You can change your Instagram username or display name directly in the app settings

Instagram lets you change two different names: your username (the handle people use to find you, like @yourname) and your display name (the full name shown on your profile). You can change your display name as often as you want with no restrictions. Your username has a 14-day waiting period between changes, and Instagram limits how many times you can change it in a given period—usually once every two weeks, though the exact rules vary by account age and history.

Both changes happen in the same place: your profile settings. The process takes less than a minute, and the change goes live when ready (except for the username, which takes effect after the 14-day window closes if you've changed it recently).

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name can be changed when ready and as often as you want, but your username has a 14-day waiting period between changes.
  • Both changes are made in your profile settings under "Edit Profile," accessible from your profile picture icon.
  • If you see an error message saying you cannot change your username, you likely changed it within the last 14 days and must wait until that period expires.
  • Changing your username does not affect your followers, saved posts, or any content you've posted—only the handle people use to find you changes.

How to change your display name

Your display name is the full name shown at the top of your profile. Open Instagram and tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner. Tap "Edit Profile" near the top of your profile. Find the "Name" field and type in the new display name you want. Tap "Done" (on iPhone) or the checkmark (on Android) to save the change.

The new name appears on your profile when ready. You can use spaces, capital letters, numbers, and most special characters in your display name. There is no waiting period—you can change it back or to something else right away if you want.

How to change your username

Your username is the handle that appears after the @ symbol. In the same "Edit Profile" screen, find the "Username" field. Tap it and type the new username you want. Instagram will tell you right away if the name is already taken or if it contains characters that are not allowed (usernames can only use letters, numbers, periods, and underscores). Tap "Done" or the checkmark to save.

If you changed your username within the last 14 days, Instagram will show an error message saying you cannot change it yet. You will see the exact date when you can change it again. Once that date passes, you can change your username to anything available.

What happens to your account when you change your username

Your followers stay with you—changing your username does not unfollow anyone or cause you to lose followers. All your posts, stories, reels, and saved content remain exactly as they were. Direct messages continue to work normally, and people can still find your old conversations.

However, any links to your old username will stop working. If you shared a link like instagram.com/youroldname in a bio, email, or website, that link will no longer lead to your profile. Update those links to your new username if you want them to work. People who try to visit your old username will see a "User Not Found" page.

Why Instagram shows an error when you try to change your username

The most common error is the 14-day waiting period. If you changed your username recently, you must wait until the 14 days have passed before changing it again. Instagram shows the exact date you can change it next.

If the username you want is already taken, Instagram will say "That username isn't available." Try a variation—add a number, a period, or an underscore. If you see a message about violating community guidelines, the username contains words or phrases Instagram does not allow. Choose a different username and try again.

Changing your username on a computer

Open Instagram.com in a web browser and log in. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select "Settings and Privacy." Click "Edit Profile." Find the "Username" field and type your new username. Click "Submit" to save the change. The same 14-day waiting period applies on the web version as it does in the app.

The web version works the same way as the app—you will see the same error messages if the username is taken or if you have changed it too recently. Making the change on the web does not bypass the waiting period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to one I used before?

No. Once you change away from a username, you cannot claim it again. If you want to use an old username, someone else must not have claimed it in the meantime. If they have, you will have to wait for them to change their username or choose a different one.

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

No. The username change works the same way on all account types. The 14-day waiting period still applies, and all your followers, posts, and messages stay with you.

What if the username I want is taken but the account looks inactive?

Instagram does not release usernames from inactive accounts. Even if an account has not posted in years, if someone else owns it, you cannot use that username. You will need to choose a different one.

Can I change my username if my account is restricted or suspended?

If your account is suspended, you cannot change your username until the suspension is lifted. If your account is restricted (limited visibility or actions), you can usually still change your username, but try the change to confirm—Instagram will tell you if you cannot.