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How to change my instagram account name


How to change your Instagram username

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It’s much easier than it is on other platforms

By Monica Chin / @mcsquared96

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Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

Some social platforms limit the number of times you can change your username, while others don’t let you do it at all. Instagram is a username free-for-all; you can alter your Instagram handle whenever you want, as many times as you want — within certain limits.

There’s a difference between your username and your display name. The display name is on your profile below your avatar. It doesn’t need to be unique to you, and it can contain emoji and special characters. (And yes, it can also be changed — up to two times within 14 days.)

Your username, on the other hand, appears at the top of your profile and at the end of your profile’s URL. It needs to be unique to you. It’s also subject to more restrictions: it can’t be longer than 30 characters and can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. If you choose a new username, you can change it back within 14 days — if nobody else has claimed it.

Whether you’ve changed your real-life name, you’re upgrading to a more professional username, or you’re just bored of your current moniker, you can change your handle in less than a minute. Here’s how.

Change your username in the Instagram app

First, log in to your Instagram account on the iOS or Android app. If you have more than one account, double-check that you’re logged in to the one you’re trying to change.

  • Tap your avatar icon in the bottom-right corner to go to your profile
  • Tap Edit profile under your bio
  • Tap the Username field and type in your new handle
  • Tap the blue checkmark in the upper right corner.

1/3

Tap your avatar icon.

If you want to change your display name, type in the Name field instead.

Change your username on a computer

If you prefer, you can change your username with the desktop version of Instagram.

  • In a web browser, go to Instagram.com
  • If you’re already logged in, you’ll be prompted to continue with your account. If you’re not already logged in, enter your username and password.
  • Click your profile icon on the right side of the homepage and select Profile
  • Click Edit profile next to your username

1/4

Sign in to your web-based Instagram account.

Again, if you make a mistake during this process or decide you don’t like your new handle after all, you can go back to your old handle within 14 days. After that time, you may still be able to revert, but your old handle may have been taken by another user.

If your username is taken.

..

As mentioned before, you can’t have the same username as someone else, and it’s first come, first served. If your chosen handle is taken, Instagram will let you know after you press the checkmark on mobile or Submit on the web.

If the name you want isn’t available, try adding numbers or underscores to make it unique to you.

Also, keep checking back. Your desired username may become available in the future. The current owner may change or delete their profile, and Instagram occasionally removes fake accounts.

Update June 21st, 2022, 2:10PM ET: This article was originally published on February 5th, 2020, and has been updated to account for changes in the app.

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How to change your Instagram username in a few steps

Usernames are the lifeblood of most social media sites, but finding a good one is always a struggle. Unless you created your account years ago, you’re unlikely to get the username you want, and even then, you might regret it years later. If you’re like most of us and regret the choices you made in your youth, you’ll be happy to learn that it’s super easy to change your Instagram username to something a bit less cringe-inducing.

Read also: Instagram tips and tricks: Do it for the ‘gram

QUICK ANSWER

The easiest way to change your Instagram username is through the mobile app. Launch the Instagram app, tap on your profile icon, and go to Edit Profile. Enter your new username under the Username section and hit the checkmark to save.

Jump to the right section

  • Display name vs. username
  • Change your username with the app
  • Change your username with a browser
  • What happens after changing your username?
  • Why won't Instagram let me change my username?
  • Finding people with new usernames

Editor’s note: All instructions in this post were put together using a Pixel 4a 5G running Android 12, and Chrome version 104. 0.5112.81 running on a custom PC with Windows 11. Things might be a bit different depending on your device. 

Display name vs. username

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Before making rash decisions, you should know the difference between your Instagram display name and username. Your display name, which is basically your personal or business name, has very few restrictions. You can change it as often as you want, and it doesn’t have to be unique. Changing your display name might be a more straightforward solution for those looking for something easier to remember.

On the other hand, your username is what goes at the top of your Instagram account. It’s also how people tag you with the “@” symbol, and what goes at the end of your Instagram URL. Instagram usernames also have more restrictions.

Instagram username guidelines:

  • Unique to your account.
  • Less than 30 characters.
  • Contains only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores (no spaces or other symbols).
  • No profanity or restricted language.

With that out of the way, here’s how to change your Instagram username. We’ve also thrown in a few extra details you should know.

How do I change my username in the Instagram app?

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Instagram has a mobile focus, so the first method we’ll outline uses the Instagram app. It literally takes seconds to complete, assuming you’ve already thought of your new username.

To change your Instagram username in the app, tap your profile icon in the bottom right to open up your profile. Then, tap the Edit Profile button beneath your bio. Enter your new Instagram username in the Username field, and tap the checkmark in the top right. That’s it!

Read also: How to up your Instagram game and get more followers

As mentioned previously, there are certain restrictions on Instagram usernames. If your new username doesn’t meet them, you will see a red exclamation point and a message reading “Username not available.” Keep trying variations of your username until you find one that works.

We’ve listed the steps below briefly for those needing a step-by-step.

How to change an Instagram username in the app:

  1. Open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. Tap your profile icon in the bottom right.
  3. Tap Edit Profile beneath your bio.
  4. Enter your new username in the Username field.
  5. Tap the checkmark in the top right.

How do I change my username on a computer or browser?

Modifying your Instagram username from a browser is just as easy. The steps are very similar. Here’s what you need to do.

Navigate to Instagram.com and log into your account. Next, click your profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen. Click on Settings. You should see the Edit Profile section. Enter your new username in the Username field. Click Submit at the bottom of the screen, and you’re good to go!

Note that unlike changing your Instagram username in the app, you will not get a warning that the desired username is already in use. Instead, a small pop-up will inform you that the username isn’t available when clicking the submit button.

Once again, we’ve listed the step-by-step instructions below for your convenience.

How to change an Instagram username on the web:

  1. Navigate to Instagram.com and log in.
  2. Click your profile icon in the top right.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Click Edit Profile.
  5. Enter your new username in the Username field.
  6. Click Submit at the bottom of the page.

What happens when you change your username?

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Once you’ve clicked the Submit button on the web or tapped the checkmark button on mobile, your Instagram username will be changed instantly, and your previous username will be freed up. This means that if someone else snags it, you won’t be able to get it back.

Changing your Instagram username also changes your account URL, which means any website linking to your Instagram account will now return the error seen above. Make sure you update any websites or other social media profiles around the internet.

Changing your Instagram username will not reset your follower count, but it may confuse people.

The good news is that it’s still the same account, so you won’t have to start over from scratch. You will have the same followers, although they may be confused by the change. This could lead to lower engagement or unfollows, but that shouldn’t concern users just looking to share photos with friends.

Everywhere your Instagram account is displayed on Instagram will automatically update, so you don’t have to worry about old posts you’ve commented on linking to a non-existent account. However, posts you’ve been tagged in may not be updated, and people looking to tag you in new posts will need to know your new username.

Why won’t Instagram let me change my username?

If Instagram won’t let you submit a new username, it’s likely because it doesn’t meet the requirements mentioned before. The most common error is related to that username being taken, so try another username.

Note that even if you’re trying to change back to an old username, it’s possible someone took it while it was free, and you won’t be able to get it back.

Another probable cause is app caching, which may happen when you change your username in the Instagram app. This isn’t much cause for concern, as everyone else will see your new username, and the problem usually fixes itself after a few hours. You can also restart your phone. When that doesn’t do the trick, uninstalling and reinstalling Instagram is the silver bullet that always works.

Related: How to change or reset your Instagram password

How to find someone with a new username

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

A new Instagram username might feel like a fresh start, but it’s still effortless to find for those who previously knew about the account. If you’re already following the account, it will still appear in your following list, and new posts will still pop into your feed.

Another way to find Instagram accounts that change username is by searching for their display name. Assuming the account is public, and the display name was left the same, it should come up with a simple search.

The final method is to find another place where the account is linked. This could be an old post the account commented on, or someone else tagging them in a new post. It isn’t too hard to find a changed Instagram username with a little sleuthing, but please don’t be a creep about it.

Next: Learn to get back your Instagram account when it’s disabled, hacked, or deleted

FAQs

There is no limit! You can change your Instagram username as often as you want, as long as it meets all requirements and the new username isn’t taken. As mentioned above, changing your username too much may confuse followers and lead to unfollows.

It depends on how you’ll be using your account. If you use your Instagram account as a personal social media account, it’s better to keep it that way. Some people like transforming personal accounts into business ones because they already have many followers.

This isn’t always the best option, as your friends aren’t necessarily interested in your business ventures. Sometimes they just want to see your personal images, and forcing them into your business accounts doesn’t seem fair. Plus, you’ll also want to keep a personal account for all those fun images! It’s best to keep them separate.

You can, as long as no one has taken the old username.

There is no way to take a username from another Instagram account holder, regardless of whether it’s in use or not. Instagram recommends that you get another version of it instead. You can add symbols, numbers, periods, etc.

That said, Instagram can deactivate accounts due to inactivity. This happens when the user doesn’t log in, like images, or post new content. Instagram has never been clear about its standards regarding the matter, but it can happen. You can try to take the username when and if they cancel the account.

Learn how to change your username on other apps:

  • Spotify
  • Reddit
  • Twitch
  • Twitter
  • TikTok

How to change your username on Instagram and what should you keep in mind?

Online life has become an integral part of our modern life. We post everything on social networks, communicate with friends or business partners there and just have a good time, getting to know the world. The problem is that many of us invented our nicknames or, as they are also called, “usernames” (id) many years ago and a lot has changed since then. Someone just wants to change their name, and someone understands that it’s already a little embarrassing to be the “Dark Lord of Algord”, becoming the head of a large company. As a result, the names have to be changed, but this can not be done in all social networks. We have been asked several times how you can change your username on Instagram. Due to the fact that this topic interests people so much, I decided to prepare answers to questions and tell you how to do it in different ways.

Instagram has become an integral part of our lives, but is it possible to somehow change your profile in it?

Contents

  • 1 Why is it so hard to come up with a nickname
  • 2 How to change your Instagram username from your phone
  • 3 How to understand your Instagram username on a computer
  • 4 Why I changed my username and it didn't change
  • 5 Is it possible to change the username on Instagram

Why is it so difficult to come up with a nickname

The problem of finding a good nickname is further complicated by the fact that all good names are usually already taken. Putting your name on your profile name has been simply unrealistic for many years now, as your full namesakes have already snapped everything up, unless you are “Prolvryao Rlvyoary Ivanovich”. In this case, you have a chance to put your first and last name in the profile name, but you also need to check.

Even nicknames from a set of letters are often busy, because people, no matter how unique they try to seem, still think very much the same in their mass. As a result, we have what we have, and old nicknames sometimes seem stupid. I myself have a couple of old registered email addresses that I stopped using only because at my age and social position it is somehow not solid, although I thought up their names for a long time, and then they seemed cool to me .

How to change username on Instagram from phone

Exactly the same situation with Instagram. Often a nickname needs to be changed due to a change in surname, a change in life priorities, or simply a change in the name of the company if it is a business account.

What features of iOS 14 are copied from Android

The easiest way to change the name is the one done through the phone. If you have already come up with a new name for yourself, the process of changing it will take literally 10-15 seconds. True, there are several rules regarding the choice of a name that must be followed.

What your Instagram username should be:

  • Name must be 30 characters or less
  • Name must contain only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores (no spaces)
  • Name must not contain profanity

Because Instagram in the vast majority of cases is used from mobile devices, then it is most logical to edit the name from them. To do this, you must first launch the application, then open your profile by clicking on the picture with the avatar in the lower right corner. When the profile opens, you just need to click on "Edit Profile" at the top of the screen and all that remains is to change the name. To do this, in the window that opens, click on the appropriate item.

This is how you can change the profile name from your phone.

Actually, that's all! The main thing is to remember the rules for writing the name that are given above, and start the procedure when you know exactly what name you want to change to the one you already have.

How to understand the Instagram username on a computer

There is another way to change the Instagram username - through the browser. In fact, it is as simple as with a smartphone, just this way will be more convenient for some.

What we appreciate in smartphones and what Google Pixel owners are not ready to give up.

For this name change, go to Instagram.com and sign in to your account. Next, click on your avatar in the upper right corner of the screen. When the page opens, click the "Edit Profile" button next to your username at the top of the page. That's almost all. It remains only to enter the username in accordance with the rules above and click "Submit" at the bottom of the screen.

Opening your profile...

... and editing it.

Please note that unlike changing your Instagram username in the app, you will not receive a warning that the desired username is already in use. Instead, a small popup will tell you that the username is not available when you click the submit button.

Huawei introduced a service for installing WhatsApp, Instagram and other prohibited applications

Why did I change my username and it didn't change

Sometimes users change their username on Instagram but see that it hasn't changed. This is not a problem and is not worth worrying about. The rest of the users who visit your page will still see the new name, it's just that in your case you may encounter a cache, which is why it happens. The problem will be solved by itself after some time - from several minutes to several hours.

Is it possible to change the username on Instagram

The username can and should be changed if there is an urgent need for it. You just need to remember a few features and be prepared for them.

When you change your username, you need to understand why you are doing it.

Firstly, your old name will be freed immediately, and if someone wants to take it at that moment, he will do it without any problems, and you will not be able to roll back. Sometimes it can even be picked up by bots that collect all the beautiful names for resale. All services struggle with such a manifestation of “entrepreneurship”, but sometimes bots still crawl through.

We have not only Instagram, but also a Telegram channel. Subscribe and we will always be in touch.

Secondly, we must remember that it will no longer be possible to find you by your old name in the format “@username”. As a result, those to whom you handed out business cards with the account name, or those who saw a sticker on your car, or maybe even a mention in other channels or social networks, simply will not be able to find you. Therefore, when changing the name, this must be taken into account, because it can have serious consequences.

How to change your nickname or name on Instagram from your phone or computer

InstagramSocial networks

March 2, 2021

941

When creating an Instagram profile, the user does not always think about how he will use this page in a year or two , three or more. Sometimes personal pages on Instagram turn into blogs or even pages of online stores. But in some other situations, the Instagram user may need to change the name or nickname on the social network. In this article, we will look at ways to do this from a phone or computer.

Contents

What is the difference between nickname and name on Instagram

Before proceeding to the instructions for changing your nickname or name on Instagram, you need to understand how they differ.

Instagram nickname is what users use to find your account or tag you in photos, Stories and other publications. Each user has an individual nickname on Instagram, since each user is given their own unique page on the social network, where the nickname is part of the URL.

The Instagram name is what the user sees in their profile information. Names can be the same for users of many accounts. By the name that is indicated in the profile, it is much more difficult to find a specific user.

How to change your nickname on Instagram

To change your nickname to the one you like, it must be free. If the nickname you want to use for your profile is already taken, you won't be able to change your nickname to it.

Important

Nick may become free in time. If the user whose nickname you are interested in changes his nickname to another, then he will be released after 14 days from that moment. Accordingly, then it can be taken.

From your phone

To change your Instagram nickname from your phone, launch the social network's official mobile app on your device. On the profile page, click on the "Edit profile" button.

The nickname is specified in the item “User name”. Click on it.

Enter a new nickname instead of the old one. After that, click “Finish” in the upper right corner.

Please note

Not all characters can be used in a nickname. However, some of them expand the number of nicknames available with similar names. For example, you can use the nickname geekhelpru or geekhelp.ru or geekhelp_ru - these are 3 different nicknames.

When you specify a new nickname, your profile will immediately become accessible by it.

From a computer

You can also change your nickname on Instagram from a computer. This is no more difficult to do than with a phone. Open the official website of the social network Instagram in any browser and log in. After that, click on your profile avatar in the upper right corner and go to the “Profile” section.

Next, click on the “Edit profile” item.

Enter the desired nickname in the “Username” field - this is the nickname on Instagram.

After that click “Submit” at the bottom to save the changes.

Pay attention

If you change your nickname suspiciously often, there is a risk of running into Instagram restrictions or blocking your account.

How to change your name on Instagram

Now let's look at ways to change your name on Instagram - from your phone and computer.

Learn more