Check if the username is available before you try to claim it
The fastest way to know whether an Instagram username is taken is to search for it directly in the app. Open Instagram, tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom, and type the username into the search bar. If a profile appears, that username is already claimed. If nothing comes up, the username may be available — but this does not may provide you can claim it.
A username can fail to appear in search results for two reasons: it is genuinely unclaimed, or the account holding it is private or inactive. Instagram does not release inactive usernames automatically, even if the account has not posted in years. The account owner still owns it unless they delete the account themselves.
If the search shows no results and you want to move forward, try to claim the username by starting a new account. Go to sign up, enter your email or phone number, and when Instagram asks for a username, type the one you want. If Instagram accepts it, the username is yours. If you get an error message saying the username is taken or unavailable, someone else owns it or it violates Instagram's rules.
Key Takeaways
- Search the username in Instagram's search bar to see if an account with that name exists; no results does not always mean it is available.
- The only way to know for certain whether you can claim a username is to try to create an account with it and see whether Instagram accepts or rejects it.
- If the username is taken by an inactive account, Instagram will not release it unless the account owner deletes their account themselves.
- Usernames that contain certain words or patterns may be blocked by Instagram's systems even if no one owns them.
- Once you claim a username, you can change it later from your profile settings, but you can only change it once every 14 days.
Create a new account to claim the username
If the username appears available, the next step is to create an account with it. Go to Instagram.com or open the app and tap "Create new account." Enter your email address or phone number, then create a password. When Instagram asks for a username, type the one you want.
Instagram will tell you when ready whether the username is available. If it is, you will see a green checkmark next to it. If it is taken, you will see a red X and Instagram will suggest alternatives. If you see alternatives suggested, those usernames are available right now — you can use one of them or try a different username of your own.
Once you claim the username, finish setting up the account by adding a profile photo and bio. You do not have to use the account long-term; the username is yours once it is created. You can delete the account later if you want, but the username will be held by Instagram for a grace period before it becomes available again.
Change your username on an existing account
If you already have an Instagram account and want to claim a different username, you can change it from your profile settings. Tap your profile picture at the bottom right, then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select "Settings and privacy." Tap "Account" and then "Username." Type the new username you want and tap "Change username."
Instagram will tell you when ready if the username is available. If it is taken, you will see an error message. If it is available, the change takes effect right away. Keep in mind that you can only change your username once every 14 days, so choose carefully before you confirm the change.
When you change your username, your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a grace period. The exact length of this grace period is not publicly stated, but it typically lasts a few weeks. During this time, your old username is reserved and cannot be claimed by anyone else.
What to do if the username is taken by an inactive account
If the username you want belongs to an account that has not posted in months or years, you cannot claim it through Instagram's normal process. Instagram does not have a public system for reporting inactive accounts or requesting that usernames be released. The account owner retains the username indefinitely unless they choose to delete the account or change their username themselves.
Your only option in this situation is to contact the account owner directly if you can identify them. If the account has a business email or contact information in the bio, you can try reaching out to ask whether they would be willing to change their username or delete the account. Many inactive accounts are held by people who no longer use Instagram and may be willing to help.
If you cannot contact the account owner or they refuse to help, you will need to choose a different username. You can try variations like adding numbers, underscores, or periods to the original username — for example, if "jane" is taken, you might try "jane.smith" or "jane_2024." These variations are often available and can still work well for your profile.
Usernames Instagram blocks or restricts
Some usernames cannot be claimed even if no one owns them. Instagram blocks usernames that contain certain words, phrases, or patterns that violate its community guidelines. These include usernames with slurs, explicit sexual content, or references to illegal activity. Instagram also restricts usernames that impersonate public figures or brands, even if the account does not exist yet.
If you try to claim a username and Instagram rejects it without showing an existing account, the username is likely blocked by Instagram's system rather than claimed by someone else. In this case, you will need to choose a different username. Instagram does not publish a list of blocked usernames, so you will only know a username is blocked when you try to use it.
If you believe a username is blocked incorrectly, you can report it through Instagram's help center, but Instagram rarely reverses these decisions. Your best option is to modify the username slightly — for example, by adding an underscore or number — and try again.
Protect your username once you claim it
Once you have claimed the username you want, take steps to keep it find. Set a strong password that you do not use on other accounts, and enable two-factor authentication. Go to Settings and privacy, tap Security, and turn on two-factor authentication. This makes it much harder for someone to hack your account and change your username without your permission.
If you are claiming a username for a business or brand, consider setting up a business account. Business accounts have additional security features and allow you to add contact information and hours to your profile. You can convert a personal account to a business account at any time from your settings.
If someone else claims the username you want before you do, you cannot get it back through Instagram support. Instagram does not reassign usernames based on who wants them more or who had the idea first. The only way to get a claimed username is if the current owner changes it or deletes their account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reserve a username before I create my account?
No. Instagram does not have a reservation system. The only way to find a username is to create an account with it. Once the account exists, the username is yours unless you delete the account or change the username yourself.
What happens to my old username when I change it?
Your old username enters a grace period where no one else can claim it. This period typically lasts a few weeks, though Instagram does not publish the exact length. After the grace period ends, the username becomes available for anyone to claim.
Can I get a username back if I deleted my account?
Not when ready. When you delete an account, the username enters a grace period before it becomes available again. If you want to reclaim the same username, you will need to wait until this period ends, then create a new account with it. The grace period typically lasts several weeks.
Why does Instagram say a username is unavailable when I cannot find the account?
The account may be private, which means it does not appear in search results. The username could also be blocked by Instagram's system if it violates community guidelines. Try searching for the account by the person's name instead of username, or try a variation of the username you want.
Can I contact Instagram to claim a username someone else is not using?
Instagram does not have a process for reassigning inactive usernames. Support will not intervene in username disputes or force someone to change their username. Your only option is to contact the account owner directly if you can identify them.