Open Instagram on your laptop and go to your profile settings

To change your display name on Instagram using a laptop, start by going to instagram.com in your web browser and logging in with your account. Once you are logged in, click the profile icon in the bottom left corner of the screen (or in the top right on some versions). This takes you to your profile page.

From your profile, look for the Edit Profile button, which appears near your username and bio. Click it. This opens the form where you can change your display name, bio, website, and other profile details.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name is the text that appears above your username on your profile and in comments — it is separate from your actual username.
  • You can change your display name as often as you want, but Instagram limits how many times you can change your username itself.
  • The display name field is the first text box in the Edit Profile form on a laptop.
  • Changes take effect immediately once you click Save, and all followers will see the new name right away.

Locate and edit the display name field

In the Edit Profile form, the first text box is labeled Name — this is your display name. Clear whatever text is currently there and type the name you want to appear on your profile. You can use up to 30 characters, including spaces and most punctuation marks.

Instagram does not restrict what you put in the display name field the way it does with usernames. You can use capital letters, spaces, emojis, and special characters. This is different from your username (the handle that starts with @), which can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.

Save your changes

Once you have entered your new display name, scroll down to the bottom of the form and click the Submit button. On some versions of Instagram's website, this button may say Save instead. Either way, clicking it saves your changes immediately.

Your new display name will appear on your profile right away. Anyone who visits your profile, sees your comments, or receives messages from you will see the updated name. There is no waiting period — the change is live as soon as you submit.

Understand the difference between display name and username

Your display name is what people see when they look at your profile or read your comments. It is the human-readable name you choose. Your username is the handle that comes after the @ symbol — the thing people type to find you or tag you in posts.

You can change your display name as many times as you want with no restrictions. Your username, by contrast, can only be changed once every 14 days. If you want to change your username instead of just your display name, you will find that option lower down in the Edit Profile form, but you will need to wait 14 days between changes.

What to do if the Edit Profile button does not appear

If you are viewing someone else's profile, the Edit Profile button will not be there — you can only edit your own profile. Make sure you are logged in to your own account and viewing your own profile page.

If you are on your own profile but still do not see the Edit Profile button, try refreshing the page or logging out and back in. Instagram's website sometimes has display issues. If the problem persists, try using the Instagram app on a phone or tablet instead, where the same settings are usually more reliable.

Mobile app versus laptop differences

The steps on a laptop are nearly identical to the steps on the Instagram mobile app. On a phone or tablet, you tap the profile icon, then tap Edit Profile, then change the Name field the same way. The main difference is that the laptop version uses a web browser, so you may see slightly different button labels or layout depending on which browser you use.

If you are having trouble on the laptop version, switching to the mobile app can sometimes solve the problem. The mobile app is often updated more frequently and tends to have fewer glitches than the web version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use special characters or emojis in my display name?

Yes. Your display name can include emojis, spaces, accents, and most special characters. Instagram only restricts the username (the @ handle), not the display name. You have 30 characters total to work with.

Will my followers be notified when I change my display name?

No. Instagram does not send a notification when you change your display name. Your followers will see the new name the next time they visit your profile or see your activity, but they will not receive an alert about the change.

How often can I change my display name?

You can change your display name as often as you want with no waiting period. This is different from your username, which can only be changed once every 14 days. If you want to change your @ handle, you will need to wait two weeks between changes.

What if I forgot my password and cannot log in?

Go to instagram.com and click Forgot Password? on the login screen. Instagram will ask you to enter your username or email address, then send you a link to reset your password. Follow the link in your email to create a new password and log back in.

Does changing my display name affect my direct messages or tags?

No. Your display name change does not affect your username or how people message you. People still tag you using your @ username, and your direct message conversations remain the same. Only the visible name on your profile and in comments changes.