what their new usernames are going to be.

Snapchat’s previous insistence on not allowing people to change their usernames “for security reasons.” It makes sense since the username is one of the login credentials to open a profile on the app.

That might be the reason Snapchat has also placed some limitations on the option of changing usernames on the platform. For one, people can only edit their handle once a year. But many might agree that it is still better than not having that option at all.

Snapchat also noted that people cannot choose an old username, including names that were once used by themselves or by other users. Meanwhile, the company confirmed changing usernames will not affect other profile information, such as Snap Score and Memories.

Snapchat users can change their username by tapping their Bitmoji icon on the top left corner of the screen, then open Settings. Under the My Account section, tap the Username option. Once the update is live, a new Change Username button will appear under the current username. Press the new button to enable editing the username, then press Next.

Username change is just one of the updates Snapchat announced this week. The company also confirmed on Monday that it has started placing mid-roll ads on some Snap Star Stories in the United States, where creators can earn a portion of the ad revenue.

Photo by ThoroughlyReviewed from Flickr licensed under Creative Commons