Change your Instagram username in the app or on the web in under a minute
Your Instagram username is the handle people use to find and mention you — it appears in your profile URL and in search results. You can change it whenever you want, and Instagram lets you do this directly from your phone or computer without needing to contact support. The process is the same whether you use the mobile app or the web version.
Unlike your display name (the text that appears above your username), changing your username does not affect your followers, messages, or any posts you have already shared. However, the old username becomes available for anyone else to claim when ready after you change it, so if you think you might want it back later, take that into account before you switch.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Instagram username from your phone, tablet, or computer at any time without losing followers or posts.
- Your new username must be between 1 and 30 characters, use only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, and cannot be already taken by another account.
- The old username becomes available for anyone else to use when ready, so choose carefully if you think you might want it back later.
- If you change your username and then want to change it again, you must wait 14 days before making another change.
- Changing your username is different from changing your display name — your display name can be changed as often as you want.
How to change your username on the Instagram app
Open the Instagram app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. This takes you to your profile page. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right, then tap Settings and privacy.
From the Settings and privacy menu, tap Account information. You will see a field labeled Username with your current handle displayed. Tap on this field to edit it. Delete your old username and type in the new one you want to use. As you type, Instagram will tell you whether the username is available or already taken.
Once you have entered a username that is available, tap Done or the checkmark button (depending on your phone's operating system). Instagram will save the change when ready. You will see a confirmation message, and your profile will now display your new username.
How to change your username on Instagram.com
Go to Instagram.com and log into your account if you are not already logged in. Click your profile icon in the bottom left corner of the screen (or in the top right on some versions), then click Settings.
Click Edit profile near the top of the settings page. You will see a field labeled Username. Click in this field, clear your current username, and type the new one. Instagram will show you a message below the field telling you whether the name is available.
Once you have chosen an available username, click Submit or the save button. The change takes effect when ready, and you will be returned to your profile page showing your new username.
Rules for choosing a new Instagram username
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 special characters like @, #, or &. Usernames are not case-sensitive, so "JohnSmith" and "johnsmith" are treated as the same username.
Your username cannot be the same as another account's username, and it cannot be a username you have used on Instagram before within the last 14 days. If you try to use a username that is taken or too recently used, Instagram will show an error message and suggest alternatives.
Instagram does not allow usernames that impersonate public figures or brands, even if you add numbers or periods to make it slightly different. If your username violates these rules, Instagram may disable your account or ask you to change it.
What happens after you change your username
Your followers, direct messages, and all your posts stay exactly as they were. People who follow you will still see your posts in their feed, and you will still see theirs. Your old posts will not disappear, and links to your old posts will still work — Instagram automatically redirects them to your new username.
However, any mentions or tags using your old username will not automatically update. If someone tagged you in a photo using your old username before you changed it, that tag will no longer link to your profile. Going forward, people will need to use your new username to mention or tag you.
The old username becomes available for anyone else to claim when ready. If you change your mind and want to switch back, you can do so, but you must wait 14 days after your most recent change before making another one. This 14-day waiting period applies to every username change, not just switching back to an old one.
If your desired username is already taken
If the username you want is already in use, you have a few options. You can try adding a number or underscore to make it unique — for example, "john_smith" instead of "johnsmith", or "johnsmith1" instead of "johnsmith". Many people use periods as well, like "john.smith".
You can also check whether the account using that username is active. If it appears to be abandoned or inactive, you can report it to Instagram through the account's profile page. Click the menu icon on their profile, select Report account, and follow the prompts. Instagram reviews reports but does not may provide the account will be removed.
If the username belongs to a business or public figure and you believe it is being used to impersonate them, you can report it as impersonation, which Instagram takes more seriously. Otherwise, your best option is to choose a variation that reflects your identity or interests.
Troubleshooting username change problems
If you see an error message saying you cannot change your username, the most common reason is that you changed it within the last 14 days. Instagram enforces a 14-day waiting period between username changes to prevent spam and account takeovers. Check when you last changed your username, and try again after the 14 days have passed.
If the username you want shows as unavailable but you cannot find an account using it, the account may be disabled, deactivated, or the username may be reserved by Instagram. Try a slight variation instead. If you believe the username is being held by a spam or fake account, you can report it, but this does not may provide it will be released.
If you are having trouble accessing the settings page itself, try logging out and logging back in, or try using a different browser or device. Sometimes clearing your app cache (on mobile, go to your phone's Settings, find Instagram, and select Clear Cache) can resolve loading issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username back to what it was before?
Yes, but only after 14 days have passed since you changed away from it. Once that waiting period is over, the old username is treated like any other available username. If someone else has claimed it in the meantime, you will not be able to use it.
Will changing my username affect my Instagram business account or creator account?
No. Whether you have a personal account, business account, or creator account, the username change process is the same and does not affect your account type or any business features like insights or messaging tools.
What is the difference between my username and my display name?
Your username is your handle (what appears in your profile URL), and your display name is the text shown above your username on your profile. You can change your display name as often as you want with no waiting period, but usernames have the 14-day restriction.
If I change my username, will my old Instagram links stop working?
No. Links to your profile and posts using your old username will automatically redirect to your new username. However, if someone mentioned you in a caption or comment using your old username, that mention will not automatically update or link to your new profile.
Can I use special characters like hyphens or @ symbols in my username?
No. Instagram usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Hyphens, spaces, and special characters are not allowed.