Change your Instagram username from the app or website in under a minute

You can change your Instagram username (the handle that appears as @yourname) directly from your phone or computer. Open Instagram, go to your profile, tap or click "Edit profile," find the username field, type your new handle, and save. Instagram checks when ready whether the name is available. The whole process takes less than a minute, and you can change it again whenever you want—there's no waiting period or limit on how many times you switch.

Your username is different from your display name. The display name is what appears above your posts and in search results; the username is the @handle people use to tag you or visit your profile directly. You can change both separately, and changing one doesn't affect the other.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to your profile, tap "Edit profile," and change the username field directly—no special permission or waiting period required.
  • Instagram shows you when ready whether a username is taken, so you'll know right away if you need to pick something else.
  • Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim as soon as you change it, so choose your new one before you save.
  • Changing your username does not affect your followers, messages, posts, or any other account data.
  • You can change your display name (the readable name above your posts) separately from your username (@handle) in the same menu.

Steps to change your username on iPhone or Android

Open the Instagram app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap "Edit profile" (it appears near the top of your profile page). Scroll to the "Username" field—it's the one that starts with @. Tap the field, delete your current username, and type the new one you want.

As you type, Instagram checks whether the name is available. If it's taken, you'll see a red X and the message "Sorry, that username isn't available." If it's free, you'll see a green checkmark. Once you see the checkmark, tap "Done" or the back arrow to save your change. Your new username is live when ready.

Steps to change your username on a computer or web browser

Go to Instagram.com and log in. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Edit profile" from the menu. Find the "Username" field and click it. Delete your current username and type your new one. Instagram will show you a green checkmark if it's available or a red X if it's taken.

Once you see the checkmark, scroll down and click "Submit" to save the change. Your new username takes effect when ready across all devices.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one becomes available for anyone else to claim. If you think you might want it back later, you cannot reserve it—someone else can take it as soon as you change away from it. Choose your new username carefully before you save, because you'll have to wait if you want to reclaim the old one and it's already been taken by another account.

All your followers, posts, messages, and account history stay exactly the same. People who follow you will still see your account; they just need to search for or visit your new username to find you. If you've shared your old username in your bio, email signature, or elsewhere online, you'll need to update those links yourself.

Choosing a username that won't get taken

Instagram usernames can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. They cannot include spaces or most special characters. Usernames are case-insensitive, so @JohnSmith and @johnsmith are the same account.

If your first choice is taken, try adding a number, a period, or an underscore. For example, if @yourname is taken, try @yourname1, @your.name, or @your_name. Keep it short and straightforward to spell—people will have an easier time finding and tagging you. If you use your username for business or personal branding, avoid numbers and underscores when possible, because they're harder to remember and share verbally.

If you cannot find the Edit Profile button

Make sure you're logged into your own account, not viewing someone else's profile. If you're on your profile and still don't see "Edit profile," try logging out and back in, or close and reopen the app. On a computer, make sure you're using a supported browser like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge.

If you're using a business or creator account, the steps are the same—go to your profile, tap or click "Edit profile," and change the username field. If you're managing someone else's account through Instagram's business tools, you'll need their login credentials to change the username.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Only if no one else has claimed it. Once you change away from a username, it's available for anyone to take when ready. If you want to switch back and someone else has already taken it, you'll have to wait for them to change their username or contact Instagram, though Instagram rarely intervenes in username disputes.

Does changing my username affect my followers or messages?

No. Your followers stay the same, your messages stay the same, and all your posts remain on your account. People who follow you will still see your content—they just need to search for your new username to find your profile if they don't have you bookmarked.

How often can I change my username?

You can change your username as often as you want with no waiting period between changes. However, if you change it very frequently, Instagram may temporarily restrict the feature as a security measure, but this is rare for normal account use.

What's the difference between username and display name?

Your username is the @handle (like @sarah_photography). Your display name is the readable name that appears above your posts (like "Sarah's Photography"). You can change both separately in the same "Edit profile" menu. The display name can include spaces and special characters; the username cannot.

What if the username I want has a space or special character in it?

Instagram usernames don't allow spaces or most special characters. You can use letters, numbers, periods, and underscores only. If you want a multi-word username, use underscores or periods to separate the words, like @sarah_photography or @sarah.photography.