Change your Instagram username from the app or website in under a minute
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 you can do it as often as you want, though Instagram may limit how frequently you switch. Go to your profile, tap or click the edit button, find the username field, type your new handle, and save. If the name is taken, Instagram will tell you when ready and you can try another.
Your username is different from your display name, which is the full name that appears above your bio. You can change your display name separately without affecting your username, and vice versa. This guide covers changing the username — the handle people use to tag you or search for you.
Key Takeaways
- Open your profile, tap Edit Profile (or Edit on desktop), and change the text in the Username field to your new handle.
- Instagram will show you when ready whether your new username is available or already taken by another account.
- You can change your username as often as you want, though Instagram may slow down requests if you change it many times in a short period.
- Changing your username does not affect your followers, messages, or posts — they stay with your account.
- If you want to keep your old username, you can create a new account and transfer followers manually, but there is no built-in tool to do this.
Steps to change your username on iPhone or Android
Open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner, then tap Settings and Privacy. Scroll down and tap Edit Profile.
Find the Username field near the top of the screen. Tap it, delete your current username, and type your new one. Usernames can contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores — no spaces or special characters. Tap Done or the checkmark once you finish typing.
Instagram will check whether the username is available. If it is, you will see a green checkmark and the change saves automatically. If the name is taken, Instagram shows a message saying the username is not available. Try a different variation — add a number, use an underscore, or add your location or profession to make it unique.
Steps to change your username on a computer
Go to Instagram.com and log in if you are not already signed in. Click your profile picture 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. Use the same rules: letters, numbers, periods, and underscores only. Click Submit once you are done.
Instagram checks availability in real time. A green checkmark means the name is yours. A red X or error message means it is taken. Try another option and click Submit again.
What happens to your account when you change your username
Your followers, posts, messages, and account history all stay exactly the same. People who follow you will still see your posts in their feed. Direct messages you have sent and received remain in the conversation thread. Your follower count does not change.
However, any links to your old profile will no longer work. If someone bookmarked your profile page or you shared a link to your account on another website, that link will break. You should update your username on any other platforms where you have linked to your Instagram profile — your website, TikTok bio, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
People who have you saved in their phone contacts will not see your new username automatically. They will see it the next time they open Instagram and visit your profile.
Why Instagram might not let you change your username
If you see an error message trying to save a new username, the most common reason is that the name is already taken. Instagram does not hold usernames in reserve, so if someone else has it, you cannot use it. Try adding a number, underscore, or abbreviation to make it unique.
If you changed your username very recently — within the last 14 days — Instagram may prevent you from changing it again. This limit resets after two weeks. If you are hitting this limit repeatedly, wait at least two weeks before trying again.
Rarely, Instagram may temporarily lock your account if it detects unusual activity. If you cannot access Edit Profile at all, check your email for a message from Instagram about account security. You may need to confirm your identity or reset your password before you can make changes.
How to keep your old username if you want it back later
Instagram does not reserve old usernames for you. Once you change your username, anyone can claim the old one when ready. If you think you might want it back, you have two options: create a second account with the new name you want, or ask someone you trust to hold the old username temporarily.
If you ask a friend to hold your old username, they can change it back to you later once you have settled on a permanent new name. Make sure you trust them completely, because they will have control of that account. You cannot transfer followers between accounts automatically, so this method only works if you want to preserve the username itself, not your audience.
The safest approach is to pick a username you are happy with and stick with it. Changing your username frequently can confuse your followers and break links you have shared elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Instagram username to something someone else used before?
Yes. Instagram does not reserve old usernames. If someone else had a username and changed it, anyone can claim it next — including you. The username becomes available the moment the previous owner changes theirs.
Does changing my username affect my Instagram business account or creator account?
No. Business and creator accounts work the same way as regular accounts for usernames. You change it the same way, and your followers, messages, and analytics all stay with your account.
What if I change my username and then want to change it back?
You can change it back if no one else has claimed your old username. If someone else has taken it, you cannot use it again unless they change theirs. Check whether your old username is available by searching for it on Instagram. If it shows an account, someone else owns it.
Can I use spaces or special characters in my Instagram username?
No. Instagram usernames can only contain letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), periods (.), and underscores (_). You cannot use spaces, hyphens, or other special characters. If you try to use them, Instagram will not let you save the username.
How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere on Instagram?
Your new username appears on your profile when ready after you save it. It may take a few minutes to show up in search results and tags in posts or comments, but usually it is when ready. If someone searches for your old username, they will not find your account anymore.