To change your Instagram username, go to your profile, tap Edit profile, then tap your username and type a new one. If the name is taken, Instagram will tell you right away. Changes on accounts with large reach may be reviewed first, and Instagram says your followers may be notified.
Key points
- Change it in Edit profile, or in Accounts Center > Profiles.
- If a username is taken, Instagram won’t let you save it. Try periods, underscores, numbers or abbreviations.
- You can usually switch back to a previous username if nobody else has taken it.
- Anyone can see how many times an account has changed its username in “About this account”, but not the old names themselves.
- Pick something you won’t want to change again soon. Each change can confuse people looking for you.
How do I change my Instagram username?
On iPhone or Android
- Tap your profile picture in the bottom right.
- Tap Edit profile.
- Tap Username and enter the new name.
- Tap the check mark or Done to save.
If you manage several Meta profiles, you can also do this from Settings > Accounts Center > Profiles: select the profile and edit the username.
On desktop (instagram.com)
- Click your profile picture, then Edit profile.
- If you are sent to Accounts Center, choose Profiles, select the account and edit Username.
- Save the change.
How can I check if an Instagram username is available?
The definitive check is Instagram itself. When you type a name in Edit profile, it tells you whether it is available. To check without logging in, our Instagram username checker tests a name against Instagram’s format rules and looks for an existing public profile with that name. Treat that as a first pass, because only Instagram can confirm availability.
If you need ideas, our username generator builds variations from a keyword you type.
What if the username I want is taken?
Instagram’s help center explains that once a username is taken, you can’t claim it, even if the account looks inactive. Its suggestion is to make a variation by adding periods, numbers, underscores or abbreviations. Some ways to keep it recognizable:
- Add a short descriptor: name.studio, name_official, getname.
- Add a location or niche: name.toronto, name.bakes.
- Use the same handle across platforms if you can, so people can find you easily.
If someone is using a name that infringes your trademark, that is a separate process through Instagram’s intellectual property reporting, not a username request.
Can I change my Instagram username back to the old one?
Usually, yes, as long as nobody else has taken it in the meantime. Instagram’s help center notes some exceptions, for example if the old username was recently removed from an active account you don’t own. To try, edit your username again and type the old one. If it saves, it is yours again.
Will people know I changed my username?
Possibly. Instagram says it may notify your followers when an account with a large reach changes its username. Anyone can also open your profile, tap the menu and select About this account to see the date you joined and how many times you have changed your username. The previous names themselves aren’t listed.
Keep in mind that links and @mentions that use your previous username may stop leading to your profile. Update your bio links, website and other profiles after you switch.
What makes a good Instagram username?
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Short and easy to spell aloud | Long strings of numbers |
| Matches your name or brand on other platforms | Look-alike spellings of other brands |
| Uses at most one or two periods or underscores | Strings like ___name___ |
| Stays relevant if your content changes | Year-specific names you will outgrow |
Your numeric account ID doesn’t depend on the username, which is why apps and tools often ask for it. See what an Instagram user ID is.
Changed your name for a fresh start? Pair it with our Instagram followers packages to build the new profile faster.
Sources
- Instagram Help: Change your username
- Instagram Help: Username is taken
- Instagram Help: Switch back to a previous username
- Instagram Help: About this account
FAQ
How do I change my Instagram username?
Go to your profile, tap Edit profile, tap Username, enter the new name and save. You can also change it in Accounts Center under Profiles.
Can I take a username from an inactive account?
No. Instagram says taken usernames can’t be claimed, even from inactive accounts. Try a variation with periods, numbers, underscores or abbreviations.
Can I go back to my old Instagram username?
Usually, if no one else has taken it. Edit your username and type the old one. If it saves, it is yours again.
Can people see my old Instagram usernames?
Not the names themselves. About this account shows how many times an account’s username has changed, but not what the previous usernames were.
Does changing my username lose followers?
Your followers, posts and messages stay with the account. Links and @mentions that use the old username may no longer lead to you, so update them.