Where to find the name change setting on Instagram

Open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Then tap the three horizontal lines (the menu) in the top right. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Account. Look for Name — that is where you edit what appears on your profile.

The name field is separate from your username. Your name is what shows at the top of your profile and in search results; your username is the handle people use to tag you or find your account directly. You can change your name as often as you want, but Instagram limits username changes to once every 14 days.

Key Takeaways

  • Your name and username are two different things — the name field is under Settings and privacy > Account > Name.
  • You can change your display name whenever you want, but changing your username is limited to once every 14 days.
  • Instagram does not require your legal name; you can use any text that fits in the name field.
  • Changes take effect when ready across your profile and in search results.

What you can and cannot put in the name field

Instagram allows up to 30 characters in the name field, including spaces and punctuation. You do not have to use your real name — you can use a nickname, a business name, a brand name, or any combination of letters and symbols that fits. Many creators use stage names, initials, or branded versions of their names.

The only restriction is that Instagram removes accounts that repeatedly change their name to evade bans or impersonate others. If you are changing your name legitimately — to rebrand, use a nickname, or correct a typo — you will not run into problems. Instagram does not flag or limit single name changes.

Changing your username instead of your name

If you want to change the handle people use to find you (the @username), go to Settings and privacy > Account > Username. You can change this once every 14 days. When you change your username, your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim after 30 days, so move quickly if you want to reclaim it later.

Your old username does not redirect to your new one. Anyone who had you bookmarked or saved under your old handle will need to search for your new username to find you. For this reason, many creators announce a username change on their Stories or in their bio before making the switch.

How the change appears to other people

When you change your name, it updates when ready everywhere on Instagram. Your followers see the new name on your profile, in their feeds when you like or comment on posts, and in search results. If someone has you saved or bookmarked, they will see your new name the next time they open Instagram.

The change does not affect your follower count, your posts, your messages, or any of your account history. People who follow you will still follow you under your new name. Your old posts will still be there with the same captions and comments.

Fixing a typo or correcting your name

If you made a typo when you first set up your account or want to correct the spelling of your name, use the same path: Settings and privacy > Account > Name. Delete the current text and type the correct version. There is no limit on how many times you can do this, so you can fix it right away.

If you changed your username by mistake and want your old one back, you have 30 days to reclaim it before someone else can take it. Go to Settings and privacy > Account > Username and change it back to the original. After 30 days, the old username is open to the public.

What happens if Instagram rejects your name change

Instagram rarely rejects a name change, but it will block you if the name violates community guidelines — for example, if it contains hate speech, sexual content, or spam. If your change is rejected, Instagram shows an error message explaining why. You can then edit the name to remove the problematic content and try again.

If you are locked out of changing your name repeatedly, it may mean your account has been flagged for other violations. In that case, contact Instagram through Settings and privacy > Help > Report a problem and describe what happened. Instagram support can review your account and let you know what is blocking the change.

Changing your name on Instagram Business or Creator accounts

The process is identical on Business and Creator accounts. Go to Settings and privacy > Account > Name and edit the field the same way. Business accounts also have a separate Category field where you can list what your business does (for example, "Coffee Shop" or "Fitness Coach"), but that is optional and does not affect your display name.

If you run multiple Instagram accounts, you will need to log into each one separately and change the name on each profile individually. Instagram does not sync names across accounts, even if they are linked to the same email address.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Go back to Settings and privacy > Account > Name and type your old name. There is no limit on how many times you can change your name, so you can switch back and forth as often as you want. The change takes effect when ready.

Does changing my name affect my followers or my posts?

No. Your follower count stays the same, all your posts remain on your profile, and everyone who follows you continues to follow you under your new name. The change is cosmetic — it only affects what your name displays as.

What if someone else took the username I want?

If your old username is taken, you cannot reclaim it. You will need to choose a different username. Usernames are first-come, first-served. If you want to change your username back, do it within 30 days of changing it away, before the old one opens up to others.

Can I use special characters or emojis in my name?

You can use most punctuation and symbols, but emojis may not display correctly depending on your device and Instagram's current settings. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens, underscores, and periods if you want your name to look the same on every device.

Is there a way to change my name on Instagram from my phone's web browser?

Yes. Open Instagram.com in your phone's browser, log in, and go to Settings and privacy > Account > Name. The process is the same as on the app. You can also change your name on a computer by visiting Instagram.com, logging in, and following the same path.