You can change your Instagram username whenever you want, but there are limits on how often and what names you can pick

Instagram lets you change the name that appears on your profile (your display name) as many times as you want with no waiting period. You can also change your username — the handle people use to find you — but Instagram limits you to one change every 14 days. If you try to change it more often, you'll see an error message telling you to wait. Both changes happen in your account settings and take effect when ready.

The main thing to know before you start: changing your username doesn't automatically update it everywhere. If you've shared your old handle in your Instagram bio, email signature, or on other social media, you'll need to update those yourself. Anyone who follows you will still be able to find you, but links to your old username will stop working after a few days.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name (the readable name on your profile) can change as often as you want, but your username (your handle) is limited to one change per 14 days.
  • Changing your username doesn't update it automatically on your website, email, or other social media — you have to do that yourself.
  • Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a few days, so if you want it back later, grab it quickly or you may lose it.
  • Links to your old username stop working, so anyone who clicks an old link or tries to visit your profile by typing the old handle will get a "user not found" message.
  • You cannot change your username to one that's already taken, and Instagram blocks usernames that violate its community guidelines.

How to change your display name

Your display name is the readable text that shows at the top of your profile — it's separate from your username. Open Instagram, tap your profile icon at the bottom right, then tap "Edit profile." The first field is your name. Type whatever you want (you can use spaces, capital letters, and special characters), then tap "Done" or "Save." The change happens right away.

You can change this as often as you want with no restrictions. Instagram doesn't count it against your 14-day username limit because they're two different things.

How to change your username

Your username is the handle people search for — the one that starts with @. Go to your profile, tap "Edit profile," and scroll down to find the "Username" field. Tap it and type the new handle you want. Instagram will tell you right away if the name is taken or breaks their rules. If it's available, tap "Done" or "Save" and the change takes effect when ready.

Remember: you can only do this once every 14 days. If you try to change it again before 14 days have passed, Instagram will show you a message saying when you'll be able to change it next. The timer starts from the date of your last change, not from when you tried and failed.

What happens to your old username

After you change your username, the old one doesn't disappear right away. Instagram holds it for a few days (usually three to five) before releasing it back into the pool of available names. During that time, no one else can claim it, but it's also not connected to your account anymore. If you change your mind and want your old handle back, you have a small window to reclaim it — but after those few days, anyone can take it.

This is why it's important to update your old username anywhere you've shared it publicly. If you had your Instagram handle in your website bio or email signature, change those links to your new username before someone else claims the old one.

Links and mentions with your old username

If someone shared a link to your profile using your old username, that link will stop working after Instagram releases the old handle. The person clicking it will see a "user not found" message. Direct links to your profile (the ones that use your user ID number instead of your username) will still work, but most people share the username version because it's easier to remember.

If you've been tagged in photos or mentioned in captions using your old username, those tags and mentions won't automatically update. The text will still say your old handle, but clicking it won't lead anywhere. You can ask people to re-tag or re-mention you with your new username if it's important.

Usernames Instagram won't let you use

Instagram blocks certain usernames for a few reasons. You can't use a name that's already taken by another account. You also can't use a name that's too similar to an existing one — Instagram's system flags handles that look like they're impersonating someone else, especially if the account is verified or well-known. Names that include slurs, hate speech, or other content that violates Instagram's community guidelines will be rejected, and you'll see a message saying the username isn't available.

If you're trying to claim a username that's close to a celebrity or brand name, Instagram may block it even if the exact name isn't taken. There's no appeal process for this — you'll just have to pick a different name.

If you can't change your username yet

The most common reason you can't change your username is that you've already changed it within the last 14 days. Instagram will show you exactly when you'll be able to change it again. If you see a different error message — like "username not available" or "username violates our community guidelines" — the problem is with the name you picked, not with your account. Try a different username.

If you're locked out of your account or can't access your settings at all, that's a separate issue. Make sure you're logged in, and try closing and reopening the Instagram app. If the problem continues, you may need to reset your password or contact Instagram's support team through the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my old username back if someone else takes it?

Not directly. Once someone else claims your old username, Instagram won't remove it from their account to give it back to you. Your best option is to reach out to that person and ask them to change it, but they have no obligation to do so. This is why it's important to reclaim your old username during the few days after you change it, if you think you might want it back.

Does changing my username affect my followers or messages?

No. Your followers stay with you, and your direct messages don't change. People who follow you will still see your new username on their feed and in their follower list. Anyone who has messaged you can still find the conversation — it won't disappear or get disconnected.

What if the username I want is taken but the account looks inactive?

Instagram doesn't transfer inactive usernames to new users. If an account hasn't been active in years, the username is still tied to that account and you can't claim it. You can report the account if it violates Instagram's rules (like if it's impersonating someone), but that's a separate process and doesn't may provide you'll get the username.

Can I change my username on the Instagram website instead of the app?

Yes. Go to instagram.com, log in, click your profile picture, select "Edit profile," and you'll see the same username field. The process is identical and the 14-day limit applies the same way.

Will my Instagram handle change if I change my email address?

No. Your email address and your username are separate. Changing one doesn't affect the other. Your username stays the same unless you manually change it in your settings.