Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms worldwide, used by millions to share photos, videos, and stories. Whether you are an individual user, a business, or a content creator, your Instagram username and account name are essential parts of your identity on the platform.
Many users wonder if they can change their Instagram account name after setting it up. The answer is yes, but there are some important details and limitations to keep in mind before you make any changes.
Understanding Instagram Account Names
Instagram actually has two types of names associated with your account:
| Name Type | Description | Visibility | Change Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Username (@handle) | This is your unique identifier on Instagram, starting with the “@” symbol. It appears in your profile URL and tags. | Visible everywhere on Instagram | Can be changed anytime, subject to availability |
| Display Name | This is the name shown on your profile, which can include spaces, emojis, and special characters. | Visible on your profile and search results | Can be changed anytime with no restrictions |
Both names serve different functions but contribute to how others find and recognize your account.
How to Change Your Instagram Username
Changing your Instagram username is relatively straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Instagram app or website and log into your account.
- Go to your profile by tapping the profile icon.
- Tap Edit Profile.
- In the Username field, type the new username you want.
- Tap Done (or Save) to apply the changes.
Important: The new username must be unique and not already taken by another user. Instagram immediately checks availability as you type.
Changing your username will change your Instagram profile URL (e.g., instagram.com/newusername). Make sure to update any links you have shared elsewhere.
Username Rules and Restrictions
Instagram has specific rules regarding usernames that you should know before attempting to change yours:
- Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.
- They cannot include special characters like &, %, $, etc.
- Usernames must be between 1 and 30 characters long.
- You cannot impersonate other people or brands.
- Usernames that violate Instagram’s community guidelines may be removed.
How to Change Your Instagram Display Name
Changing your display name is even easier and less restrictive:
- Navigate to your profile and tap Edit Profile.
- Find the Name field and enter the new display name you want.
- Save your changes by tapping Done or Save.
Your display name is not unique and can be anything you want, including multiple words, emojis, or special characters. It helps your profile stand out in searches and lets followers see your preferred name.
What Happens When You Change Your Instagram Username?
Changing your username has some important implications:
- Profile URL changes: As mentioned, your profile URL will update to the new username.
- Mentions and tags: Previous mentions of your old username will not automatically update and may lead to broken links or confusion.
- Follower notifications: Followers are not directly notified by Instagram, so some may not realize the change immediately.
- Verification status: If your account is verified, changing your username may remove the verified badge, and you might need to reapply.
Can You Revert to Your Old Username?
After changing your username, your old username becomes available for others to claim. Instagram does not hold it for you indefinitely.
If you want to revert quickly, you should do so before someone else takes it.
Pro Tip: If you have a brand or business account, consider announcing your username change to your followers to avoid confusion.
Common Questions About Changing Instagram Account Names
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How often can I change my Instagram username? | There is no official limit, but frequent changes might temporarily lock you out from editing. |
| Will changing my username affect my followers? | No, followers remain the same, but they might have trouble finding you if unaware of the change. |
| Can I change my username back after changing it? | Yes, if the old username is still available. |
| Will my Instagram verification badge stay if I change my username? | Usually no. You may lose verification and need to reapply. |
| Does changing my display name affect my URL? | No, display name changes do not affect your profile URL. |
Tips for Choosing a New Instagram Username
Selecting a new username can be challenging, especially if your preferred name is taken. Here are some tips to help you find a suitable new username:
- Keep it simple and memorable: Avoid excessive numbers or symbols that are hard to remember.
- Use your real name or brand: This enhances authenticity and discoverability.
- Add keywords: Relevant words related to your niche or personality can help.
- Try abbreviations or initials: If the full name is taken, initials can be a good alternative.
- Check availability across platforms: For brand consistency, see if the username is available on other social media.
What to Do If Your Desired Username Is Taken
If your preferred username is already taken, don’t panic. Here are some strategies to try:
- Add a dot or underscore: e.g., john.doe or john_doe
- Include numbers related to you: birth year, lucky number
- Use a short descriptive word: johntravel, johndesign
- Try variations or abbreviations
- Contact the current user if the username is inactive (though Instagram cannot guarantee transfers)
Potential Risks and Considerations
While changing your Instagram account name is easy, it can carry some risks and unintended consequences. Consider these before proceeding:
- Loss of recognition: Changing your username may confuse existing followers or clients.
- Broken links: Any external websites, business cards, or social media posts with your old username will no longer direct correctly.
- Verification loss: Verified accounts risk losing their blue checkmark.
- Temporary glitches: Sometimes changes may not reflect immediately due to Instagram’s server updates.
“Think carefully about your Instagram username as it represents your brand or personality online. Changes should align with your long-term goals.” – Social Media Expert
Step-by-Step Guide Summary
| Action | Steps | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Change Username |
1. Log in to Instagram 2. Go to Profile > Edit Profile 3. Edit Username field 4. Save changes |
Username must be unique and valid |
| Change Display Name |
1. Log in to Instagram 2. Go to Profile > Edit Profile 3. Edit Name field 4. Save changes |
Display name can include spaces and special characters |
| Check Username Availability | Type desired username in Edit Profile; Instagram validates instantly | Unavailable usernames cannot be used |
Conclusion
You can absolutely change the name of your Instagram account, both the username and display name, whenever you want. The process is simple and can help reflect changes in your personal brand, business, or creativity.
However, it is critical to understand the differences between username and display name, the rules governing username changes, and the implications such as losing verification or breaking links. Planning your new name carefully and communicating changes to your audience will help make the transition smooth and effective.
Regularly reviewing your Instagram identity ensures it stays relevant and engaging. Whether you want a fresh start, a rebrand, or just a small tweak, Instagram gives you the flexibility to adapt your profile as you grow.
