How to change your instagram
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:
- Open the Instagram app and log in.
- Tap your profile icon in the bottom right.
- Tap Edit Profile beneath your bio.
- Enter your new username in the Username field.
- 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:
- Navigate to Instagram.com and log in.
- Click your profile icon in the top right.
- Select Settings.
- Click Edit Profile.
- Enter your new username in the Username field.
- 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
- Twitch
- TikTok
How to change your Instagram
The Instagram social network is deservedly one of the most popular platforms where every day people not only view each other's photos, but also make purchases, read useful information, share news, and also learn something new by published texts under the photo. In order for your profile to attract attention and encourage certain actions (for example, to buy a certain product / service or read the information you publish), it must be correctly filled out and presented to readers. The process of filling in and changing personal information is not at all complicated, and you can read tips on editing it below. nine0003
Editing an Instagram profile
The first thing that catches your eye is the profile header.
Not an ordinary header, of course, but an account section that consists of a title, avatar, name, information about yourself and a link to an existing site or profile on another social network. Only after studying the basic information, users proceed to view the published content. To get new subscribers or customers, the information in the header of your profile should provide comprehensive answers to three main questions:
- Who writes? After reading the information in the personal information section of the profile, the user must understand that the published content is the work of your hands. For example: "My name is Katya, I'm a music teacher."
- What does he write about? Indicate what you are talking about in your profile. Perhaps it will be information about travel, scrapbooking or music. Indicate this in the header, then you will definitely interest a potential reader. For example: "I love music and write about it." nine0012
- How can you be useful? It's no secret that all people read some information on the Internet in order to benefit from it.
Tell new subscribers how your content will be useful for them. For example: "I will teach you to sing even those who have a bear in their ear."
How to change information about yourself on Instagram?
Log in to your personal account → Profile → “Edit profile” → Enter the required information → “Done”
Important! All information must be contained in 150 characters - this is the number that is the limit.
Tip! Do not post false information that you do not plan to publish.
If the user does not find the necessary content in your feed, then you will not only lose the reader, but also undermine the level of trust in you and your company, if any.
After successfully updating the block with personal information, it is worth choosing an avatar. An avatar is a profile photo, which, like its information, must correspond to the goals and information that is published in it.
What you should pay attention to? nine0003
- Image quality and size . Since the profile photo on the smartphone screen is displayed at a scale of about a few centimeters, you should not choose a picture with a lot of small details. The image should be understandable, and the text, if any, readable even in a small format.
- Attractiveness . To attract the attention of a person and encourage him to take action to go to the profile, you should choose an attractive photo of yourself or the product you are selling. If the profile picture will show off the company logo, then it should be understandable. For example: for a music teacher, you can select a note icon, and for a snowboard or ski instructor, for example, a picture with mountains or a snowboard and skis. nine0012
Once the avatar photo has been selected, it must be uploaded to the application. How to do it?
Log in to your personal account → Profile → “Edit profile” → “Edit profile photo” → Import photo → “Done”
How to change your Instagram name and nickname repeat.
By nickname, you can be found on the platform through the search bar. Your unique nickname must meet the following guidelines: - Simplicity. Give preference to a simple nickname, without complex letter combinations.
- Originality. Turn on your imagination, because the nickname will be your business card.
- Brief. Do not choose options that are too long. After all, brevity is the sister of talent.
What should be avoided?
- Caps Lock.
- 1234… It will be difficult to remember exactly how many digits were in your nickname, which will add complexity during the search. nine0012
- Year of birth. This information is not so important for readers, but this will not affect the search and remembering of a nickname very well.
- ZaBor4iK. It's complicated and far from stylish.
Picked up a nickname following the recommendations? But how to change it?
Log in to your personal account → Profile → “Edit profile” → Enter the required nickname → “Done”
In the name line, it is better to use your real name or field of activity.
So, users who are interested in your personality will be able to find information about you on the Internet or in other social networks. And also find you through the search bar. You can change the name in the same way:
Log in to your personal account → Profile → “Edit profile” → Change the name in the field provided for this → “Done”
Example!
“Mashulya is a beloved wife and a happy mother of two girls” – no!
“CAKE TO ORDER, Moscow” - yes!
How to change your Instagram password
Security is a very important part of maintaining an Instagram profile. Although the service administration monitors the security of the published content and the profile itself, cases of hacking still happen. And the loss of an account, especially a work one, can deprive you of customers and earnings. Also, complex passwords are often forgotten. Therefore, the main advice when creating or changing a password on Instagram is to use at least 6 characters, including punctuation marks.
So you can protect your account from hacking, and subsequently from losing it. nine0003
How to change the password on Instagram?
Log in to your personal account → Profile → “Settings” → “Password” → Entering the old and then the new password → “Done”
How to change the password on Instagram if you forgot it?
Open the instagram app → “Forgot your password?” → Enter a nickname in the window that appears → “Send login link” → Check the mail to which the page is linked → Follow the link received to reset your password → Enter a new password → “Done”
Subsequent login using the new password
Tip! Write down the new password in a personal notebook and do not share it with anyone. And also do not forget to link your account to a valid mailbox and mobile phone that you really use.
This way you can log into your account if it is hacked or you suddenly forget your password.
How to change the font on Instagram
Bold, italic, strikethrough and other options will always draw users' attention to the necessary information. However, the Instagram platform itself does not allow you to choose the font of your choice. But there is still a way out. nine0003
How do I choose a different font?
- Application. Download an application on your mobile phone (for example: Fonts & Text Emoji for Instagram or any other that you find), which will allow you to type text using the desired font. Then copy the edited text and paste it into the edit info field. Then save.
- Web version. Log in to the web version of Instagram, open the profile editing tab and paste the finished text copied from a third-party editor. Then press the save button. nine0012
Read more about the design of the text on Instagram in our other article.
How to change your phone on Instagram
Linking to a mobile phone is very important for an Instagram profile.
Thanks to this, you will be able to recover a hacked account. Also, using the mobile number you specified, users will be able to contact you at any time, if necessary. But it often happens that the mobile number changes, so it becomes necessary to change it on Instagram. How to do it? nine0003
How to change your Instagram number?
Log in to your personal account → Profile → “Settings” → Change number → Confirm changes.
How to change or change your account
Many people are used to having multiple Instagram accounts. For example, most people have both a personal account and a work account. But what if you don’t want to constantly enter your username and password to move from one to another? In such cases, the official Instagram application supports the function of registering multiple accounts. What needs to be done for this? nine0003
How to change a user on Instagram?
Log in to your personal account → Profile → “Settings” → “Users and accounts” → Log in to the required account → “Done”
Now you can switch from one account to another in a few taps.
Notifications will be sent to the mobile device from both accounts. And clicking on the notification will automatically redirect you to the required profile.
As it turned out, the correct formatting of information in the profile header and the choice of the correct photo for the avatar is very important. After all, it is their users who read and see in the first place. Therefore, the text of the personal information block should contain the most comprehensive information about you, your company and your activities. Linking an account to a phone number and mail is also important. And you can change or supplement the necessary information by following the simple tips indicated above. nine0003
How to change your Instagram name in 14 days?
By Milena Anderson Reading 4 min.
Views 151
Short answer
If you want to change your Instagram name, you will need to wait 14 days. To do this, go to your profile. Click Edit Profile and then click Name. nine0003
How do I change my Instagram name in 14 days?
How to Change Your Instagram Name in 14 Days | How to change Instagram name in 14 days
How to change Instagram name without waiting 14 days?
You can't change your Instagram name without waiting 14 days.
How to change your nickname on Instagram 2021?
To change your Instagram username, first open the app and sign in. Then tap the profile icon in the lower right corner of the screen. Click on the three lines in the top left corner of your profile and then select "Settings". Scroll down and click "Change Username". Enter a new username and then confirm by clicking "Change Username". nine0003
Why can't I change my Instagram username back?
You can't change your Instagram username because you've already changed it once. When you change your username, your old username is automatically used by someone else.
Can I change my Instagram username?
Yes, you can change your Instagram username. To do this, open the app and tap the profile icon in the lower right corner of the screen. Click the gear icon in the top right corner of your profile, then select Edit Profile.
Scroll down and click "Change Username". Enter a new username and click Finish. nine0003
Can I change my name after 14 days on Instagram?
Yes, you can change your Instagram name after 14 days. To change your name, go to your profile and click "Edit Profile". Then click "Name" and enter your new name.
Why can I only change my name twice in 14 days?
There are several restrictions on name changes in the US. In most states, you can only change your name once every 14 months. You must also provide a good reason for the name change, such as a change in marital status or a change in your legal name due to marriage or divorce. nine0003
What is my Instagram handle?
You can find your Instagram handle by opening the app and looking at the top of the screen. Your nickname is the part of your web address that comes after "www.instagram.com/".
How do you edit multiple lines in your Instagram biography?
First open Instagram and go to your profile.
Then click on the three lines in the upper left corner of the screen.
From there select "Edit Profile".
Once in the Edit Profile section, you can edit your bio by clicking the text box at the top of the screen.
You can then edit each line of your bio by clicking on the text and entering whatever you want.
What are some cool Instagram names?
Some cool Instagram titles: “The Daily Pic”, “Reflection of You” and “Capping Life”.
What is an Instagram handle example?
A good example of a nickname on Instagram is “britney Spears”. Her alias is @britneyspears. nine0003
Can you change your social media nickname?
It is possible to change your nickname on a social network, but this is a complicated process. Typically, you will need to contact the social media platform directly and request a name change. The process may vary depending on the platform, but you may need to provide some form of identification and/or verification in order to complete the change.
How do you give someone your Instagram handle?
If you want to give someone your Instagram username, you can either report it directly or share it through a social media platform like Facebook or Twitter.
Can I change my Instagram username to the one I used before?
Yes, you can change your Instagram username to the one you used before. To do this, open the Instagram app and go to your profile. Click the menu in the top left corner of the screen and then click Settings. Scroll down and click "Change Username". Enter the username you want to use and then click Change Username. nine0003
What happens when you change your Instagram username?
When you change your Instagram username, your old username will be automatically reserved for you. If someone else tries to claim it, they will be prompted to create a new username. Your old username will still be associated with your account and all your old posts will remain there.
