Change your username directly in Instagram settings
You can change your Instagram username yourself through the app or website in about two minutes. Open Instagram, go to your profile, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), select Settings and privacy, then Account, then Username. Type your new username and tap Change username. Instagram will tell you right away if the name is taken or breaks their rules.
Your new username takes effect when ready. Anyone who visits your profile will see the new name, and old links to your profile still work — Instagram automatically redirects them. You can change your username as often as you want, though Instagram may slow you down if you change it many times in a short period.
Key Takeaways
- You change your username through Settings and privacy > Account > Username on either the app or website.
- Instagram tells you when ready whether a username is available or violates their rules.
- Your old profile links still work after you change your username because Instagram redirects them automatically.
- You can change your username as many times as you want, though very frequent changes may trigger a temporary slowdown.
- Your username is different from your display name — changing one does not change the other.
What happens to your old username after you change it
Once you change your username, the old one becomes available for someone else to claim. If you think you might want it back later, you should know that Instagram does not hold it for you. Someone else can register it when ready, and you would have to ask them to give it up — which they are not required to do.
If you are worried about losing a username you have built recognition around, consider whether you really need to change it. Your display name (the name that appears above your username) can be changed without affecting your username at all, and that is often enough if you just want people to see a different name on your profile.
Usernames Instagram will not let you use
Instagram blocks usernames that contain hateful language, impersonate real people or brands, or look like spam. The app will not let you register a username that is already taken, even if the account has not posted anything in years. You also cannot use spaces, most punctuation, or capital letters — Instagram converts everything to lowercase and only allows periods, underscores, and hyphens.
If you try a username and Instagram says it violates their rules, the app does not always explain why. Common reasons include usernames that look like they are pretending to be a celebrity or brand, or usernames that contain slurs or hateful terms. Try a different variation and see if it goes through.
The difference between username and display name
Your username is the handle people use to find you — it appears with an @ symbol and cannot have spaces or most punctuation. Your display name is the readable name that appears above your username on your profile and next to your posts. You can change your display name without touching your username, and vice versa.
If you only want people to see a different name on your profile, change your display name instead. Go to Settings and privacy > Account > Name and type what you want to appear. This does not affect your username or how people search for you, so it is useful if you want a more formal name on your profile but want to keep your existing username.
What to do if someone else has the username you want
If the username you want is taken, you have a few options. You can ask the person who has it to change theirs — send them a direct message explaining why you want it — but they are under no obligation to help. You can also try a variation: add a number, use an underscore or period, or spell it slightly differently.
If the account that has your desired username appears to be abandoned or is impersonating you, you can report it to Instagram. Go to the profile, tap the menu icon, select Report, and choose the reason. Instagram reviews reports but does not always take action, especially if the account is not actively breaking rules.
Changing your username on the Instagram website instead of the app
If you are on a computer, the process is almost identical. Log into Instagram.com, click your profile picture in the bottom left, select Settings, then Account, then Username. Type your new username and click Change username. The website version works the same way as the app — your change takes effect when ready and old links redirect automatically.
Some people find the website easier because the screen is larger and the settings are laid out more clearly. If you are having trouble finding the username setting on your phone, try logging in on a computer instead.
How often you can change your username
Instagram does not have a published limit on how many times you can change your username. You can do it once a day, once a week, or once a month without running into trouble. However, if you change it many times in a very short period — like five times in an hour — Instagram may temporarily prevent you from changing it again for a few hours or a day.
This slowdown is Instagram's way of stopping people from rapidly cycling through usernames to confuse followers or evade detection. If you hit this limit, wait a few hours and try again. It is not a permanent ban, just a temporary pause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my followers see my old username after I change it?
No. Your followers will see your new username when ready on your profile and next to all your posts. Instagram does not show a notification that you changed your username, so most people will not even notice unless they were looking for your old one.
Can I change my username back to what it was before?
Only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. Once you change your username, the old one becomes available for anyone to register. If someone took it, you would have to contact them and ask them to release it, which they are not required to do.
Does changing my username affect my followers or posts?
No. Your follower count, posts, likes, and comments all stay exactly the same. Only the name attached to your account changes. People who follow you will continue to follow you under your new username.
What if Instagram says my username violates their rules?
Try a different username. Instagram blocks names that contain hateful language, look like impersonation, or appear to be spam. The app does not always explain which rule you broke, so experiment with variations — add a number, use an underscore, or change a letter.
Can I use spaces or special characters in my username?
No. Instagram only allows letters, numbers, periods, underscores, and hyphens. Spaces and most other punctuation are not permitted. Instagram also converts all usernames to lowercase, so capital letters will not display.