Where to find the name change setting on Instagram

Your Instagram display name lives in your profile settings, separate from your username. The display name is what appears above your posts and in your bio — the username is the handle people use to tag you or search for you. You can change your display name whenever you want, but usernames have restrictions and cooldown periods.

On the mobile app, tap your profile icon in the bottom right, then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner. Select Settings and privacy, then Account. Look for the field labeled Name — this is your display name. On a computer, go to instagram.com, click your profile picture in the top right, select Settings, then Edit profile. The name field is at the top of the form.

Instagram allows up to 30 characters in your display name, including spaces and punctuation. You can use letters, numbers, symbols, and emoji. There is no waiting period between display name changes — you can update it as often as you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name (what shows on your profile) is different from your username (your @handle), and each has different rules.
  • Display names can be changed when ready and as often as you want, with no cooldown period.
  • Usernames can only be changed once every 14 days and must be between 3 and 30 characters with no spaces.
  • On mobile, go to Settings and privacy > Account > Name; on desktop, go to Settings > Edit profile.
  • If you want to change your @username, you will see a separate option in the same settings area.

Changing your username instead of your display name

If you want to change your @handle (your username), the process is similar but the rules are stricter. Your username must be between 3 and 30 characters, contain only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, and cannot have spaces. You can only change it once every 14 days.

In the same settings area where you found your display name, look for a field labeled Username. Type in the new handle you want. Instagram will tell you when ready if the name is taken or breaks the character rules. If it is available, save the change. The old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it.

The 14-day waiting period starts the moment you save the change, not when you try to change it again. If you change your username on day one, you cannot change it again until day 15. This rule applies even if you change it back to your original name.

What happens to your old name when you change it

When you change your display name, nothing happens to your account — people who follow you will see the new name when ready, and old posts still show your account as the author. Your followers do not need to re-follow you, and links to your profile stay active.

If you change your username, the old @handle becomes available for someone else to register. This means a different person could claim your old username and impersonate you or use it for spam. For this reason, many people change their username, wait 14 days, then change it back to reserve it again — though this is not foolproof if someone claims it in between.

Direct messages and tagged photos are not affected by either change. People can still find your account by searching your new name or username, though search results may take a few hours to update.

Troubleshooting name changes that will not save

If you try to change your name and the save button does not work, the most common reason is that Instagram thinks you have changed it too recently. Even though display names have no official cooldown, Instagram sometimes enforces a hidden delay if you change it multiple times in a short window. Wait a few hours and try again.

If the username you want is taken, Instagram will show a message saying so. You cannot reserve a username by changing to it temporarily — once you change away from it, it is gone. If you want to keep your current username safe, do not change it unless you are ready to keep the new one.

Make sure you are using the official Instagram app or website. Third-party apps that claim to change your name may be scams or may violate Instagram's terms of service. Stick to instagram.com or the app from Apple's App Store or Google Play.

Why Instagram separates display names and usernames

Instagram uses two different name fields because they serve different purposes. Your display name is for readability — you can use spaces, emoji, and special characters to make it look the way you want. Your username is a technical identifier that people type to find you, so it has stricter rules and is harder to change.

This separation also protects against impersonation. If someone changes their display name to match yours, their username will still be different, so people searching for you will find your real account first. The username is the permanent part of your identity on the platform.

Changing your name on a business or creator account

Business and creator accounts follow the same name-change rules as regular accounts. You can change your display name when ready and your username once every 14 days. The settings are in the same place — Settings and privacy > Account > Name or Username.

If you have a verified account (with a blue checkmark), changing your name does not affect your verification status. The verification is tied to your account, not to the name itself. However, if you change your username significantly, Instagram may review your account to make sure the new name matches the person or business you claim to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. Once you change your username, it becomes available for anyone to register. If you want to keep your old username, you must wait 14 days and change back before someone else takes it. There is no way to reserve a username you no longer use.

Does changing my name affect my followers or my posts?

No. Your followers stay with you, your posts stay on your account, and all your content history remains intact. People who follow you will see your new name the next time they open Instagram, but they do not have to do anything on their end.

What if I want to use a name that is already taken?

You cannot use a username that someone else has registered. If the display name is taken, you can still use it because display names do not have to be unique — multiple people can have the same display name. Only usernames must be unique.

How long does it take for my new name to show up everywhere on Instagram?

Display name changes show up when ready on your profile and in your posts. Username changes may take a few hours to update in search results and tag suggestions, but your account is accessible under the new username right away.

Can I change my name on Instagram if my account is restricted or suspended?

If your account is restricted, you can still change your name. If your account is suspended, you cannot access any settings until the suspension is lifted. Contact Instagram's support if you believe your account was suspended by mistake.