How to change your Instagram name
You can change your Instagram name (your username) directly in the app or on the web. Open Instagram, go to your profile, tap or click "Edit profile," find the username field, type your new name, and save. The whole process takes about a minute. Instagram lets you change your username as often as you want, though there is a short wait between changes on some accounts.
Your username is different from your display name. The username is what appears in your profile URL and what people use to tag or mention you — it cannot have spaces and uses only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Your display name is the text that shows at the top of your profile and can include spaces and special characters. Most people want to change their username, but if you only want to change how your name appears on your profile, you are changing the display name instead.
Key Takeaways
- Your username is the handle people use to find and mention you; your display name is the text shown at the top of your profile.
- You can change your username through the Edit Profile section on either the Instagram app or website.
- Instagram usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores — no spaces or special characters.
- If your desired username is taken, Instagram will tell you immediately and you will need to choose a different one.
- You may need to wait a short time between username changes, depending on your account history.
Steps to change your username on the Instagram app
Open the Instagram app and tap your profile icon at the bottom right of the screen. This takes you to your profile page. Tap "Edit profile" — it is the button near the top of your profile, usually next to or below your display name.
Find the username field. It is the line that shows your current username, usually near the top of the form. Tap it to select the text, then delete your old username and type the new one. Instagram will show you in real time whether that username is taken — if it is, a red message appears and you cannot save. If it is available, you will see a green checkmark.
Once you have entered a username that is available, scroll down and tap "Done" or the checkmark button at the top right. Your new username is now active. People can find you by the new name immediately, and your old username becomes available for someone else to claim.
Steps to change your username on Instagram.com
Go to Instagram.com and log in if you are not already signed in. Click your profile icon at the bottom left of the screen (or in the menu if you are on mobile web), then click "Edit profile."
Locate the username field and click it to edit. Delete your current username and type the new one. Just as in the app, Instagram shows you whether the name is available — a green checkmark means you can proceed, and a red message means it is taken.
Click "Submit" or the save button to confirm the change. Your new username is live immediately across all of Instagram.
What to do if your desired username is taken
If the username you want is already in use, Instagram will not let you save it. You have a few options: try a variation by adding numbers, periods, or underscores (for example, if "jane.smith" is taken, try "jane.smith23" or "jane_smith"). You can also try a completely different name.
If the username belongs to an inactive account, you cannot claim it directly through Instagram. Inactive accounts are not automatically deleted, and Instagram does not reassign usernames. Your only option is to choose a different username.
Changing your display name instead of your username
If you only want to change the name that appears at the top of your profile — not the handle people use to mention you — you are changing your display name. Go to Edit Profile and look for the "Name" field at the very top. This field allows spaces, capital letters, and special characters, so you have more freedom here than with your username.
You can change your display name as often as you want with no waiting period. Many people keep a simple username but use their display name to add personality, a business name, or current status.
Timing and restrictions on username changes
Most accounts can change their username as often as they want. However, Instagram may impose a short waiting period between changes on newer accounts or accounts with unusual activity. If you see a message saying you have to wait before changing again, wait the time shown and try again.
If you change your username, your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim within a short time. If you think you might want to go back to an old username later, you may want to create a second account and claim it there temporarily, though this is not necessary for most people.
What happens to links and tags after you change your username
When you change your username, old links to your profile still work. If someone has a link saved as instagram.com/youroldusername, Instagram redirects them to your new profile automatically. This means you do not lose access or followers when you change.
Tags and mentions that used your old username also still point to your account. Instagram keeps the connection, so people who tagged you before the change can still find you. Your follower count, posts, and all other account data remain exactly the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username back to one I used before?
Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. When you change your username, the old one becomes available for others to use. If you want to reclaim an old username, check if it is still available when you go to change your username. If someone else has taken it, you cannot use it again.
Does changing my username affect my followers or posts?
No. Your follower count, all your posts, stories, and account history stay exactly the same. Only the handle changes. People who follow you continue to follow you under your new username.
What characters can I use in my username?
Instagram usernames can contain letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods (.), and underscores (_). You cannot use spaces, hyphens, or other special characters. Usernames are case-insensitive, so "JaneSmith" and "janesmith" are treated as the same username.
How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere?
Your new username is active immediately after you save it. It shows up in your profile, in tags, in search results, and everywhere else on Instagram right away. There is no delay.
Can I reserve a username I want to use later?
Not officially through Instagram. If you want to hold a username, you would need to create an account and claim it. However, if you do not plan to use the account, Instagram may eventually deactivate it for inactivity, which would free up the username.