You can change your Instagram handle directly in the app or on the website, and it takes about two minutes

Your Instagram handle—the username that appears after the @ symbol—can be changed whenever you want. Instagram doesn't limit how many times you can change it, and the process is the same whether you use the mobile app or a computer. The old handle becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it, so if you want to keep it reserved, you'll need to create a second account with that name.

The steps are identical on iPhone, Android, and desktop, though the menu locations differ slightly. You don't need to contact Instagram support or wait for approval—the change takes effect when ready once you save it.

Key Takeaways

  • Open your profile, tap or click the edit button, and change the username field to your new handle.
  • Your new handle must be between 1 and 30 characters, use only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, and cannot start with a number.
  • The change takes effect right away, and your old handle becomes available for others to use within minutes.
  • Your profile URL, tagged photos, and follower list all update automatically when you change your handle.

How to change your handle on the Instagram app

Open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping the person icon in the bottom right corner. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right, then tap Settings and privacy. Scroll down and tap Account center, then tap Personal information. Tap Username and enter your new handle in the text field.

Instagram will tell you when ready if the name is taken or breaks the rules. Once you enter a valid handle, tap Review at the bottom, then tap Save. The change is live as soon as you save it. You'll see your new username on your profile page within seconds.

How to change your handle on Instagram.com

Go to Instagram.com and log in if you're not already signed in. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Settings. Click Edit profile on the left side. Find the Username field near the top of the page and click inside it to edit.

Delete your current username and type your new one. Instagram checks availability as you type and shows a checkmark if the name is available or an error message if it's taken. Once you see the checkmark, scroll down and click Submit. Your handle changes when ready.

Rules for your new Instagram handle

Your handle must be between 1 and 30 characters long. You can use letters (a–z, A–Z), numbers (0–9), periods (.), and underscores (_). Spaces and special characters like hyphens, commas, or exclamation marks are not allowed. Your handle cannot start with a number—it must begin with a letter or underscore.

Instagram checks these rules automatically when you try to save your new handle. If your choice breaks any rule, you'll see an error message telling you what's wrong. You can try again with a different name right away.

What happens to your old handle

When you change your handle, your old one becomes available for anyone else to claim. If you want to keep that username, you'll need to create a second Instagram account and set its username to your old handle before someone else does. Instagram does not hold old usernames for you.

Your followers, posts, and profile information all stay with your account and your new handle. People who follow you will see your new username on your profile, and any links to your old handle will no longer work. If you've shared your Instagram link on a website or in a bio, you should update those links to use your new handle.

If your desired handle is already taken

Instagram shows you when ready if a handle is taken. You cannot claim a username that belongs to an active account, even if that account hasn't posted in years or appears inactive. Instagram does not release old usernames from inactive accounts.

If the handle you want is taken by a business or public figure, you can try contacting them to see if they'll change it, but Instagram won't force them to. Your other option is to choose a variation—adding a number, underscore, or period to make it unique. For example, if "jane_photography" is taken, you might try "jane_photography_" or "jane.photography".

Troubleshooting a handle change that won't save

If you tap or click Submit and nothing happens, first check that your handle follows the rules: no spaces, no special characters except periods and underscores, and it must start with a letter or underscore. If your handle is correct, try logging out and logging back in, then attempt the change again.

If the problem continues, clear your app cache (on mobile, go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache) or try a different browser on desktop. If you still can't change your handle after these steps, contact Instagram through the app by going to Settings > Help > Report a Problem and describe what's happening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my handle affect my followers or posts?

No. Your followers stay with your account, your posts remain on your profile, and your follower count doesn't change. Everyone who follows you will see your new handle on your profile, and they'll still be able to find you through search.

Can I change my handle back to my old one later?

Only if no one else has claimed it. If you change your handle and someone else takes your old one, you cannot get it back. If you think you might want your old handle again, create a second account and reserve it before changing your main account's handle.

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

Your new handle appears on your profile when ready. It may take a few minutes to update in search results and in other people's tagged photos, but the change is live right away on your own account.

Can I use special characters like hyphens or emojis in my handle?

No. Instagram only allows letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Hyphens, spaces, emojis, and other special characters will cause an error when you try to save.

What if Instagram says my handle is "reserved"?

Instagram reserves certain handles for its own use or for accounts it has disabled. You cannot claim a reserved handle. Try a different variation of the name you want.