Change your display name directly in Instagram settings

Your Instagram display name — the one that appears on your profile above your username — can be changed anytime without affecting your account or followers. Open Instagram on your phone or computer, go to your profile, tap the edit profile button, and change the text in the "Name" field. Instagram allows up to 30 characters, including spaces and punctuation. Save the change and it takes effect when ready across all devices.

This is different from your username (the handle people use to find you with the @ symbol). Changing your display name does not change your username, and people who follow you will still find you the same way. Your display name is purely visual — it's what shows at the top of your profile and next to your posts in people's feeds.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name is separate from your username and can be changed anytime without losing followers or affecting how people find you.
  • Display name changes take effect when ready on all devices where you use Instagram.
  • If you want to change your actual username (the @handle), you can do that once every 14 days, and old links to your profile will stop working.
  • Instagram does not require you to use your real name — you can use any text up to 30 characters.
  • Changes to your name or username do not affect your account security, password, or login information.

Where to find the edit profile button on different devices

On an iPhone or Android phone, open the Instagram app, tap your profile icon at the bottom right, then tap "Edit profile" below your profile picture. On a computer, go to Instagram.com, click your profile icon in the top right, select "Edit profile" from the dropdown menu, and look for the Name field near the top of the page.

The Name field is always near the top of the edit profile screen, above the username field. It shows whatever text you currently have set as your display name. Clear this field completely and type your new name, then scroll down and tap or click "Save" or "Done" depending on your device. The change saves automatically once you confirm.

Understanding the difference between display name and username

Your display name is what people see when they visit your profile or look at your posts in their feed. It can include spaces, capital letters, emoji, and special characters. You can change it as often as you want with no restrictions or waiting period.

Your username is the @handle that appears in your profile URL and is how people search for you. Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores — no spaces or emoji. You can change your username once every 14 days. When you change it, your old username becomes available for someone else to claim, and any links people saved to your old profile URL will no longer work.

Most people keep their username stable and change their display name when they want a different look. For example, you might have the username @jsmith but change your display name from "J Smith" to "J Smith | Photographer" or "J. Smith" without touching the username at all.

What happens when you change your display name

Changing your display name does not notify your followers, does not affect your follower count, and does not change any of your account settings or security. People who already follow you will continue to follow you. Your posts, stories, and messages remain exactly as they were. The change is purely cosmetic and takes effect within seconds.

If someone has bookmarked your profile or saved a link to it, they can still reach you the same way — your username and profile URL do not change. If you change your display name and then change it back, there is no penalty or waiting period. You can test out different names as often as you want.

Changing your username if you want a different @handle

If you want to change your actual username (the @handle), go to edit profile, scroll down to the Username field, and tap or click it. Type your new username and tap "Done" or "Save". Instagram will tell you when ready if the username is taken or if it contains characters that are not allowed. You can only change your username once every 14 days, so choose carefully.

When you change your username, Instagram automatically redirects people who visit your old profile URL for about 30 days, but after that the old link stops working. If you have shared your profile link on a website, in an email signature, or anywhere else, you will need to update those links manually. Your followers do not need to do anything — they can still find you by searching your new username.

Using special characters and emoji in your display name

Your display name can include emoji, accented letters, and most special characters, but your username cannot. If you want a stylized look, put the emoji or special characters in your display name instead. For example, you could have the username @jsmith and the display name "✨ J Smith ✨" or "J Smith • Designer".

Keep in mind that some emoji may not display the same way on all devices or in all countries. If you use very new or region-specific emoji, some people might see a blank box or a different symbol instead. Stick to common emoji if you want your display name to look the same for everyone.

Troubleshooting if your name change is not saving

If you tap Save or Done and the change does not stick, first check that you have an active internet connection. Close the Instagram app completely and reopen it — sometimes the app needs to refresh to show the change. If the name still has not updated, try logging out and logging back in.

If Instagram shows an error message when you try to save, the most common reason is that your new name contains characters Instagram does not allow in the display name field (though this is rare). Try removing any unusual punctuation or emoji and save again. If you still cannot save after trying these steps, the issue is usually temporary — wait a few hours and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a fake name on Instagram?

Yes. Instagram does not require you to use your real name. Your display name can be anything up to 30 characters — a nickname, a business name, a creative alias, or anything else. Your username also does not have to match your real name. Many people use pseudonyms or brand names on Instagram.

Will changing my name affect my followers or my posts?

No. Your follower count stays the same, all your posts remain on your profile, and people who follow you will continue to follow you. The change is only visual. Your account history, messages, and all other data remain unchanged.

How often can I change my display name?

You can change your display name as many times as you want with no waiting period. You can change it back and forth as often as you like. The username has a 14-day waiting period between changes, but the display name does not.

What if someone else takes my old username after I change it?

If you change your username, your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim when ready. You cannot reserve it or get it back later. If you think you might want to use it again, change your username only when you are sure. After 30 days, Instagram stops redirecting the old profile URL, so old links will not work.

Can I change my name on Instagram through a computer browser?

Yes. Go to Instagram.com, click your profile icon in the top right, select "Edit profile", find the Name field, and make your change. The process is the same as on the mobile app, and the change takes effect on all devices when ready.