You cannot take a username from an active account, but Instagram has a process for usernames tied to inactive or fake accounts
If the account holding the username you want appears abandoned, has no posts, or violates Instagram's rules, you can report it to Instagram and request the username. Instagram does not transfer usernames between active accounts under any circumstances — the person who created the account owns it. But if the account is inactive for a long time, fake, or breaking Instagram's terms, the company may disable it, which frees the username for anyone to claim.
The process is not fast and has no may provide outcome. Instagram receives thousands of these reports daily. Your request may take weeks to be reviewed, and Instagram may decline if the account does not clearly violate policy or is straightforward dormant rather than abandoned.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram will not transfer a username from one active account to another, no matter the reason.
- You can report an account for inactivity, impersonation, or policy violations through Instagram's help center, and request the username as part of that report.
- Accounts that have never posted, use a fake name, or impersonate a real person are more likely to be disabled than accounts that straightforward have not posted recently.
- After Instagram disables an account, the username becomes available for anyone to register within a short window, usually hours or days.
- If the account is active and legitimate, your only option is to choose a different username or contact the account owner directly to negotiate.
Report the account through Instagram's impersonation or fake account form
Go to the account that holds the username you want. Tap the three dots in the top right corner (on mobile) or click the three dots (on desktop), then select Report. Choose the reason that best matches what you see: It's a fake account, It's impersonating someone, or It's spam.
Fill out the form with as much detail as you can. If the account uses a real person's name or photo without permission, say so. If it has never posted anything and the username looks like it was registered and abandoned, mention that. Instagram's reviewers read these descriptions, and specific information makes your report stronger than a generic one.
At the end of the form, many users add a note like "I would like to register this username if the account is removed." Instagram does not may provide it will hold the username for you, but stating your interest on record can help if the account is later disabled.
Check whether the account is impersonating a real person or brand
Impersonation reports move faster than inactivity reports because they violate Instagram's terms directly. If the account uses the name of a celebrity, public figure, or business but is not verified (no blue checkmark), and it has no posts or suspicious posts, Instagram is more likely to act on it.
If you are the person or business being impersonated, you have a stronger case. Go to Instagram's Impersonation Report Form on the Help Center and provide proof of your identity — a government ID, business registration, or verification documents. Instagram prioritizes these reports and often disables the fake account within days.
If you are not the person being impersonated but the account is clearly fake, your report still counts, but it may take longer to review.
Wait for Instagram to review and disable the account
After you submit your report, Instagram's team reviews it. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. You will not receive a notification telling you the outcome — you have to check back on the account yourself to see if it has been disabled.
If the account is disabled, Instagram removes it from search and the username becomes available. You then have a limited window (usually hours to a few days) to register the username on a new account or change your current account's username to it. Move quickly, because other people may be watching the same username.
If your report is denied, Instagram will not tell you why. You can submit another report if you find new evidence that the account violates policy, but submitting multiple reports for the same account without new information is unlikely to change the outcome.
Register the username as soon as it becomes available
Once the account is disabled, the username enters a brief window of availability. On your own account, go to Settings (mobile) or Edit Profile (desktop), tap or click Username, and type the name you want. If it is available, you will see a checkmark. Tap or click Change Username to confirm.
If someone else registers it in the meantime, you will see "That username is not available." This is why speed matters — popular usernames can be claimed within hours of becoming free.
If you do not have an account yet, create one first. Go to Instagram, tap Create new account, and enter the username during setup. You can only claim a newly freed username through an account you control.
Contact the account owner directly if the account is active
If the account has posts, a profile picture, and looks legitimate, Instagram will not disable it just because you want the username. Your only realistic option is to reach out to the owner and ask if they will change their username or sell it to you.
Look for a link in their bio or check if they have posted contact information. Send a direct message explaining who you are and why you want the username. Some people will change their username for a small payment or trade. Others will not respond or will refuse.
Be aware that buying or selling Instagram usernames violates Instagram's terms of service. If you pay someone for a username and they later change it back or Instagram discovers the transaction, your account could be suspended. Most people who negotiate username trades do so informally and accept the risk.
Consider alternative usernames if the original is not available
If the account owner will not negotiate and Instagram will not disable the account, you will need to choose a different username. Many people add numbers, underscores, or abbreviations to their preferred name — for example, john_smith_1 or jsmith_official.
You can change your username on Instagram as often as you want, and other users cannot claim your old username for 14 days after you change it. This gives you time to test a new name and switch back if you want to.
Think about what matters most: the exact username you want, or having an account with a name close to it. Most people will find you through your display name (which can be anything) and profile picture, not your exact username.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take Instagram to respond to a report about a fake account?
Instagram typically reviews reports within a few days to two weeks, though some take longer. There is no way to check the status of your report — you have to revisit the account to see if it has been disabled. If nothing has changed after three weeks, your report was likely denied.
What if the account has the username but the person never uses Instagram?
If the account exists but has no posts and has not logged in for years, it is still an active account that Instagram owns. Inactivity alone is not a reason for Instagram to disable it. Your best option is to report it as fake or spam if it genuinely appears to be abandoned, or contact the owner directly.
Can I pay Instagram to get a username?
No. Instagram does not sell usernames or have a priority system for username requests. The only way to get a username is to register it yourself or wait for an account holding it to be disabled.
What happens if I buy a username from someone and they take it back?
Instagram's terms forbid buying and selling usernames. If you pay for one and the seller changes it back or deletes the account, you have no recourse — you cannot report it to Instagram or demand a refund. You would be pursuing a private dispute with no platform support.
Can I request a username if the account is verified?
A verified account (with a blue checkmark) is almost certainly legitimate and active. Instagram will not disable it based on a report from someone who wants the username. If a verified account is impersonating you or your business, you can file an impersonation report with proof of your identity, but otherwise, the username is not available to you.