You cannot transfer a username directly between accounts
Instagram does not offer a feature to move a username from one account to another. The username is permanently tied to the account that created it. If you want to use that username on a different account, you must delete the original account first — and once deleted, the username enters a holding period before it becomes available again.
This matters because the holding period is not when ready. Instagram typically holds a deleted username for 30 days before releasing it to the public. During those 30 days, no one — including you — can claim that username on a new account.
The only exception is if you own both accounts and want to swap their usernames. In that case, you can change one username to something temporary, then change the other account's username to what you want, then change the first account back. This works because you are not deleting anything.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram usernames cannot be transferred; they are locked to the account that created them.
- To use a username on a different account, you must delete the original account and wait approximately 30 days before the username becomes available.
- If you own both accounts, you can swap usernames by changing one to a temporary name first, then reassigning the usernames you want.
- Once you delete an account, all posts, followers, messages, and account history are permanently removed and cannot be recovered.
- Changing your username (without deleting the account) is when ready and does not affect your followers, posts, or messages.
Swapping usernames between two accounts you own
If you have two Instagram accounts and want to swap their usernames, you do not need to delete anything. Open the account whose username you want to change, go to Settings, tap Account, then tap Username. Change it to something temporary — something you are certain no one else will claim, like your name plus random numbers.
Now open your second account, go to Settings, tap Account, tap Username, and change it to the username you wanted from the first account. That username is now yours on this account.
Go back to the first account and change its username from the temporary one to whatever you want it to be. This entire process takes a few minutes and is reversible at any point.
Deleting an account to free up its username
If the account you want to transfer the username from is one you no longer use, you can delete it. Open that account, go to Settings, scroll to the bottom, and tap Delete Account. Instagram will ask you to confirm and will show you a warning that all your posts, followers, messages, and account data will be permanently removed.
Once you confirm deletion, the account is gone when ready, but the username does not become available right away. Instagram holds it for approximately 30 days. You cannot use that username during this period, even if you own it on another account.
After 30 days have passed, the username is released and anyone can claim it. If you want to use it on a new account, you can change your new account's username to it at that point.
What happens to your followers and posts when you delete
Deleting an Instagram account is permanent and when ready. Your followers will no longer see your profile in their follower lists. Any posts you made are gone. Any messages you sent remain in the inboxes of people who received them, but your account name will no longer appear as the sender.
You cannot recover a deleted account or any of its content. If you have posts or photos you want to keep, read them before you delete. You can request your data from Instagram through Settings, Privacy, read Your Info, but this takes several days to process and does not prevent deletion.
Changing your username without deleting your account
If you want to keep your current account but just change the username, you do not need to delete anything. Open Settings, tap Account, tap Username, and type a new one. The change is when ready. Your followers stay with you, your posts stay, your messages stay — only the username changes.
You can change your username as often as you want, with no waiting period between changes. The only limit is that you cannot use a username that is already claimed by another active account.
The 30-day holding period explained
When you delete an Instagram account, the username enters a grace period. During this time, Instagram does not release it to the public. This is partly a safety measure — it prevents someone from when ready claiming your username the moment you delete your account — and partly a technical one, as Instagram's systems need time to fully process the deletion.
You cannot shorten this period. If you delete an account on January 1st, the username will not be available to claim until around January 31st. If you try to claim it before then on a new account, Instagram will tell you the username is unavailable.
After the 30 days pass, the username is fair game. If someone else claims it before you do, you cannot get it back. If you want to be certain you have it, create your new account and change its username to the one you want as soon as the 30-day window closes.
Protecting a username you plan to use later
If you are deleting an account and want to may provide you can use its username on a new account, create the new account before you delete the old one. Then, while both accounts exist, change the old account's username to something temporary. This frees up the username you want without deleting the account.
Once the username is changed on the old account, you can change the new account's username to it when ready. Then you can delete the old account whenever you want — the username is already secured on your new account, so the 30-day holding period does not affect you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim a username if the account that has it is inactive?
No. An inactive account still owns its username. The only way to free up a username is if the account is deleted. Reporting an account as inactive does not remove it or release its username.
What if I delete my account but change my mind during the 30 days?
You cannot recover a deleted account. Instagram does not restore deleted accounts, even if you ask within the 30-day window. If you think you might want your account back, do not delete it — instead, deactivate it temporarily, which hides your profile but keeps it recoverable for 30 days.
If I change my username, do my followers have to re-follow me?
No. Changing your username does not affect your followers. They stay connected to your account automatically. Your old username links will no longer work, but your profile remains the same.
Can I reserve a username before I delete the account that has it?
Not through Instagram's system. Your best option is to create the new account you want to use, then change the old account's username to something temporary, freeing up the username you want so you can claim it on the new account when ready.
What if someone claims the username during the 30-day waiting period?
They cannot. During the 30 days after deletion, the username is held by Instagram and unavailable to anyone. After 30 days, it becomes available to the public, and whoever claims it first owns it.