Yes, you can change your Instagram handle whenever you want
You can change your Instagram handle (also called your username) as many times as you want, and Instagram does not charge you or limit how often you do it. The process takes about two minutes and happens when ready. Your old handle becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it, so if you want to keep using it later, you will need to switch back to it before you log out.
The change affects how people find and mention you going forward. Anyone who follows you will still see your account — Instagram does not unfollow people when you change your handle. However, links to your old profile will stop working, and any direct messages or tags using your old handle will not automatically redirect to your new one.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Instagram handle from the Edit Profile section in your account settings, and the change takes effect when ready.
- Your old handle becomes available for others to use as soon as you change it, so claim it again if you think you might want it back.
- People who follow you will keep following you after you change your handle, but old links to your profile will no longer work.
- Instagram allows you to change your handle as often as you want with no waiting period between changes.
Steps to change your handle on the Instagram app
Open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right, then tap Settings and privacy. Scroll down and tap Account, then tap Username.
Delete your current username and type in the new one you want. Instagram will show you a checkmark if the handle is available or a message if someone else is already using it. Once you see the checkmark, tap Done (on iPhone) or the back arrow (on Android). Your new handle is now live.
Steps to change your handle on Instagram.com
Go to Instagram.com and log in. Click your profile icon in the bottom left, then click Settings. Click Edit profile in the left menu. Find the Username field near the top of the page.
Clear the current username and type your new one. Instagram will tell you right away if it is taken. When you see that your new handle is available, click Submit at the bottom of the page. The change takes effect when ready.
What happens to your followers and messages
Your followers do not get unfollowed when you change your handle. They will continue to see your posts and stories in their feed, and you will still appear in their follower list. The change is transparent to them — they may not even notice unless they look at your profile.
Direct messages you sent or received do not disappear, but they will show your new handle going forward. If someone tries to visit a link to your old profile (for example, a link they saved or shared), that link will not work anymore. They can still find you by searching your new handle or by going to your follower list.
Things to know before you change your handle
Your old handle becomes available for anyone else to claim as soon as you change it. If you think you might want to use that handle again in the future, change back to it before you close the app. Instagram does not hold old handles for you.
If you have a business account or creator account, changing your handle may affect how people find you through search or through links you have shared elsewhere (like in your website bio or in posts on other platforms). You may want to update those links after you change your handle.
Instagram does not allow you to change your handle to one that is currently in use by another account, even if that account is inactive. If the handle you want is taken, you will need to choose something different.
If you want to use your old handle again
You can switch back to your old handle at any time by going through the same process. Go to your username settings and type in the handle you used before. As long as no one else has claimed it in the meantime, it will be available for you to use again.
If someone else has already taken your old handle, you cannot get it back. Instagram does not reserve old handles for previous users. Your only option would be to contact that person and ask them to change it, but Instagram does not mediate these disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my handle affect my Instagram business account or ads?
Your ads and business account settings stay the same when you change your handle. However, if you have shared links to your profile on your website, in ads, or in other places online, those old links will stop working. You should update any links you control to point to your new handle.
Can I change my handle if I have a verified badge?
Yes, you can change your handle even if you have a verified badge. The badge stays with your account. However, if you change your handle, Instagram may review your account again to make sure it still meets verification standards, though this is rare.
How long does it take for my new handle to show up everywhere?
Your new handle shows up when ready in your profile and in your posts. It may take a few minutes to show up in search results or in other places across Instagram, but the change is live right away in your account settings.
What if the handle I want has numbers or underscores in it?
Instagram allows numbers and underscores in handles. You can use them to create a handle that is available even if the plain version is taken. For example, if "jane_smith" is taken, you could use "jane_smith1" or "jane.smith" instead.
Can I change my handle on Instagram if I am using a third-party app?
No, you must change your handle through the official Instagram app or website. Third-party apps cannot access the settings needed to change your username. Log into Instagram directly to make this change.