Where to find the username setting on Instagram
Your Instagram username is the handle that appears after the @ symbol — the one people use to tag you or search for your account. It is different from your display name, which is what shows up above your posts and in your profile. To change your username, you go through Instagram's settings, not through your profile card.
On the mobile app, open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Then tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the top right. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Account. Look for the field labeled Username — that is where you make the change. On a computer, go to instagram.com, click your profile icon, select Settings, then Edit profile, and you will see the username field near the top.
Key Takeaways
- Your username is the @handle people use to find you; your display name is the text above your posts and can be different.
- You reach the username setting through Settings and privacy > Account on mobile, or Settings > Edit profile on a computer.
- Instagram lets you change your username once every 14 days, and the old username becomes available for anyone else to claim after you release it.
- Usernames can be 1 to 30 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but not spaces or most special characters.
- If the username you want is taken, Instagram will tell you immediately, and you will need to choose a different one or wait for the person holding it to change theirs.
What characters and length rules apply to usernames
Instagram usernames must be between 1 and 30 characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, periods, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, or most other special characters. Instagram will reject the name if it breaks these rules and show you an error message telling you what is not allowed.
Usernames are not case-sensitive, meaning Instagram treats @JohnSmith and @johnsmith as the same account. If you change only the capitalization of your current username, Instagram will accept it, but it will not show up as a change to anyone else — your account will look the same to them.
How to type in and save your new username
Once you are in the username field, delete your current username and type the new one you want. As you type, Instagram checks in real time whether the name is available. If the name is taken, you will see a message saying so, usually with a red X or a note like "Username not available." If it is available, you will see a checkmark or a green confirmation.
Do not hit save until you see the confirmation that your new username is available. Once you tap Save or Done (depending on whether you are on mobile or desktop), the change goes into effect immediately. Your old username is released and can be claimed by anyone else. Your followers do not have to do anything — they will still see your posts and can still find you under your new username.
The 14-day waiting period between changes
Instagram limits you to changing your username once every 14 days. If you have changed your username recently, you will see a message in the username field telling you when you can change it again. The 14 days runs from the date of your last change, not from the calendar month.
This limit applies to your account, not to each device. If you change your username on your phone, you cannot change it again on your computer until 14 days have passed. If you make a mistake or change your mind, you will have to wait out the full 14 days before you can switch back or pick something new.
What happens to your old username after you change it
When you change your username, your old one becomes available for anyone else on Instagram to claim. There is no grace period or hold — as soon as you save the new username, the old one enters the pool of available names. If you think you might want it back later, you cannot reserve it or put it on hold.
Your followers, your posts, your direct messages, and your follower list all stay with your account under the new username. Links to your old username will not work — if someone tries to visit @youroldname, they will either see a "user not found" page or land on whoever claimed that username next. If you have shared your old username in other places online, you may want to update those links to your new username.
Troubleshooting: username not available or error messages
If you see "Username not available," the name is either taken by another account or it violates Instagram's rules. You cannot see who owns a taken username, so you will need to choose a different one. Try adding a number, a period, or an underscore to make a variation — for example, @john.smith or @johnsmith1.
If you see an error message about invalid characters, check that you have not used spaces, hyphens, or special characters like @, #, !, or $. Remove those and try again. If the field will not let you save at all and you are not seeing a specific error, try logging out and back in, or close the app and reopen it. If the problem persists, try making the change on a computer or a different device.
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 release a username, anyone can take it. If you want to switch back, you will have to wait until the 14-day period has passed, then check whether the old name is still available. If someone else has taken it, you cannot reclaim it.
Will my followers be notified when I change my username?
No. Your followers will not receive a notification about the change. They will still follow you under your new username, and your posts and profile will be visible to them as usual. However, if they try to visit your old username directly, they will not find your account.
Does changing my username affect my Instagram handle for business or creator accounts?
No. The username change works the same way for all account types — personal, business, and creator. The 14-day limit and character rules apply to everyone. If you have a business account, your username change will not affect your business contact information or your linked Facebook page.
What if Instagram says my username violates community guidelines?
Instagram blocks usernames that contain hate speech, slurs, or content that violates its community standards. If you see this message, choose a different username. You cannot appeal the decision or request an exception for a blocked name.
Can I use the same username on multiple accounts?
No. Each Instagram username must be unique across the entire platform. You cannot have two accounts with the same username, even if one is a personal account and one is a business account. If you manage multiple accounts, each one needs its own distinct username.