Change Your Instagram Display Name in Three Steps

You can change the name that appears on your Instagram profile in about two minutes using the app or website. This is the name your followers see above your username — it is separate from your @username handle, which has stricter rules. Instagram lets you change your display name as often as you want, and the change takes effect when ready across all your posts, comments, and profile.

The process is the same whether you use the mobile app or a web browser. You go to your profile, tap or click Edit Profile, find the Name field, type your new name, and save. There is no waiting period and no approval process — the change is live right away.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name (the text above your @username) can be changed when ready from your profile settings without any approval or waiting.
  • Display names can be up to 30 characters and can include spaces, numbers, and most symbols, unlike your @username.
  • Changing your display name does not change your @username or affect your followers, messages, or posts in any way.
  • You can change your display name back to what it was before, or to something completely different, at any time.

Steps to Change Your Name on Mobile

Open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping the person icon in the bottom right corner. Tap Edit Profile near the top of the screen, just below your profile picture. You will see a field labeled Name at the top of the Edit Profile page — this is your display name.

Tap the Name field and delete the text that is there. Type your new name, which can be up to 30 characters long. You can use spaces, numbers, periods, hyphens, and underscores. When you are done typing, scroll down and tap Done (on iPhone) or tap the back arrow (on Android). Your new name appears on your profile when ready.

Steps to Change Your Name on a Computer

Go to instagram.com and log in if you are not already signed in. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Edit Profile from the menu. The Name field appears near the top of the page, below your profile picture and username.

Click in the Name field and clear the existing text. Type your new name — up to 30 characters, including spaces and symbols. Click Submit when you are finished. The change takes effect when ready, and your new name will appear on your profile and in all your comments and posts.

What You Can and Cannot Change

Your display name is different from your @username. The display name is what people see at the top of your profile and next to your comments. You can change it as many times as you want, to almost anything you want. The @username is the handle people use to tag you or search for you — it has stricter rules and cannot be changed more than once every 14 days.

Display names can include spaces, numbers, periods, hyphens, underscores, and most special characters. Instagram does not allow names that impersonate other people or violate their community guidelines. If you try to save a name that breaks these rules, Instagram will show an error message and ask you to choose something different.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not confuse your display name with your @username. Many people think changing the display name will change their handle, but it does not. If you want to change your @username, go to Edit Profile, scroll down to Username, and follow the same steps — but remember you can only change your username once every 14 days.

Do not use a display name that is someone else's real name or brand name if you are not that person. Instagram removes accounts that impersonate others, even if you change the name later. If you are changing your name because you got married, changed your legal name, or go by a nickname, you are fine — just use a name that is actually yours or that you actually go by.

What Happens After You Change Your Name

Your followers see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see your posts. Old posts and comments you made before the change still show your new name — Instagram does not keep a history of old display names visible to other people. Your follower count, likes, and all your content stay exactly the same.

People who have you saved as a contact in their phone will still see your old name in their direct messages until they refresh the conversation or close and reopen the app. This usually updates within a few minutes. Changing your display name does not affect your direct messages, saved posts, or any other part of your account.

If You Want to Change Your @Username Instead

If you want to change the @handle people use to tag you, that is a different process. Go to Edit Profile, scroll down to Username, and tap or click the field. Type your new @username — it must be between 1 and 30 characters, with no spaces, and can only include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Click Submit or Done when you are finished.

You can only change your @username once every 14 days. If you try to change it more often, Instagram will show a message telling you when you can change it again. Your old @username becomes available for someone else to use after you change it, so choose carefully if you have built a following under that handle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use special characters or emojis in my display name?

You can use most special characters like periods, hyphens, and underscores in your display name. Emojis usually work, though Instagram sometimes removes accounts that use them excessively or in ways that look like spam. Stick to one or two emojis if you want to use them, and avoid using only emojis as your name.

Will changing my name affect my followers or messages?

No. Your follower count, direct messages, and all your posts stay the same. Your followers will see your new name the next time they visit your profile, but nothing else changes. People who have messaged you will see your new name in the conversation after they refresh.

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

Your new display name appears on your profile when ready. It shows up in other people's feeds and comments within a few seconds to a few minutes. If someone has your profile open when you change your name, they may need to refresh the page to see the update.

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

Yes. You can change your display name back to your old name, or to any other name, at any time. There is no limit to how many times you can change your display name. Just go back to Edit Profile and type in whatever name you want.

What if Instagram says my name violates community guidelines?

Instagram will show an error message if your chosen name breaks their rules — usually because it impersonates someone else or contains hateful content. Choose a different name and try again. If you believe your name should be allowed, you can contact Instagram support, but they rarely overturn these decisions.