You can change your Instagram username from your phone or computer in under a minute

Open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right (on phone) or clicking your profile picture at the bottom left (on computer). Tap or click "Edit Profile" — on a phone this is a button near your name; on a computer it's next to your profile photo. Find the "Username" field, clear the current name, type your new one, and tap or click "Done" or "Save". Instagram checks when ready whether the name is taken. If it is, you'll see a message and can try another.

The whole process takes about 30 seconds. You can change your username as often as you want, and there's no fee. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it, usually within a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your username in Edit Profile, which you reach from your profile picture or profile icon depending on whether you're on phone or computer.
  • Instagram tells you when ready if a username is already taken, so you can try another one right away without waiting.
  • Your old username becomes available for others to claim as soon as you change it, so pick a new one before you make the switch if you want to keep the old one.
  • Changing your username does not affect your account security, your followers, or any of your posts — only the name people use to find and mention you.
  • You can change your username back to a previous one if Instagram hasn't given it to someone else yet.

What happens to your followers and posts when you change your username

Your followers stay with you. They don't have to re-follow you, and you don't lose any of them. All your posts, likes, comments, and saved items stay exactly where they are. The only thing that changes is the handle — the @name that appears on your profile and that people type to mention you.

If someone has a link to your old profile, that link will redirect to your new username automatically. Direct messages and conversations don't break. The change is clean and complete from the user's side.

Usernames Instagram won't let you use

Instagram blocks usernames that are already taken by another account. You'll see "That username isn't available" if you try to claim one someone else has. You can't reserve a username — it has to be unclaimed at the moment you type it.

Instagram also blocks usernames that are offensive, impersonate a real person or brand, or contain certain words the platform flags. If you see a message that your username violates Instagram's rules, try a different one. The platform doesn't explain which specific words trigger the block, so you may need to experiment by removing or changing parts of what you typed.

How to change your username on Instagram if you use a business or creator account

The process is identical whether you have a personal, business, or creator account. Go to Edit Profile and change the Username field the same way. Business and creator accounts follow the same rules — the username must be unclaimed, and you can change it as often as you want.

If your account is a business account linked to a Facebook Page, changing your Instagram username does not change your Facebook Page name. The two are separate, and you'll need to update Facebook separately if you want them to match.

Reclaiming a username you used before

If you changed your username in the past and want to go back to an old one, you can do that — but only if no one else has claimed it. Instagram releases old usernames into the pool of available names as soon as you change away from them. If someone grabbed it in the meantime, you'll see "That username isn't available" and you won't be able to use it unless that person changes theirs.

There's no way to reserve a username or put a hold on one. If an old username matters to you, change to your new one only after you've decided what you want next, or be prepared that someone else might take it while you're using something temporary.

Why you might want to change your username

People change their Instagram username for many reasons: they want something shorter or easier to spell, they've outgrown an old handle, they're starting a business and want a professional name, or they want to separate their personal and public presence. Some people change their username to match a username they use on other platforms, making it easier for people to find them across the internet.

From a security standpoint, changing your username doesn't make your account safer — your password and two-factor authentication are what protect you. But a new username can help you control how you present yourself and who finds you.

Troubleshooting: what to do if you can't change your username

If the "Edit Profile" button doesn't appear or the Username field is grayed out, you may have hit Instagram's rate limit. Instagram limits how often you can change your username if you do it repeatedly in a short time. Wait a few hours and try again.

If you're still stuck, make sure you're logged into the account you want to change. Log out completely, log back in, and try Edit Profile again. If the button still doesn't appear, try the other platform — if you were on your phone, try a computer, or vice versa. Instagram's mobile app and website sometimes behave differently, and one may work when the other doesn't.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else take my old username after I change it?

Yes. Instagram releases your old username when ready, and anyone can claim it. If you want to keep an old username, change to your new one only after you've secured it or decided you don't need it anymore.

Does changing my username affect my Instagram handle on Facebook?

No. If your Instagram account is linked to a Facebook Page, they remain separate. You'll need to change your Facebook Page name separately if you want them to match.

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere on Instagram?

It's when ready. Your new username appears on your profile, in search, and in mentions right away. Old links to your profile redirect automatically.

What if the username I want has a period or underscore in it?

Instagram allows periods and underscores in usernames. Type them as part of your username just like any other character. They count toward your username length.

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

Only if no one else has claimed it. If someone has, you'll see "That username isn't available" and you'll need to pick something different.