Change your Instagram name through the web version on your computer
To change your Instagram name on a computer, log into Instagram.com, click your profile icon in the bottom left corner, select "Edit profile," and update the username field. Instagram lets you change your username once every 14 days, so if you changed it recently, you will need to wait until that window closes before making another change.
The web version on a computer works the same way as the mobile app, but the layout is slightly different. You will see your profile information displayed on the right side of the screen instead of at the top. The steps are straightforward and take less than a minute once you are logged in.
Key Takeaways
- Log into Instagram.com on your computer and click your profile icon, then select "Edit profile" to access the username field.
- Instagram enforces a 14-day waiting period between username changes, so you cannot change it again until two weeks have passed since your last change.
- Your username must be between 3 and 30 characters and can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.
- If your desired username is taken, Instagram will tell you when ready, and you will need to choose a different one.
- Changing your username does not affect your account history, followers, or posts — everything stays attached to your account.
Step-by-step instructions for editing your username
Open a web browser on your computer and go to Instagram.com. If you are not already logged in, enter your email address or phone number and your password. Once you are on your home feed, look for your profile icon — it appears as a small circle in the bottom left corner of the screen on desktop.
Click that profile icon. Your profile page will load, showing your bio, follower count, and posts. Near the top of your profile information, you will see a button labeled "Edit profile." Click it. A form will appear with several fields: Name, Username, Website, Bio, Email, Phone Number, and Gender. The Username field is the one you need to change. Click inside it and delete your current username, then type your new one.
As you type, Instagram checks whether the username is available. If it is taken, you will see a red X and a message saying the username is not available. If it is available, you will see a green checkmark. Once you have entered a username that is available and you are happy with it, scroll down and click the blue "Submit" button at the bottom of the form. Your username will change when ready.
Username rules and what Instagram will reject
Instagram usernames must be between 3 and 30 characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, periods, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, or special characters like @, #, or &. If you try to use a character Instagram does not allow, the field will not accept it and you will not be able to type it.
Usernames are case-insensitive, meaning Instagram treats "JohnSmith" and "johnsmith" as the same username. You cannot have two accounts with the same username even if the capitalization is different. If you are trying to change to a username that differs only in capitalization from your current one, Instagram will tell you that username is already taken — by you.
Instagram does not allow usernames that impersonate public figures or famous accounts, though this is enforced after the fact. If you create a username that looks like it belongs to a celebrity or major brand, Instagram may disable it later if the real account owner reports it.
What happens if you see an error message
If you click Submit and see an error message, the most common reason is that the username became unavailable between when you typed it and when you submitted the form. This happens when someone else claims the username in those few seconds. Go back to the Username field, choose a different username, and try again.
If you see a message saying you have changed your username too recently, you have hit the 14-day limit. Instagram will tell you the exact date when you can change it again. You cannot bypass this waiting period — it is a hard limit on all accounts. If you need to change your username urgently, your only option is to wait until the 14 days have passed.
If the form will not let you click Submit, check that you have filled in all required fields. Name and Username are required; the others are optional. Make sure your username follows the rules listed above — no spaces, no special characters, and between 3 and 30 characters.
The 14-day waiting period explained
After you change your username, Instagram locks you out of changing it again for 14 days. This rule applies to every account, regardless of how old it is or how many followers you have. The 14 days starts counting from the moment you click Submit, not from midnight that night.
If you change your username on a Monday at 3 p.m., you will be able to change it again on the following Monday at 3 p.m. or later. If you try to change it before that time has passed, Instagram will show you a message with the exact date and time when you can change it next.
This waiting period exists to prevent spam and account takeovers. If someone gains temporary access to your account, the 14-day limit slows down their ability to lock you out by changing your username repeatedly. It also prevents rapid-fire username changes that could confuse your followers.
What does not change when you update your username
Your followers, following list, posts, stories, direct messages, and account history all stay exactly the same. When you change your username, Instagram straightforward updates the name associated with your existing account. People who follow you will see your new username on your profile, but they do not need to re-follow you or do anything on their end.
Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it. If you want to reserve your old username so no one else can take it, you would need to create a second account and claim it there. However, Instagram does not allow you to own multiple accounts with the same email address, so this is not practical for most people.
Links to your old profile will not work after you change your username. If you shared a link to your profile on a website or in a document, that link will break. You will need to update those links to point to your new username. Direct messages and tags in posts will still show your new username retroactively.
Troubleshooting: when the web version does not work
If you are having trouble changing your username on the web version, try clearing your browser cache and cookies. Sometimes old data stored in your browser can cause forms to behave strangely. Close Instagram, clear your browsing data, and log back in.
If the form still will not work, try a different browser. If you normally use Chrome, try Firefox or Safari. This helps you figure out whether the problem is with your browser or with Instagram itself. If it works in a different browser, the issue is likely a browser extension or cached data in your original browser.
If none of these steps work, you can change your username using the Instagram mobile app instead. The process is identical, just with a different layout. Log into the app, go to your profile, tap "Edit profile," and change your username there. If the mobile app works but the web version does not, contact Instagram support through the app and describe the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Instagram username more than once every 14 days?
No. Instagram enforces a strict 14-day waiting period between username changes on all accounts. You cannot pay to skip this wait, and there is no way around it. If you need to change your username again, you will have to wait until the 14 days have passed since your last change.
What if the username I want is taken?
If the username is taken, Instagram will show you a red X next to it and tell you it is not available. You will need to choose a different username. You can try adding numbers, periods, or underscores to make a variation of the name you want — for example, "john.smith" or "john_smith_1" instead of "johnsmith."
Do my followers have to do anything when I change my username?
No. Your followers will automatically see your new username on your profile. They do not need to unfollow and re-follow you, and they do not need to update anything. Their follow relationship with your account stays the same.
Will changing my username affect my Instagram business account or creator account?
No. Whether you have a personal account, a business account, or a creator account, the username change process is the same and does not affect your account type or any features tied to it. Your insights, branded content tools, or other business features will continue to work with your new username.
What if I change my mind right after changing my username?
You will have to wait 14 days before you can change it again. If you want to go back to your old username, you can do that after the 14-day period ends, but only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. If someone else took your old username, it will no longer be available to you.