You cannot transfer a username directly between accounts, but you can free up a username and claim it on another account if you own both
Instagram does not have a built-in transfer tool. The only way to move a username from one account to another is to change the username on the first account to something else, then when ready change the username on the second account to the one you want. The username becomes available the moment you change it away, but Instagram does not hold it for you — if you wait too long, someone else can claim it.
This process works only if you have access to both accounts right now. If you have lost access to one of them, or if the username belongs to someone else, the steps are different.
Key Takeaways
- Changing a username away from one account makes it available when ready, but you must claim it on your second account within minutes or someone else can take it.
- You need login access to both accounts at the same time to make this work safely.
- If you have lost access to an account, you will need to recover it through Instagram's account recovery process before you can change the username.
- If the username belongs to someone else's account, Instagram will not force them to change it, and you cannot claim it unless they do.
- Usernames are not the same as display names — you can change your display name anytime without affecting your username.
How to move a username between two accounts you own
Open the account that currently has the username you want to move. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Account, then Username. Change it to something completely different — something you do not plan to use long-term works fine. Tap the checkmark to confirm the change.
The username is now free. Do not close the app or switch accounts. Open a second browser window or tab, or use a different device, and log into the account where you want the username to go. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Account, then Username. Type in the username you just freed up and tap the checkmark. If you are fast enough, it will be yours.
If someone else claims it in the time between your two changes, you have lost it. This is why speed matters and why you should not close the app between steps.
What happens if you lose access to one account
If you own both accounts but cannot log into one of them, you will need to recover it first. Go to the Instagram login page, tap "Need more help?", and follow the prompts to verify your identity. Instagram may ask you to confirm your email address, phone number, or answer security questions you set up earlier. This process can take a few days.
Once you have recovered access, follow the steps above to move the username. Do not wait — recovered accounts can be vulnerable, and you want to find the username as soon as you can log in.
If the username belongs to someone else
You cannot claim a username that another person actively uses, even if that account looks abandoned. Instagram does not transfer usernames between people or force inactive accounts to change theirs. The account owner has to change the username themselves.
If the account appears to be impersonating you or violating Instagram's rules, you can report it. Go to the account, tap the three dots, and select "Report Account". Describe why you are reporting it. Instagram reviews reports but does not may provide action, and even if they remove the account, the username does not automatically go to you — it becomes available for anyone to claim.
The difference between username and display name
Your username is what appears in your profile URL and what people use to tag you (like @yourname). Your display name is what shows at the top of your profile and can include spaces, capital letters, and special characters. You can change your display name as many times as you want without affecting your username.
If you only want to change how your name appears on your profile, change the display name instead. This does not free up your username and does not affect how people find or tag you.
Why Instagram does not allow direct transfers
Direct transfers would create security problems. If someone hacked your account, they could transfer your username to another account they control, and you would lose both the account and the username at once. By requiring you to change the username away first, Instagram forces you to prove you have access to the account before the username becomes available.
This also prevents disputes over who owns a username. If two people claim the same username, Instagram's rule is straightforward: whoever changes their account to claim it first gets it. There is no waiting period or verification — it is first come, first served.
What to do if someone takes the username you freed up
If you changed your username away and someone else claimed it before you could, you cannot get it back through Instagram. The username now belongs to whoever claimed it. Your only option is to contact that person and ask them to change it, which they have no obligation to do.
To avoid this, use a second device or browser window so you can claim the new username when ready after freeing up the old one. If you only have one device, ask a trusted friend to be ready to log into your second account the moment you change the first username, so they can claim it for you right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reserve a username before I change my current one?
No. Instagram does not have a reservation system. The username becomes available only after you change it away, and it is available to anyone at that moment. You cannot hold it or put it on a waiting list.
What if I change my username and then change my mind?
You can change your username back to the old one if no one else has claimed it yet. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Account, then Username, and type in the old username. If it is still free, you can have it back.
Do I need to wait any amount of time between changing usernames?
No. You can change your username as often as you want, with no waiting period between changes. However, Instagram may flag your account if you change it many times in a short period, so avoid doing it more than a few times per day.
If I delete an account, does the username become available?
Not when ready. When you delete an account, Instagram keeps it in a deleted state for 30 days. During that time, the username is not available to anyone. After 30 days, the account is permanently gone and the username becomes free for anyone to claim.
Can Instagram help me get a username someone else is using?
Only if the account is impersonating you or violating Instagram's rules. Report the account and describe the violation. Instagram reviews reports but does not may provide they will remove the account or give you the username. If they do remove it, the username becomes available to anyone, not reserved for you.