How to change your Instagram username

You can change your username on Instagram through the app or website by going to your profile, tapping Edit Profile, and entering a new username in the username field. Instagram checks instantly whether the name is taken. If it is available, you save the change and it takes effect right away. You can change your username as often as you want, with no waiting period between changes.

The process is the same whether you use Instagram on a phone, tablet, or computer. You do not need to contact Instagram support or wait for approval — the change happens immediately once you save it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username must be between 1 and 30 characters and can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but not spaces or most special characters.
  • Instagram tells you instantly whether a username is taken, so you can try multiple options without delay.
  • Changing your username does not affect your account security, followers, or the content you have posted.
  • Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim as soon as you change it, so if you want to keep it reserved, create a backup account first.

Step-by-step instructions for the Instagram app

Open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Then tap Edit Profile near the top of the screen. In the username field, delete your current name and type the new one you want. As you type, Instagram shows you whether that username is available — a checkmark means it is free, and an X means someone else has it.

Once you have entered a username that is available, tap Done (on iPhone) or the back arrow (on Android). The change takes effect immediately. Your profile now shows the new username, and anyone who visits your profile sees the new name.

How to change your username on Instagram.com

Go to Instagram.com and log in. Click your profile icon in the top right, then select Settings and Privacy. Click Edit Profile. In the username field, clear the old name and type the new one. Instagram shows you whether it is taken as you type.

Click Save when you have entered an available username. The change is live right away. You can also use this method if you prefer to make the change on a computer rather than a phone.

Rules for what you can use as a username

Instagram usernames must be 1 to 30 characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, periods, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, or most other special characters. Usernames are case-insensitive, so "JohnSmith" and "johnsmith" are treated as the same username.

Your username must also not violate Instagram's Community Guidelines. Usernames that impersonate others, include hate speech, or are used to spam or harass people can be removed by Instagram, and your account may be restricted or disabled.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one becomes available for anyone else to claim immediately. If you want to keep that username reserved or use it on another account, you should create a second account and claim the old username on that account before you change it on your main one.

Your followers, posts, messages, and account history all stay with your account. Changing your username does not log you out, delete your content, or affect who can message you. People who had you saved or bookmarked will still see your account — they will just see your new username.

Troubleshooting: username is taken or won't save

If the username you want shows an X or says it is taken, someone else has already claimed it. Try adding a number, period, or underscore to make it unique. For example, if "sarah.photography" is taken, try "sarah.photography1" or "sarah_photography".

If you see an error message when you try to save, make sure your username follows Instagram's rules: no spaces, no hyphens, and only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. If the username meets those rules but still will not save, try logging out and back in, or close the app and reopen it. If the problem continues, contact Instagram through the app by going to Settings and Privacy, then Help, then Report a Problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. Once you change your username, the old one is available for anyone to use. If you want to keep it, create a backup account and claim it there before you change your main username.

Does changing my username affect my Instagram handle or URL?

Yes. Your Instagram URL is instagram.com/yourusername, so when you change your username, your URL changes too. Anyone who had a link to your old profile will see a "User Not Found" page. Your new URL is instagram.com/yournewusername.

How often can I change my username?

You can change your username as many times as you want with no waiting period. There is no limit to how often you can make the change, though Instagram may flag accounts that change usernames very frequently as suspicious activity.

Will my followers see that I changed my username?

Instagram does not send a notification to your followers when you change your username. However, they will see the new name the next time they visit your profile or see your posts in their feed.