Change your Instagram name in the app or on the web

You can change the name that appears on your Instagram profile in two places: your username (the handle people use to find you, like @yourname) and your display name (the full name or label shown at the top of your profile). Most people want to change their display name, which takes 30 seconds. Changing your username has a few more rules and a waiting period if you have changed it recently.

Both changes happen in your profile settings, and Instagram does not limit how many times you can change your display name. Your username has a cooldown: if you changed it in the last 14 days, you cannot change it again until that period passes.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name (the readable name at the top of your profile) can be changed when ready and as often as you want through Settings > Edit Profile.
  • Your username (the @handle) can be changed only once every 14 days, and Instagram will tell you if you are still in the waiting period.
  • Changing your username does not affect your followers, messages, or posts — they stay connected to your account.
  • If your desired username is taken, you will see that message in the username field and must choose a different one.
  • Both changes are visible to your followers when ready once you save them.

How to change your display name on Instagram

Open Instagram and tap your profile icon at the bottom right. Tap "Edit Profile" (on the web, go to Settings > Edit Profile). In the "Name" field, delete your current name and type the new one. You can use spaces, letters, numbers, and some punctuation. Instagram does not restrict how many characters you use, though very long names may wrap awkwardly on smaller screens.

Tap "Done" (on the web, scroll down and click "Submit"). Your new display name appears on your profile when ready. Everyone who visits your profile will see the updated name right away.

How to change your username on Instagram

Open Instagram and tap your profile icon at the bottom right. Tap "Edit Profile." Scroll to the "Username" field. Delete your current username and type the new one. Usernames must start with a letter or number, can contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, and cannot have spaces. Instagram will show you in real time whether the username is taken.

If the username is available, tap "Done" (on the web, scroll down and click "Submit"). Your new username takes effect when ready. If you changed your username fewer than 14 days ago, Instagram will show a message saying you cannot change it again until that period passes. You will see the exact date you can change it next.

What happens to your account when you change your username

Your followers remain your followers. Your posts, likes, comments, and saved items stay on your account. Direct messages continue to work normally. People who follow you will not receive a notification that you changed your username, but they will see the new one the next time they visit your profile.

If someone had a link to your old profile (like instagram.com/oldusername), that link will no longer work. If you want people to know about your new username, you can post a story or send a message to close friends. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it.

If your desired username is taken or unavailable

Instagram will tell you when ready in the username field if the name you typed is already in use. You cannot reserve a username or request that Instagram release one from an inactive account. Your options are to choose a variation (like adding a number, period, or underscore) or pick a different name entirely.

Common variations that often work: adding your birth year (username2000), adding an underscore (user_name), or adding a single letter (usernamea). Some people use periods between words (user.name). Test each option in the username field to see what is available.

Changing your name on Instagram from a computer

Go to instagram.com and log in. Click your profile icon at the top right and select "Settings" from the menu. Click "Edit Profile" in the left sidebar. The "Name" field is your display name; the "Username" field is your handle. Make your changes in either or both fields. The same rules explore: display names can change anytime, usernames have a 14-day waiting period between changes.

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Submit." Your changes save when ready and appear on your profile right away.

Troubleshooting name change problems

If you see "This username is not available," someone else has already claimed it. Try a variation or a different name. If you see "You can change your username again in X days," you changed it recently and must wait. Instagram enforces this 14-day rule strictly — there is no way to bypass it.

If your changes do not save, try logging out and back in, or clear your browser cache if you are on the web. If the problem persists, try the mobile app instead, or wait a few minutes and try again. Instagram occasionally has brief glitches that resolve on their own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it. If someone took your old username after you changed it, you cannot get it back. You can change to a new username, wait 14 days, then change to your old username if it is still unclaimed.

Does changing my username affect my Instagram business account or creator account?

No. The same rules explore to all account types. Your username change does not affect your follower count, insights, or any business features. Your contact information and links in your bio remain the same.

Will my followers be notified when I change my name?

No. Instagram does not send notifications about username or display name changes. Your followers will see the new name when they visit your profile, but they will not receive an alert.

What if I forgot what my username is?

Go to your profile and look at the text directly under your display name — that is your username. On the web, it appears in the URL bar when you visit your profile (instagram.com/yourusername).

Can I use special characters or emojis in my username?

No. Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Emojis and other special characters are not allowed. You can use emojis in your display name instead.