Claim a username by signing up with that name or changing your current one
To claim a username on Instagram, you either use it when you create a new account or change your existing username in your account settings. Instagram holds usernames only for active accounts — if someone created an account with the name you want but hasn't used it in years, you cannot force them to release it. The username becomes available only when that person deletes their account or changes their username themselves.
If the username you want is already taken by an active account, your only option is to wait for that person to change it or delete their account. Instagram does not have a process to request or claim usernames from other users, and the platform does not reassign inactive usernames to new users.
Key Takeaways
- You claim a username by entering it during account creation or by changing your username in settings if you already have an account.
- Instagram only releases usernames when the account holder deletes their account or changes to a different username.
- You cannot request that Instagram force another user to give up their username, no matter how long the account has been inactive.
- Usernames with special characters, numbers, or slight variations may be available if your first choice is taken.
- Once you claim a username, you can change it again later, but you must wait 14 days between changes.
How to claim a username when creating a new account
When you first sign up for Instagram through the app or website, you will be asked to create a username after you enter your email or phone number and password. Type the username you want in the field provided. If it is available, Instagram will show a checkmark next to it. If it is taken, Instagram will show an X and suggest alternatives with numbers or underscores added.
You can try different variations until you find one that is available. Many people add numbers at the end (like username123) or use underscores between words (like user_name) when their preferred name is taken. Once you finish creating your account with a username, that name is claimed to your account.
How to change your username if you already have an account
If you already have an Instagram account and want to claim a different username, go to your profile, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), and select Settings and privacy. Then tap Account information and select Username. Type the new username you want and tap Change username.
Instagram will tell you when ready whether the username is available. If it is taken, you will need to choose a different one. Keep in mind that you can only change your username once every 14 days. If you changed your username recently, you will see a message telling you when you can change it again.
What happens if the username you want is taken
If someone else has the username you want and their account is active, there is no way to claim it from them. Instagram does not have a process for requesting usernames from other users, and the company does not intervene in username disputes between users.
Your options are to choose a different username or wait to see if that person ever changes their username or deletes their account. Some people monitor accounts they want by checking back periodically, but there is no notification system that alerts you when a username becomes available.
How to find similar usernames that might be available
If your first choice is taken, Instagram suggests alternatives when you try to claim a username. These suggestions usually add numbers or underscores to your preferred name. You can also try variations yourself: adding your birth year, your location, your profession, or a descriptor that fits your account.
For example, if photography is taken, you might try photography_pro, pro_photography, photography2024, or photography_studio. Shorter usernames and those without numbers are generally easier to remember and share, but longer or more specific names are often available and can actually help people find you if they search for what you do.
Rules about usernames you should know
Instagram usernames can contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. They cannot contain spaces or most special characters. Usernames are not case-sensitive, so MyUsername and myusername are treated as the same account. Usernames must be between 1 and 30 characters long.
Instagram also reserves certain usernames for its own use and will not let you claim them. These include names like instagram, admin, and other terms the platform uses for official accounts or system functions. If you try to use a reserved name, Instagram will tell you it is unavailable.
The 14-day waiting period between username changes
Once you change your username, you must wait 14 days before you can change it again. This rule applies whether you are changing to a completely new name or going back to a previous username. If you change your username and then realize you made a mistake, you will have to wait two weeks before you can fix it.
During this waiting period, your old username becomes available for someone else to claim. If you change from username1 to username2, another user could claim username1 while you are waiting out the 14 days. If you think you might want to go back to your old username, you should wait until you are certain before changing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim a username that belongs to someone who hasn't posted in years?
No. Instagram does not reassign inactive usernames. The account holder must either delete their account or change their username for it to become available. There is no time limit after which Instagram releases unused usernames to new users.
What if someone is using my real name as their username?
If someone is using your name without your permission and their account violates Instagram's rules — for example, by impersonating you or using your photos — you can report the account to Instagram. Go to their profile, tap the menu icon, and select Report. However, straightforward using a common name is not against Instagram's rules, and the company will not force them to change it.
Can I reserve a username before I create my account?
No. You can only claim a username by creating an account with it or by changing your username in an existing account. Instagram does not have a reservation system that lets you hold a username without an active account.
What if I want to change my username back to one I used before?
You can change back to a previous username if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. However, you still have to wait 14 days from your last username change. If someone else claimed your old username while you were using something different, you cannot get it back unless they change it or delete their account.
Do I lose my followers if I change my username?
No. Your followers stay with your account when you change your username. Your follower count, posts, and account history all remain the same — only the username changes. People who follow you will continue to see your posts in their feed regardless of what username you use.