The invention relates to a can changer, used in a spinning preparation machine, perferably used in a stretcher, a napping machine or a combing machine; wherein the can changer has at least two possible gripping units by which the can (1) is brought between a first position and a second position. Each possible gripping portion has a stop surface for the can and a holding element movably mounted relative to the stop surface. According to the design of the invention, each holding element exercise between a closing state and an opening state with the help of an actuating device (4), in which the can in the closing state is fixed with the aid of holding element and the associated stop surface of the respective gripping portion, and in the opening state, the can is not fixed. In addition, a method for changing the cans on the spinning preparation machine (perferably the stretcher, the napping machine or the combing machine) with the help of the can changer is also disclosed, with the help of the can changer, the can is changed between the first position and the second position during the can change period, and it is characterized in that every two cans are fixed with the help of a common operation element relative to the can changer before the can is changed.