You cannot take a username that belongs to an active account, but Instagram has a process to claim one from inactive accounts
If the account holding the username you want has not posted in over a year and has no followers, you can request that Instagram release it. Instagram does not auction usernames or let you buy them from other users. The only path forward is to ask Meta (Instagram's parent company) to deactivate the inactive account so the username becomes available. This works roughly half the time, depending on whether the account truly meets Instagram's inactivity threshold.
If the account is active—even if it has just one post from three years ago—Instagram will not release the username. Your other options are to choose a different username, contact the account owner directly to ask if they will change theirs, or wait to see if they eventually abandon the account.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram only releases usernames from accounts that have been inactive for at least a year with no followers, and you must request this through their official form.
- An account counts as active if it has any followers at all, even if the last post was years ago.
- You cannot buy, trade, or negotiate for a username directly with Instagram or with the account owner through Instagram's system.
- The request process takes several weeks, and Instagram may deny your request if the account does not meet their inactivity criteria.
- If the account owner is reachable, asking them directly to change their username is often faster than waiting for Instagram to act.
How to submit a username release request to Instagram
Go to Instagram's Help Center and search for "Request a Username." You will find a form titled "Report a Squatted Username" or similar language depending on your region. Fill in the username you want, explain why you need it, and provide your own Instagram handle or email address so Meta can contact you.
Instagram asks you to describe why the username matters to you. Saying "I want it for my business" or "I had it first" does not change their decision—they only care whether the account holding it is truly inactive. Do not claim the account is fake or spam unless you have evidence; Instagram investigates these claims and can penalize you for false reports.
After you submit, expect to wait two to four weeks. Instagram may respond by email or through a notification on your account. If they approve your request, the inactive account will be deactivated and the username will become available within a few days. You can then claim it by changing your own username in your account settings.
What "inactive" actually means according to Instagram
Instagram's official definition is an account with no posts, no followers, and no activity for at least one year. In practice, this is stricter than it sounds. An account with even a single follower does not may have access to, even if that follower is a bot or a test account. An account with one post from five years ago and zero followers may still be denied if Instagram's systems detect any login activity in the past year.
You cannot see another account's login history, so you cannot know for certain whether a dormant-looking account will be approved. This is why many requests are denied—the account owner may log in once every few months without posting, which keeps the account active in Instagram's system.
Contacting the account owner directly
If the account has a bio with a website, email, or other contact method, you can reach out and ask the owner to change their username. Keep your message brief and honest: explain that you would like the username for your business or personal brand, and ask if they would consider changing theirs.
Many inactive accounts are held by people who straightforward do not use Instagram anymore and do not care which username they have. Some will change it for free if you ask politely. Others may ask for money, which Instagram's terms of service prohibit but which happens anyway—this is a risk you take if you go this route.
Do not threaten, harass, or impersonate anyone. Instagram takes harassment seriously and may suspend your account if the owner reports you.
Why you should not buy usernames from third-party sites
Several websites claim to broker Instagram username sales or to hack inactive accounts and release usernames. None of these are legitimate. Instagram does not partner with any third-party service to transfer usernames, and any site asking you to pay for a username is either a scam or is offering to do something that violates Instagram's terms of service.
If you pay one of these services, you will lose your money. If the service actually does change the username (by hacking the account or using stolen credentials), Instagram will reverse the change and may suspend both your account and the account that was compromised. You could also face legal liability for participating in account theft.
Alternatives if the username is not available
If the account is active or if Instagram denies your request, consider these options: add a period, underscore, or number to your desired username (for example, @yourname.official or @yourname_co). Many businesses use a slight variation and build their brand around it. You can also use a completely different username and put your preferred name in your bio or display name, which is what people see first.
Another option is to wait. If the account owner truly abandons Instagram, the account may eventually be deleted by Instagram's cleanup process, though this can take years. You can check back every few months and submit a new request if the account still appears inactive.
What happens after Instagram approves your request
Once Instagram confirms that the username is being released, you have a limited window—usually a few days—to claim it before it becomes available to anyone else. Go to your account settings, tap "Edit Profile," and change your username to the one you requested. The change takes effect when ready.
After you claim the username, the old account will remain deactivated. The account owner cannot reactivate it and reclaim the username. If they want to use Instagram again, they will need to create a new account with a different username.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay Instagram to release a username?
No. Instagram does not sell usernames, and Meta employees cannot be bribed or negotiated with. The only way to get an inactive username is through the official request form, and the decision is based solely on whether the account meets their inactivity criteria.
How long does it take to hear back from Instagram?
Most requests are answered within two to four weeks. Some take longer if Instagram needs to investigate whether the account is truly inactive. You may not receive a response at all if your request is denied; check your email and your Instagram notifications regularly.
What if the account owner logs in after I request the username?
If the account becomes active again before Instagram processes your request, your request will be denied. Instagram checks activity status at the time they review your submission, not at the time you submit it.
Can I request multiple usernames at once?
You can submit multiple requests, but Instagram may rate-limit you if you submit too many in a short time. Submit one or two requests and wait for a response before submitting more.
What if someone is using my name or business name without permission?
If the account is impersonating you or your business, use Instagram's impersonation report form instead of the username release form. This is a faster process and has different criteria. Go to the account, tap the three dots, and select "Report Account," then choose "It's pretending to be me or someone else."