You cannot transfer a username to another person, but you can change your own username or release it for someone else to claim
Instagram usernames belong to the account that created them. If you want someone else to have your username, the only way is to change your own username first — which makes your old one available — and then that person can claim it. You cannot hand it over directly, and Instagram does not process username transfers between accounts.
The process takes minutes on your end, but the timing of when someone else can grab your old username depends on whether your account stays active. If you delete your account entirely, your username enters a holding period before it becomes claimable by others. If you straightforward change your username to something new, the old one is usually available when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Changing your Instagram username takes two minutes through Settings, and your old username becomes available for others to claim right away.
- If you delete your entire account, Instagram holds your username for 30 days before anyone else can use it.
- You can change your username back to a previous one you used, as long as no one else claimed it in the meantime.
- Changing your username does not affect your followers, messages, posts, or any other account data — only the handle changes.
- If someone else claims your old username before you can reclaim it, you cannot get it back unless they voluntarily change theirs.
How to change your username on Instagram
Open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right, then tap Settings and privacy. Scroll down and tap Account, then tap Username. Type your new username in the text field. Instagram will tell you when ready if the name is taken or if it breaks their rules (usernames cannot contain certain characters or be only numbers). Once you see a green checkmark or "Username available", tap Change username to confirm.
The whole process takes about two minutes. Your new username is active when ready, and your old one becomes available for anyone to claim when ready after. Your followers, direct messages, posts, and follower count all stay exactly the same — only the handle changes.
On a computer, log into Instagram.com, click your profile picture in the top right, click Settings, click Edit profile, and change the username field. The steps are the same and the change is when ready.
What happens to your old username after you change it
Once you change your username, your old one enters a public pool. Anyone can search for it and claim it when ready — there is no waiting period or reservation for you. If you think you might want it back later, you need to act fast. The moment someone else claims it, you lose the right to use it unless they voluntarily release it.
This is different from deleting your account. If you delete your entire Instagram account rather than just changing your username, Instagram holds your username for 30 days. During that month, no one else can use it. After 30 days, it becomes available to the public. This holding period exists to give you time to change your mind and reactivate your account, which restores your username.
If you deactivate your account (which is different from deletion), your username is also held, but only for as long as your account remains deactivated. The moment you reactivate, your username is yours again.
Reclaiming a username you used before
You can change your username back to one you used in the past, but only if no one else has claimed it. Go through the same process — Settings, Account, Username — and type in your old handle. If it shows "Username available", you can use it. If it shows "Username taken", someone else owns it now.
There is no official way to request a username back from someone else. Your only options are to ask them directly (if you know who they are) to change their username, or to accept that the name is gone. Instagram does not intervene in username disputes between users unless the account violates their terms of service.
Protecting a username you want to keep
If you have a username you value — whether it is your real name, a brand, or something you have built recognition around — do not change it unless you have a specific reason. Once you change it, you cannot may provide you will get it back.
If you want to use a different username but keep your current one as a backup, you cannot do that on a single account. Instagram allows only one username per account. However, you can create a second account and claim your old username there if it becomes available. Some people do this to protect a brand name or personal name they might want to use later.
If someone else is using a username that you believe is your brand or identity, you can report the account to Instagram through their impersonation reporting tool. Go to the account, tap the three dots, and select Report. Choose It's pretending to be me or someone else. Instagram reviews these reports, but they do not automatically transfer usernames — they may only remove the account if it violates their rules.
Why Instagram does not allow direct username transfers
Instagram's policy prevents direct transfers because it protects against fraud and account takeovers. If usernames could be handed from one account to another, scammers could pose as legitimate accounts, buy a username from someone, and impersonate a business or public figure. The current system — where you must change your own username and release the old one — creates a clear record of who owned what and when.
It also prevents disputes. If two people claimed they owned a username and one tried to "transfer" it to the other, Instagram would have no way to verify who actually had the right to it. By requiring each person to control their own account, Instagram avoids these conflicts.
What does not change when you update your username
Your profile URL changes, but everything else stays the same. Your bio, profile picture, follower count, following list, all your posts, your stories, your direct messages, and your saved posts all remain exactly as they were. People who follow you will still see you in their feed — they will not be unfollowed. If someone has a direct link to one of your posts, that link still works.
The only thing that breaks is if someone bookmarked your profile page using your old username in the URL. They would need to find you again using your new username or by searching your name. Most people follow accounts rather than bookmark URLs, so this rarely causes problems in practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reserve a username so no one else can take it?
No. Instagram does not have a reservation system. Once you change your username, the old one is available when ready. If you want to protect a name, you must either keep using it or create a second account and claim the name there before someone else does.
What if I change my username and then want to change it back the next day?
You can change it back if no one else has claimed it yet. Go to Settings, Account, Username and type your old name. If it shows available, you can use it. If someone else claimed it in the meantime, you cannot get it back.
Does changing my username affect my Instagram business account or creator account?
No. The process is identical whether you have a personal, business, or creator account. Your account type, verification badge (if you have one), and all linked features stay the same. Only the username changes.
If I delete my account, can I get my username back after the 30-day hold?
Only if you reactivate your account within 30 days. After 30 days, your account is permanently deleted and your username enters the public pool. You cannot recover it after that point.
Can Instagram help me get a username back if someone else took it?
Only if the account using it is impersonating you or violating Instagram's terms of service. You can report the account, but Instagram does not transfer usernames between users. If the account is legitimate, Instagram will not remove it or give you the username.