How to claim a username on Instagram
To claim a username on Instagram, you change it directly in your account settings — but only if the name is not already taken. Open Instagram on your phone or computer, go to your profile, tap the menu icon, select Settings and privacy, then Account, then Username. Type the new name you want and tap Check availability. If Instagram shows a checkmark, the name is yours to take. If it shows an X, someone else owns it and you cannot claim it through settings.
The username you want may appear available in the search bar but unavailable when you try to change to it. This happens because Instagram reserves certain names for business accounts, verified accounts, or accounts that have been inactive for a long time. It also happens when a username is held by a deleted account that Instagram has not yet released back into circulation — this can take weeks or months.
If the username is taken by an active account, you have no way to claim it through Instagram's system. Your only option is to contact the person who owns it and ask them to change their username voluntarily. If the account appears abandoned or inactive, you can report it to Instagram, though Instagram does not may provide it will release the name.
Key Takeaways
- You can only claim a username through Instagram's settings if it shows as available — no other method exists within the app.
- A username that appears in search results may still be unavailable to claim because Instagram reserves names or holds them from deleted accounts.
- If someone else owns the username, you must contact them directly to ask them to change it; Instagram will not force a transfer.
- Reporting an inactive account to Instagram may eventually free up the username, but there is no timeline and no may provide.
Why some usernames stay unavailable even when the account looks inactive
Instagram does not when ready release usernames from deleted accounts. When someone deletes their account, Instagram keeps the username reserved for 30 days in case they change their mind and want to reactivate. After 30 days, the name enters a queue to be released, but this process is not when ready — it can take weeks or months depending on how many other names are in the queue.
Some usernames are held permanently by Instagram itself. These include names reserved for future features, names that match Instagram's own branding, and names that Instagram has flagged as sensitive or trademarked. You will not see these accounts when you search, but the username will still show as unavailable if you try to claim it.
Accounts that appear inactive — no posts, no activity for years — are often still owned by someone who straightforward does not use Instagram anymore. The account has not been deleted, so the username is not in the release queue. The owner may have forgotten about it, or they may be keeping it for sentimental reasons. Instagram does not have a rule that forces inactive accounts to give up their usernames.
What to do if the username you want is taken by an active account
If the account is public, you can view the person's profile and look for contact information in their bio — a website, email, or link to another social media account. Send them a direct message on Instagram or contact them through the method listed in their bio. Be straightforward: explain that you are interested in the username and ask if they would consider changing it. Most people will say no, but some might be willing to negotiate, especially if they have not used the account in a long time.
If the account is private and you do not know the person, you have almost no way to contact them. You cannot message someone on Instagram without following them first, and they may not accept your follow request. In this situation, your only realistic option is to choose a different username.
Do not offer to pay for a username. Instagram's terms of service prohibit buying and selling accounts, and any transaction could result in both accounts being suspended or permanently banned. Instagram takes account security seriously and treats username sales as a form of account compromise.
How to report an account that may be compromised or inactive
If you believe an account is using a username fraudulently — for example, impersonating a real person or business — you can report it to Instagram. Go to the account's profile, tap the menu icon (three dots), and select Report. Choose the reason that best fits the situation: Impersonation, Scam or fraud, or Intellectual property infringement. Instagram will review the report, but they do not tell you the outcome or timeline.
Reporting an inactive account is different from reporting a fraudulent one. Instagram does not have a specific "inactive account" report option because inactivity alone is not against their rules. You can only report an account if it violates a specific policy — impersonation, spam, hate speech, or another violation. straightforward not posting for years is not a violation.
If the account is impersonating you or your business, include that detail in your report and provide evidence — screenshots showing the false information, or proof that you own the real account or business. Instagram prioritizes impersonation reports and may act faster on them than on other types of reports.
Choosing an alternative username if your first choice is taken
If the username you want is taken and you cannot claim it, you have several options for finding a similar name. Add a number to the end: if "jane.smith" is taken, try "jane.smith1" or "jane.smith23". Add an underscore or period: "jane_smith" or "jane.smith". Add a descriptor that fits your account: "jane.smith.art" or "jane.smith.real". Use an abbreviation: "j.smith" or "jsmith".
Test each variation in Instagram's username field to see which ones are available. Some variations will be taken, but you will usually find at least one that works. The goal is to pick something close enough to your first choice that people can still find you if they search for your name, but different enough that it is available.
Keep in mind that your display name — the name that appears above your username — can be anything you want and does not have to match your username. So if your username is "jane.smith1" but you want people to see "Jane Smith", you can set your display name to that. This gives you flexibility even if your ideal username is taken.
Changing your username after you claim it
Once you claim a username, you can change it again at any time by going back to Settings and privacy > Account > Username. Instagram does not charge you to change your username, and there is no limit to how many times you can change it. However, if you change away from a username, Instagram may not let you claim it again when ready — it enters a queue similar to deleted accounts, and you may have to wait before you can reclaim it.
If you are planning to change your username, tell your followers first. Update your display name to match your new username a few days before the change so people start recognizing the new name. You can also post a story or add a note to your bio explaining the change. This helps people find you under your new username.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a username from someone who owns it?
No. Instagram's terms of service prohibit buying and selling accounts or usernames. Any transaction of this kind violates their rules and can result in both accounts being suspended or banned. There is no official marketplace or method to purchase usernames.
How long does it take for a deleted account's username to become available?
Instagram reserves deleted account usernames for 30 days. After that, the name enters a release queue, but the timeline for when it becomes available varies — it can take weeks or months depending on demand and Instagram's processing. There is no way to check where a specific username is in the queue.
What if Instagram shows the username as available but won't let me claim it?
This usually means the username is reserved by Instagram, held from a recently deleted account, or flagged for another reason. Try again in a few days or a few weeks — if it is from a deleted account, it may become available once the 30-day hold expires. If it never becomes available, Instagram is likely holding it permanently.
Can I claim a username that belongs to someone who has not posted in years?
No. An inactive account is still owned by someone, and Instagram will not force them to give up their username. Your only option is to contact the account owner directly and ask them to change it, or choose a different username yourself.
Do I need to verify my account to claim a specific username?
No. Any username that is available can be claimed by any account, verified or not. Verification is a separate process that Instagram handles independently of username availability.