Change your Instagram username from the app or website

You can change your Instagram username — the handle that appears after the @ symbol — directly from your phone or computer. The process takes less than a minute and Instagram does not charge you. You can change it as often as you want, though the site will not let you switch to a username someone else is already using.

The steps are the same whether you use iPhone, Android, or a web browser. You will need to know your current password, and you should check whether the new name you want is already taken before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Open your profile, tap or click the edit button, and change the username field to what you want.
  • Instagram will tell you when ready if the username is taken or contains characters it does not allow.
  • You can change your username back to a previous one, even if you have used it before.
  • Changing your username does not affect your followers, messages, or posts — only the handle people use to find you.

Steps to change your username on the app

Open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu) at the top right, then tap Settings and privacy.

Tap Account, then tap Username. Delete your current username and type the new one you want. Instagram will show you a checkmark if the name is available or a message if it is taken or contains characters Instagram does not allow (like spaces or most punctuation). Once you see the checkmark, tap Done or Save depending on your phone type.

Steps to change your username on the website

Go to Instagram.com and log in. Click your profile picture at the top right, then click Settings. On the left side, click Edit profile.

Find the Username field, clear it, and type your new username. Instagram will show you whether it is available as you type. Click Submit to save the change.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, Instagram releases your old one back into the pool. This means someone else can claim it when ready — sometimes within minutes. If you think you might want to use that username again later, you cannot reserve it.

However, you can change your username back to a previous one you have used, even if you switched away from it months or years ago. Instagram does not prevent you from reclaiming old usernames.

What does not change when you switch usernames

Your followers stay with you. Your posts, likes, and comments remain exactly as they were. Your direct messages and message history do not disappear. People who have you saved or bookmarked will still see your profile — the link just updates to your new username.

The only thing that changes is the handle people type to search for you or tag you in posts and comments. If you have shared your old username in your Instagram bio, in other social media profiles, or on a website, you will want to update those links so people can still find you.

Usernames Instagram will not let you use

Instagram blocks usernames that are already taken by another account. It also will not allow spaces, most punctuation marks, or consecutive periods. You can use letters, numbers, underscores, and single periods — for example, sarah.okafor_2024 is allowed, but sarah okafor or sarah..okafor is not.

If you see an error message when you try to save a username, check that it does not contain spaces or double punctuation. If the username contains only allowed characters and you still cannot use it, someone else owns that account.

If you want to change your display name instead

Your display name is different from your username. The display name is the full name or title that appears at the top of your profile — for example, "Sarah Okafor" or "Sarah's Photography". You can change this without affecting your username at all.

To change your display name, go to Settings and privacy > Account > Edit profile (on the app) or Edit profile (on the website). Find the Name field and type what you want. You can use spaces, punctuation, and emoji in your display name. Instagram allows you to change it as often as you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username if I have a business account?

Yes. Business accounts follow the same rules as personal accounts. Go to Settings and privacy > Account > Username and change it the same way. Your followers, posts, and messages do not change.

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

Instagram does not remove inactive accounts or free up their usernames. If someone owns the account — even if they have not posted in years — you cannot use that username. You will need to choose a different one.

How long does it take for the change to show up?

The change is when ready. As soon as you tap Done or Submit, your new username is live. People can search for you by the new name right away, and the old name becomes available for someone else to claim.

Can I change my username on Instagram if I forgot my password?

No. You need to log in to change your username. If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen to reset it through your email or phone number, then log back in and change your username.

Will changing my username affect my Instagram business or brand?

Your followers and content stay with you, but people who know your old username will not find you unless you tell them the new one. If your username is linked on your website, business cards, or other social media, update those places so customers and followers can still locate you.