Change your Instagram name in three steps through account settings

To change the name that appears on your Instagram profile, open the app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Then tap "Edit profile" and select the "Name" field at the top. Type your new name (up to 30 characters), then tap "Done" or the checkmark. The change takes effect immediately and is visible to anyone who visits your profile.

This is different from changing your username (the handle that starts with @). Your name is what people see when they visit your profile; your username is what they use to search for you or tag you in posts. You can change your name as often as you want without restrictions, but usernames have different rules and a cooldown period between changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Your profile name and your username (@handle) are two separate things — changing one does not change the other.
  • You can change your name to anything up to 30 characters, including spaces, numbers, and symbols, with no waiting period between changes.
  • The name change shows up immediately on your profile and in search results, but may take a few minutes to appear in other people's feeds or notifications.
  • If you change your name frequently, Instagram may slow down the visibility of your posts temporarily, so avoid changing it more than once a week.

Where to find the name field on different devices

On iPhone or Android, the process is identical. Open Instagram, tap your profile icon (usually your photo in the bottom right), then tap "Edit profile." The "Name" field is the first text box you see, above the username. Tap it, clear the current text, type your new name, and tap "Done."

On a web browser at instagram.com, click your profile icon in the top right, select "Edit profile," and you will see the same "Name" field. Type your new name and click "Save." The web version works the same way as the app, though some people find it easier to type on a keyboard.

What you can and cannot use as a name

Instagram allows letters, numbers, spaces, periods, hyphens, and underscores in your name. You can use accented characters and emoji. There is no restriction on how many times you change your name or how quickly you do it — you can change it daily if you want, though doing so very frequently may cause Instagram to reduce how many people see your posts for a short time.

You cannot use a name that impersonates someone else or violates Instagram's community guidelines. If your name is reported and confirmed as impersonation, Instagram will require you to change it. Names that include hate speech, threats, or sexual content will also trigger a removal notice. If you receive a notice that your name violates the guidelines, you have a set time to change it before Instagram does it for you.

The difference between name and username

Your name is what appears at the top of your profile and in search results. It can have spaces and special characters. Your username (or handle) is the @name you use to log in and that people use to tag you. Usernames cannot have spaces, must be unique, and can only be changed once every 14 days.

If you want to change your username instead, go to "Edit profile," tap "Username," and type a new one. Instagram will tell you immediately if it is taken. If you change your username, your old one becomes available for anyone else to claim after 14 days. Your name change does not affect your username, and changing your username does not change your name.

Why your name change might not show up right away

When you change your name, it appears on your profile immediately. However, it can take a few minutes to a few hours to show up in other places — in other people's feeds, in search results, or in notifications. This delay is normal and happens because Instagram's servers need time to sync the change across all their systems.

If you change your name and then change it again very quickly (within minutes), the second change may override the first before it has fully synced. If you notice your name is not showing up after an hour, try logging out and back in, or close and reopen the app. If it still does not appear after 24 hours, contact Instagram support through the app's help center.

What happens to tags and mentions when you change your name

When someone tags you in a post or comment, they tag your username (@handle), not your name. If you change your name, all existing tags remain the same because they are linked to your username. People who tagged you will still see the tag pointing to your account, and the tag will show your new name when they view it.

If you change your username, existing tags break and no longer link to your account. This is why changing your username is a bigger decision than changing your name. If you are thinking about changing your username, consider whether you have posts or tags you want to keep connected to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use special characters or emoji in my name?

Yes. Instagram allows letters, numbers, spaces, periods, hyphens, underscores, and emoji in your name. You can also use accented characters from other languages. The only limit is 30 characters total.

Will changing my name affect my followers or posts?

No. Your followers stay the same, your posts stay the same, and your follower count does not change. Only the text at the top of your profile changes. People who follow you will see your new name the next time they visit your profile.

How long do I have to wait before changing my name again?

There is no waiting period. You can change your name as many times as you want. However, if you change it very frequently (multiple times per week), Instagram may temporarily reduce the reach of your posts as a spam-prevention measure.

What if Instagram says my name violates community guidelines?

You will receive a notification telling you to change it within a set time frame (usually a few days). Open "Edit profile," change your name to something that does not violate the guidelines, and tap "Done." If you do not change it in time, Instagram will change it for you to a default name.

Is changing my name the same as changing my username?

No. Your name is what people see on your profile; your username is your @handle. You can change your name instantly and as often as you want. Usernames can only be changed once every 14 days and must be unique. Changing one does not change the other.