What you need to do to change your Instagram name

You can change your Instagram username (the handle that appears after @) or your display name (the name that shows on your profile) through the Instagram app or website. The process takes less than a minute, and Instagram lets you change your username once every 14 days. If someone else has taken the username you want, you will have to choose a different one — Instagram does not hold usernames or let you reserve them in advance.

Your display name can be changed as often as you want with no waiting period. Your username is what other people use to find and tag you, so changing it means your old @ handle will become available for someone else to claim within a short time.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your username once every 14 days, but your display name can change as often as you want.
  • Your username is the @ handle people use to find you; your display name is the regular name shown on your profile.
  • If your desired username is taken, you cannot reserve it — you will need to pick a different one.
  • After you change your username, the old one becomes available for others to use within a short time.
  • Both changes are made in your account settings, not in your profile itself.

How to change your display name on mobile or desktop

Open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right (mobile) or clicking your profile picture at the top right (desktop). Tap or click "Edit profile." In the Name field, type the new display name you want. This is the name people see at the top of your profile — it does not have to be unique, and you can use spaces, numbers, and special characters.

After you type your new name, tap or click "Done" or "Save." The change takes effect immediately. You can change this name as many times as you want without any waiting period.

How to change your username (@ handle)

From your profile, tap or click "Edit profile." Scroll down to the Username field. Tap or click in the field and type your new username. Instagram will show you a checkmark if the username is available or an X if someone else has already taken it. Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores — no spaces or special characters.

If the username you want is taken, try adding a number or underscore to make it unique. Once you find one that is available, tap or click "Done" or "Save." Instagram will confirm the change and show you your new username on your profile. You will not be able to change it again for 14 days.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, the old one does not stay reserved for you. Instagram releases it back into the pool of available usernames, and someone else can claim it. This usually happens within a few hours to a day. If you think you might want to use your old username again in the future, consider creating a second account with that handle instead.

Any links to your old username will stop working. If you have shared your @ handle on other websites, in email signatures, or in other places, you will need to update those links to your new username so people can still find you.

The 14-day waiting period between username changes

Instagram enforces a 14-day cooldown between username changes on the same account. This means if you change your username today, you cannot change it again until 14 days have passed. The timer starts from the date of your most recent change, not from when you first created your account.

If you try to change your username before the 14 days are up, Instagram will show you a message telling you when you will be able to change it next. There is no way to bypass this waiting period — you have to wait the full 14 days.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you see an error message saying your username is unavailable, it means someone else has claimed it. Try a different variation — add numbers, underscores, or abbreviations. If Instagram says you cannot change your username yet, you are still within the 14-day waiting period from your last change. Check the message to see the exact date you will be able to change it again.

If the "Edit profile" button is not showing up, make sure you are logged into your own account and not viewing someone else's profile. On mobile, you must be using the official Instagram app — the mobile website has limited editing features. If you are still having trouble, try logging out and back in, or uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once every 14 days?

No. Instagram enforces a mandatory 14-day waiting period between username changes. Once you change your username, you must wait exactly 14 days before you can change it again. There is no way to shorten or skip this waiting period.

Will changing my username affect my followers or messages?

Your followers will stay with you when you change your username. Direct messages and conversations will not be affected. However, any links people shared pointing to your old @ handle will no longer work, so you may want to tell your followers about your new username.

What is the difference between a display name and a username?

Your username is the @ handle that comes after the @ symbol — it is unique to you and what people type to find or tag you. Your display name is the regular name shown at the top of your profile and can be anything, including spaces and special characters. You can change your display name whenever you want, but your username has a 14-day waiting period.

Can I get my old username back if someone else took it?

Not directly. Once you change your username, it becomes available for anyone to claim. If someone else has taken it, you cannot reclaim it unless that person changes their username or deletes their account. Your best option is to choose a new username you like.

Why does Instagram have a 14-day waiting period?

The waiting period is designed to prevent spam and account takeovers. It makes it harder for someone who gains temporary access to your account to permanently change your username and lock you out. It also reduces the number of people rapidly cycling through usernames to impersonate others.