How to get an instagram handle that is inactive

How To Claim an Inactive Instagram Username Account

The Market for Instagram Usernames

If you’re setting up an Instagram account and have thought of the perfect username that reflects your individuality or mission, you may realize that an inactive account has the username. Having the correct username for companies and influencers trying to jumpstart an Instagram presence is valuable.

An inactive account is one that a user abandoned or hasn’t used for an extended period. If the profile has the username you so desperately need, there’s no direct way to obtain it, but there are several things you can do.

Can You Get an Inactive Instagram Username?

Claiming an Instagram username can be tricky. Even when another user quits logging into their account, there are some rules and workarounds involved with claiming an inactive account’s username. Instagram users don’t have the option to fill out a form and claim a username; it just isn’t that simple.

Fortunately, Instagram does purge inactive accounts. But, you may not have the time to wait. We’ve included all of your options for obtaining an Instagram username in this article.

Buying an Instagram Username

There are numerous secondary markets where holders of good usernames can sell them for sums ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands.

For the most part, the people making money selling names are those who staked out their accounts in the early days and had the foresight to pick usernames that other people or businesses will eventually want.

Sometimes, a name becomes valuable because a movie, show, or album comes out. Suddenly, ‘BigBangTheory’ goes from being an excellent account for a physics student to being a highly sought-after property. If the profile becomes “inactive,” you may be able to get the username.

If you choose to purchase an Instagram username, do beware: It’s important to buy a username from a reputable source. In 2021, Instagram banned hundreds of accounts for stolen usernames. Hackers confiscated usernames from innocent account owners and sold them to unsuspecting users.

Finding Their Contact Information

Just because the account is inactive doesn’t mean that the owner isn’t around. It may be that they would be delighted to sell you their old profile. However, getting in touch with them may be the tricky part.

Of course, you can send a Direct Message on the Instagram platform itself. Though, if the person isn’t active on Instagram, there’s a good chance that they won’t see your DM for quite some time if they even see it at all.

You can check the account’s bio to try and get information about it. There are a few things to look for here.

Some people put a contact e-mail address in their bio or even their personal website’s URL. If that’s the case, your quest is probably already successful.

Other people are more privacy-minded and don’t put that kind of direct contact information there. However, they may include links or references to their other social media accounts, such as their Facebook pages or LinkedIn bio. If you have this person’s name, you can always search through different social media sites and message them.

If you have no idea how much to offer, you might look up similar accounts at Instagram account market sites like InstaSale and see the pricing of profiles with similarities.

Will Instagram Delete Inactive Accounts?

Yes, they will delete inactive accounts, although the time it takes for them varies depending on the website’s needs.

For example, purges usually happen at random, or at least they seem random. Often these purges occur at the end of the year.

Wait for an Instagram Purge

If the account you want is genuinely inactive and doesn’t have much or any content on it, there is an excellent chance that it will eventually get purged from the Instagram database. It’s no guarantee, but the inactive account you want may get dropped, and the username will become available again.

Instagram does not announce the schedule for its purges, so you won’t get a heads up to alert you to start trying to grab any usernames on your list. The best way to detect a purge is to follow one of the perennially popular Instagram accounts with a relatively stable follower list and check their follower count daily.

If they have thousands of followers, then at least some of those followers are undoubtedly spam accounts or bots, and a purge will cut their follower list by some non-trivial quantity of users. If your monitored account goes from 9,341 followers to 9,102 followers overnight (and there’s not some apparent scandalous post driving the loss), the odds are good that Instagram did a purge, and some usernames are now up for grabs.

Trademark or Copyright the Name

You can go through the process of getting a patent online. Once the patent gets obtained, you can report the inactive account to Instagram. Although this may take time and an additional expense, this is an option for you.

Many users have reported success by asking Instagram to transfer an account. When you hold a trademark on a name, you can argue that your customers’ existing accounts are confusing. Copyright infringement can be an effective way to obtain your Instagram username.

If you hold such a trademark or copyright, you can file a copyright/trademark violation report and attempt to claim the name as your own.

If the account is active and frequently used, you may have difficulty succeeding with this method.

Getting a new trademark is complicated and expensive, but getting copyright protection is reasonably straightforward. Any time you create anything original, you have implicit copyright; you can file an official copyright registration to cement your legal claim, but the claim is made by referencing the work, not by the act of filing the claim. In other words, you must use the name consistently and prove the damages it could incorporate if someone else uses it.

Of course, you can also report a copyright issue directly to Instagram. Head over to this link on the Instagram website and file a report.

Choose a Similar Name

Although this may seem obvious, choosing a similar username is the simplest way to set up your Instagram account. Adding an underscore or a number is simple and effective.

Instagram usernames can be up to 30 characters long and contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. This specification gives you quite a bit of flexibility in creating a close name to the one you so desire. You may need to use a little imagination, but the rest should be straightforward enough.

Add a city or location to your name if you run a business. You can do the same for surnames or others. This move can help maintain your brand and add a quick local identifier that may work in your favor. You can also add the type of business to the name.

Workarounds For Larger Brands

If you’re a more significant business or a more established brand, adding ‘official’ or ‘real’ at the end of your Instagram account can work too. Artists with common names often do this, so you can too.

You do need to be careful about emulating established brands, however. Suppose you create an account for Microsoft Software. In that case, it’s a legal account name, but if you reach a level of success and visibility where Microsoft sees your account, they will shut you down promptly using the same trademark and copyright tools I described above. You can’t infringe on other people’s protected intellectual property just as much as they can’t intrude on yours.

If you’re having trouble obtaining a username but there are no accounts with it, remember that some get set to private. If this is the case, the username is unavailable, and you cannot search for the account.

Created Account But Can’t log in

Several users have reported that they’ve created a new Instagram account with the perfect username and received the “Sorry, Something Went Wrong” error message. Clicking the ‘Try Again’ option or trying to log in doesn’t work. Unfortunately, the username got taken, and you can’t log in. So what are you to do if this has happened?

You can contact Instagram Support, which may or may not be helpful. If you have screenshots of the error message or username, that would be great.
Try using a different application or web browser to log into your new Instagram account. This could be a simple glitch with the application.
Log in with Facebook and see if your new account shows. Assuming you used similar login credentials, the new account may appear.
Wait for a few hours, then try to log back into your Instagram account.

The above situation can be incredibly frustrating when you’ve created the perfect Instagram username and can’t access the account. Trying the tips we’ve outlined may help you regain access.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve included the answers to more of your frequently asked questions in this section.

Does Instagram delete inactive users?

Yes, but after some time. Although we don’t know the exact process, Instagram states that it’s essential to log into your account to avoid a purge. The company does not give time frames for when a profile gets purged.

What can I do if I need help with my Instagram account or username?

Instagram does have a help site that you can visit to get assistance or answers for various things. If you can’t access your account or if someone is accessing it unlawfully, check out the Instagram Help Center.

How long does it take for a username to become available after someone deletes their account?

Instagram has not given us the official word on this. Still, many users have reported they could take the name as soon as the original owner deleted their account. Keep in mind; that the owner needs to permanently delete their account. If you’re trying to buy a username from another user, be sure you’ve obtained the username before sending payment.

Can I request an inactive username?

Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t exactly give us the green light on requesting usernames. Here is what the company has to say on the subject:

“If a username you want is being used by an account that seems inactive, you can choose an available version of the username. You can add periods, numbers, underscores, or abbreviations to help you come up with a username that’s not already in use.“

Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t try, at least. It won’t hurt to contact Instagram and request a username you think is inactive.

What happens to a user name after Instagram bans the original account?

Perhaps you’ve tried a username that does not appear in your search results, and yet, you cannot claim it. You may have tried different variations of the coveted username, and still, you are left wanting.

If the original creator of the username you’re looking for violated Instagram’s T&Cs, Instagram could remove the entire account, including the username, to prevent future use. Although Instagram won’t notify you that the username doesn’t exist anymore, you can try the Help feature to check.

How to Claim an Inactive Instagram Account (and What to Do When You Can't)

By Quina Baterna

Published Oct 03, 2021

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Has an inactive Instagram account taken your favorite username? You might still be able to get that username. Here's how.

By 2021, Instagram has accumulated over a billion users worldwide, making it one of the world's top social media platforms. Launched in 2010, Instagram has been around for more than a decade and has made several rebrands, changed its news feed algorithms, and added new features.

However, while its users have steadily grown through the years, Instagram is also plagued with its own troubles, including empty profiles that no longer interact on the platform at all—inactive accounts.

What Are Inactive Instagram Accounts?

While Instagram doesn't exactly give an exact criterion for it, inactive accounts are accounts that have been abandoned or left unused for extended periods.

According to a 2015 study, 30 percent of users on Instagram are inactive. This number may have changed throughout the years, but the reality is inactive accounts are more common than most people think. While they may have existing posts and profile pictures, inactive accounts don't really add any more value to Instagram in the form of posts, stories, reels, or interactions with other accounts.

Related: How to Maximize Your Instagram Exposure

There are plenty of reasons why Instagram accounts become inactive. Sometimes, it's because users lose access to their accounts and can't find their way back in. Other times, it can also be because users no longer want to use social media anymore, their businesses have closed down, or they decided to rebrand their online identity.

Although there is no accurate number, it's safe to say that there are thousands (if not millions) of inactive accounts on Instagram today. With this, is it possible to claim one of them as your own?

Can You Claim an Inactive Instagram Account Name?

In most cases, you cannot claim an inactive Instagram account. One of the reasons is that not all accounts that appear inactive actually are. Sometimes, people still use direct messages to talk to friends or scroll without interacting through likes or comments. Because of this, it's hard to tell which accounts actually fit the definition of inactive at first glance.

However, Instagram may give allowances to recognizable public individuals and businesses who hold trademarks when claiming truly inactive accounts. For this to happen, you can try to file a report that cites impersonation or trademark infringement. You will need to supply official and legal documents, such as government IDs and patents, to prove your identity or ownership over a recognizable brand.

When filing a report, the impersonating account will not be notified unless there are intellectual property issues involved. Take note that Instagram only replies to reports sent by the person being impersonated or a legal guardian.

How to File an Impersonation Report on Instagram Online

It is possible to file for impersonation even if you don't currently have an active Instagram account yourself. To file an impersonation report, visit Instagram Help Centre.

There, you will be asked to select what best describes your situation. As of writing, there are four main options that you can choose from:

Someone created an account for my business or organization
Someone created an account pretending to be me or a friend
Someone created an account pretending to be someone I represent (ex. my child)
I can't log into my old account

After selection, Instagram will show the necessary steps you need to follow for each option to prove your case. Once you have provided the necessary supporting documents, Instagram may be able to transfer their username over to you.

Bear in mind that this process is still up for deliberation. At the end of the day, it is up to Instagram to determine whether you should be allowed to claim the inactive account name or not.

Alternatives to Claiming an Inactive Instagram Account Name

If claiming an inactive Instagram account is off the table, here are some things you can try doing instead.

Use Variations of Your Name With Numbers

With over a billion people on Instagram, it's almost impossible to secure your ideal username. While it's unfortunate that you can't get your ideal IG handle all the time, it is still possible to make variations that are close enough. Instead of "janedoe," you can use numbers to simulate letters, such as "janed0e","j4n3d03", or "janedo3".

For athletes that are often associated with numbers on their jerseys, you can even add them seamlessly at the end of your name. If you're looking for inspiration, basketball player Jeremy Lin's Instagram handle is jlin7.

Make Puns

While we can't always get our dream username, we can make a username work with our dreams. There are plenty of ways to make similar but more interesting and memorable names. For example, you can choose to make a pun like "janedough" or "janedoughnut" that shows a little more personality when people read it.

Add Periods or Underscores

If for branding reasons, you really need to have a certain name on your Instagram handle, you can add periods or underscores alongside it, such as "jane. doe", "janedoe_" or "jane_doe". When using this method, make sure to only use at most one underscore. Because, unless you want to remain somewhat anonymous, underscores make it difficult for people to guess how many were used.

Use Titles

Should your Instagram be used for professional reasons, you can use titles to help signal what your account is about. For example, if you're a doctor that regularly posts medical content, you can make your name "DocJaneDoe" or "JaneDoeMD".

Attempt Instagram Verification

If you're a public figure, and you find that an inactive account is impersonating you, you can request for Instagram to verify you. This will help your case when claiming an inactive Instagram username. Additionally, this may also work if you hold an official trademark for your name.

To be qualified for verification, your account has to be public, have a bio, profile photo, and at least one post. You also have to prove that you or your brand is real, unique, and noteworthy. Officially, Instagram takes up to 30 days to evaluate your account for verification.

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If you want to request for verification, go to Settings > Account > Request Verification. Once you are verified, you can get in touch with Instagram about your concern. Hopefully, claiming the inactive username is easier with a blue check.

As time passes, new social media platforms pop up and encourage people to move to them. For this reason, it is possible that your ideal username may suddenly become inactive. With enough social proof, you could possibly even take it home.

However, it's always good to remember that when it comes to Instagram, you're more than just a username. While a good username can help people remember you, the quality and consistency of your content is just as important to build your personal brand.

Whether's claiming your identity or trying to establish yourself as a public figure, there are plenty of reasons why you may want to claim an inactive account. Instagram does have a history of helping users out, especially when an account has truly been dormant for a long, long time.

How to Erase Your Social Media Presence: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat

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How to get an inactive Instagram account

Marketplace for Instagram usernames

If you're setting up an Instagram account and thinking about the perfect username that reflects your personality or mission, you may realize that the username is taken by an inactive account. For companies and influencers trying to launch an Instagram presence, having the right username is valuable.

Want to learn how to sell effectively on Instagram? You can get more followers and more activity on your Instagram, and this book shows you how,

If you track your performance, be sure to read our article explaining what makes for a reasonable level of participation on Instagram,

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Inactive an account is an account that has been abandoned or has not been used for a long time. If the account has the username you so desperately need, there's no direct way to get it. But there are a few things you can do.

Buying an Instagram username

There are many secondary markets where good name owners can sell them for amounts ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands.

For the most part, the people who make money selling names are those who set up their accounts in the early days and were able to choose the names other users would eventually want.

Sometimes a name becomes valuable because a movie, show, or album comes out, and all of a sudden BigBangTheory goes from being a great account for a physics student to a highly sought-after property. If an account becomes "inactive", you can retrieve the username.

If you have such a trademark or copyright, you can file a copyright/trademark infringement report and try to claim the name as your own.

If the account is active and frequently used, you may have difficulty with this method.

Obtaining a new trademark is a complex and expensive process, but obtaining copyright is quite simple. Every time you create something original, you have a hidden copyright; You can file a formal copyright registration to cement your legal claim, but a claim is created by the act of creating a work, not by the act of filing a claim.

Choose a similar username

While it may seem obvious, choosing a similar username is the easiest way to set up an Instagram account. Adding an underscore or a number is simple and effective.

Instagram usernames can be up to 30 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. This gives you some flexibility in creating a name that is close to your dream name. You may need to use a little imagination, but everything else should be fairly simple.

If you are running a business, add the city or location to your name. You can do the same for last names or other given names. This can help keep your brand alive and add a quick local ID that can work in your favor. You can also add a business type to the name.

Big Brand Workarounds

If you're a big business or more established brand, adding "official" or "real" to the end of your Instagram account name might also work. Artists with common names often do this so you can too.

However, you must be careful when emulating well-known brands. If you create an account for Microsoft Software, this is a legitimate account name - but if you reach a level of success and visibility where Microsoft sees your account, they will shut you down immediately using the same trademarks and copyright protections that I described above. You cannot infringe on other people's protected intellectual property, just as they cannot infringe on yours.

If you're having trouble getting a username, but there are no accounts with that username, be aware that some accounts are configured as private. If it is true; the username will be unavailable and you won't be able to search for the account.

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Posted by Arch on December 18, 2019 How to take over an inactive Instagram handle

You quickly joined Instagram when it was just appeared? In this case, you probably have a pen that you are happy with. Maybe your first and last name, or witty puns that don't include numbers or underscores.

Not everyone thinks much about their username, but if you're special in how you present yourself online, the Instagram handle is part of it. And if you're stuck with a name you don't like, you might be wondering if there are any inactive Instagram handles you can use.

Instagram operates a supermarket

There is no such thing! Unfortunately, you are not allowed to buy an inactive pen. In fact, you may not know which handles are initially inactive. The only thing you really know is that a certain Instagram handle is busy. Whether the account associated with the handle is inactive or not is another matter entirely.

What is an inactive Instagram account anyway? What are the relevant parameters? For example, if an account hasn't seen any activity since it was created, it's considered inactive. Sometimes Instagram clears inactive handles and all those handles become available again. But on Instagram, things happen very quickly, and the chance that you grab the pen you want is slim.

You can negotiate

But you don't know for sure which handle is 100% inactive. You can see limited activity on the account with the handle you want. This person can post or like something once a year. It's not unknown. So you can reach out and offer to buy their Instagram handle. Or just cancel your account. You never know what answer you might get.

Then it might not be the safest option to change handle and take over his account. Think of all the bots and spam accounts. If the person you're trying to negotiate with doesn't respond, you can always find a handle on other social media. They may be more active on Twitter, and that's where you can connect with them.

Get creative

After all, Instagram is a place for creativity. That's it for the most part. You don't have to settle for "all or nothing" when it comes to your Instagram profile. If you want to create a new Instagram account and a handle you want to start with, start brainstorming. Don't rush into it.

On the other hand, even if you don't like something, you can always change it later. The question is, do you want to follow this path. Changing nicknames is a simple process, but you might be hesitant when putting together a group on Instagram. All this can be confusing.

And if the creative shock has not yet come and you are not satisfied with any options for the desired pen with numbers and underlining, you can try to wait. Wait for the Instagram account to be cleared or for a response from the owner of the inactive Instagram account. Or just wait for the creative juices to start flowing again.

Trademark infringement

If you have an Instagram account, things are a little different. As a company, no matter how small or large, your name, logo and other trademarked materials are yours alone. Instagram recognizes this, and if you believe another account is using your trademark, you can go directly to Instagram and fill out this form.