You can change both your display name and your username on Instagram, but the rules are different for each

Your display name — the text that appears above your posts and in your profile — can be changed as often as you want with no waiting period. Your username — the handle that comes after @instagram.com/ — can also be changed, but Instagram limits you to one change every 14 days. If you have never changed your username before, you can change it once right away. After that, the 14-day rule applies.

Both changes happen in the same place: your profile settings. The process takes less than a minute, and the change is live when ready. Neither change affects your account security, your followers, or the posts you have already made.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name can be changed unlimited times with no waiting period, but your username is limited to one change every 14 days after your first change.
  • Both changes are made in your profile settings under "Edit profile" and take effect when ready.
  • Changing your username does not affect your followers, your posts, or links to your old profile — Instagram redirects them automatically for 14 days.
  • If someone else takes your old username after the 14-day redirect window closes, you cannot reclaim it.
  • Your display name can include spaces, capital letters, and special characters, but your username can only use letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.

How to change your display name

Open Instagram and go to your profile. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right, then tap "Settings and privacy." Scroll down and tap "Edit profile." The first field shows your current display name. Tap it, delete the old text, type your new name, and tap "Done" or "Save" depending on your device.

You can use spaces, capital letters, numbers, and most special characters in your display name. Instagram does not restrict how often you change it, so you can update it as many times as you want. The change shows up on your profile and in your comments and posts within seconds.

How to change your username

In the same "Edit profile" screen, look for the "Username" field below your display name. Tap it and type your new username. Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores — no spaces or other special characters. Instagram will tell you when ready if the username is taken or if it breaks the rules.

Once you tap "Done" or "Save," the change is live. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after 14 days. During those 14 days, Instagram automatically redirects anyone who tries to visit your old profile to your new one, so your followers and anyone with a link to your old handle can still find you.

What happens to your old username after you change it

For 14 days after you change your username, Instagram reserves your old handle and redirects traffic to your new profile. This means links to your old username still work, and people who search for your old name will find you under your new one. After 14 days, the old username is released and anyone can claim it.

If someone takes your old username, you cannot get it back — Instagram does not hold usernames for returning users. This is why it is worth thinking through your new username before you change it. If you think you might want to use an old username again later, you can change to a temporary one instead, wait 14 days, then change back to your original.

The 14-day waiting period between username changes

After you change your username, you must wait 14 days before you can change it again. This limit applies to every change after your first one. If you have never changed your username, you can do it once when ready, but the 14-day clock starts as soon as you make that first change.

The timer is strict — Instagram will not let you change your username before 14 days have passed, even if you want to change it back to your previous one. If you make a mistake, you have to wait the full 14 days. Plan your username carefully before you hit save.

Rules for what you can use in a username

Usernames can be 1 to 30 characters long and can only contain letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, periods, and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, and other special characters are not allowed. Instagram will reject your username if it contains banned words or if it is already taken.

Your display name has no character limit and allows spaces, capital letters, numbers, and most special characters — emoji included. This is why many people use a straightforward, straightforward-to-remember username and put their real name or a longer version in the display name field.

What does not change when you update your username

Your followers stay with you — changing your username does not unfollow anyone or cause anyone to unfollow you. All your posts, stories, reels, and saved content remain exactly as they are. Your bio, profile picture, and follower count do not change. Direct messages with other users are not affected.

The only thing that changes is the handle people use to find you and tag you. Old links to your profile redirect for 14 days, and after that, the old username becomes available to someone else. Your account itself is unchanged.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. If you change your username and then want to switch back within 14 days, you can do so after the 14-day waiting period ends. If someone else has taken your old username, you cannot reclaim it.

What if my username is taken?

Instagram will tell you the username is unavailable when you try to save it. You will have to choose a different one. Try adding numbers, periods, or underscores to a variation of the name you want — for example, if "sarah.photo" is taken, you might try "sarah.photo.2024" or "sarah_photo."

Do my followers see my old username after I change it?

No. Your followers see your new username on your profile and in your posts. If they have a link to your old profile, Instagram redirects them to your new one for 14 days. After 14 days, the old link no longer works unless someone else has claimed that username.

Can I change my username on the Instagram app and the website?

Yes. The process is the same on both. Go to your profile, tap or click "Edit profile," find the username field, and make your change. The update syncs across all devices and platforms when ready.

What if I change my display name but not my username?

Your username stays the same and the 14-day waiting period does not explore. You can change your display name as many times as you want without any restrictions. This is useful if you want to keep your handle consistent but update how your name appears on your profile.