Change Your Username on Instagram

You can change your Instagram username directly in the app or on the web. Go to your profile, tap or click the menu icon (three horizontal lines), select Settings and privacy, then Account, and choose Username. Type your new username and tap Change username. The change takes effect when ready.

Instagram lets you change your username as often as you want, with one exception: if you change it, you cannot use your old username again for 14 days. This means someone else could claim it during that window. Choose carefully before you confirm.

Key Takeaways

  • You reach the username field through Settings and privacy > Account > Username on both the app and web version.
  • Your old username becomes unavailable to you for 14 days after you change it, though you can use it again after that period ends.
  • Instagram usernames must be between 1 and 30 characters and can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but no spaces or special characters.
  • If the username you want is already taken, Instagram will tell you when ready and you will need to choose a different one.
  • Changing your username does not affect your followers, messages, or any content you have posted — only the handle people use to find and tag you changes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Mobile App

Open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner of your profile. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy.

Tap Account, then tap Username. The text field will show your current username highlighted. Delete it and type your new username. As you type, Instagram will show you whether the name is available — a checkmark means it is free to use, and an X means someone else has it. Once you see the checkmark, tap Change username at the bottom of the screen. Your new username is now live.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Instagram on the Web

Go to Instagram.com and log in. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Settings and privacy from the dropdown menu. Click Account in the left sidebar.

Click Username. The field will show your current name. Clear it and type your new username. Instagram will show you in real time whether it is taken. When you see that your choice is available, click Change username. The change happens right away, and you will see your new username on your profile.

Rules for Instagram Usernames

Instagram usernames must be 1 to 30 characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, periods, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, or special characters like @, #, !, or $. Usernames are not case-sensitive, so JohnSmith and johnsmith are treated as the same account.

Your username is different from your display name. Your display name is what appears at the top of your profile and can include spaces, emojis, and special characters. You can change your display name separately in the same Settings and privacy menu under Edit profile. Many people use a formal or full name as their display name and a shorter or branded username as their handle.

What Happens to Your Old Username

When you change your username, Instagram holds your old one for 14 days. During this time, no one — including you — can use it. After 14 days, the old username becomes available again and anyone can claim it. If you think you might want to use your old username again, wait until after the 14-day window closes and then change back to it.

Your followers, direct messages, and posts stay exactly the same. People who follow you will still see you in their feed and their follower list, even though your username has changed. However, any tags or mentions using your old username will no longer link to your profile — they will show as plain text instead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not change your username on a whim if you have shared it widely. If you use your Instagram handle in your email signature, on business cards, or in your TikTok or YouTube bio, changing it means updating all those places too. People who try to find you using your old handle will not be able to.

Do not assume a username is permanently yours. The 14-day window means your old handle could be taken by someone else. If you are worried about losing a username you might want back, do not change it in the first place. Also, avoid usernames with numbers or underscores that look like other words — rn and m look very similar, and cl and d do too. A confusing username makes it harder for people to find you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but only after 14 days have passed since you changed it. After that waiting period, your old username becomes available again and you can claim it by changing to it. If someone else takes it during the 14-day window, you will not be able to use it unless they change their username later.

Will my followers see my old username or my new one?

They will see your new username everywhere — in their follower list, in your profile, and in your posts. Old tags or mentions that used your previous username will show as plain text and will not link to your profile anymore. Your follower count and all your content stay the same.

What if the username I want is taken?

Instagram will show you an X next to the username field if it is already in use. You will need to choose a different one. Try adding numbers, underscores, or periods to make a variation. For example, if sarah_photography is taken, you could try sarah_photography_ or sarahphotography2.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my username?

No. Instagram usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, and symbols like @, #, or ! are not allowed. If you want a display name with spaces or special characters, change your display name instead — that field has fewer restrictions.

Does changing my username affect my Instagram business account or creator account?

No. Whether you have a personal, business, or creator account, the username change process is the same and works the same way. Your account type, verification status, and all your settings stay unchanged. Only the handle people use to find you is different.