Feeling stuck with an Instagram handle that you chose years ago? A username can quickly become outdated, especially if it was selected during a different stage of your life. Fortunately, Instagram lets you alter it whenever you want. Whether your current handle feels outdated or no longer reflects your personality, knowing how to change your Instagram username can help you refresh your online identity in just a few steps. Changing your username is straightforward, whether you use a mobile app or a web browser. With a simple change, you can choose a name that better fits who you are today.
TLDR;
The quickest way to update your Instagram username is via the mobile app. Begin by opening the Instagram app and tapping your profile icon. From there, pick the “Edit Profile” option. In the username section, enter your new handle and click the checkbox to save it. You’re finished! In about a minute, your Instagram username will be modified. If your preferred username is not available, Instagram will alert you and allow you to try various versions.
Display Name vs Username
Before you make the switch, you need to grasp the distinction between your display name and username. Your display name, which appears in your profile header, is more adaptable. It does not need to be unique, and you can alter it as often as you want. Consider it as your personal or business name. On the other side, your username is far more particular. It is the unique handle that identifies your Instagram account and appears after the “@” symbol. Unlike a display name, your username must adhere to Instagram’s stricter requirements.
Here are the main rules for Instagram usernames:
- It should be unique to your account.
- It must be less than 30 characters.
- It can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, not spaces or special characters.
- It must not contain any offensive language or forbidden phrases.
Once you understand the distinctions, you may decide whether you need to update your display name or your Instagram username for a complete reset.
How to Change Your Username in the Instagram App
Changing your username on the Instagram app is simple and takes just a few seconds. First, ensure that you have thought of a username that meets the rules. If you’re ready to update your handle, take these steps:
- Open the Instagram app.
Begin by opening the Instagram app on your phone and logging in, if you haven’t already.
- Access your profile:
Tap on your profile icon, which is situated in the bottom right of the screen. This will lead you to your personal webpage.
- Edit Profile:
When you get at your profile page, locate and tap the “Edit Profile” option directly beneath your bio.
- Enter your new username:
In the “Username” area, delete your current handle and enter the new one you want to use.
- Save Changes:
If your username matches the standards and is available, confirm your new username by tapping the checkbox in the upper right corner (or “Done” on iPhone).
That is it! Your username has now been changed. If your new handle is not accessible, Instagram will notify you with a message and a red exclamation mark, indicating that it is time to try a new variation.
You can also explore: How to Create a Successful Collab Post on Instagram and Boost Engagement
How to Change Your Username on a Computer or Browser
Changing your Instagram username with a web browser is quick and simple. The methods are nearly identical to those for the smartphone app. However, unlike the app, you will not receive an error message if a username is unavailable. Instead, a little pop-up will appear once you click the submit button, telling you that the username has been taken.
Here’s how to update your Instagram username using a browser:
- Visit Instagram.com and sign in to your account.
- Click the profile tab in the upper right corner.
- Select “Edit Profile” next to your profile photo and information.
- To manage your Instagram settings, open the Accounts Center.
- Choose the Instagram account for which you wish to alter the username.
- Find the “Username” field and input your preferred username.
- To submit your new username, click “Done.”
When you confirm the modifications, your new username will be activated instantaneously. However, you will only know if your desired username is accessible after clicking submit.
Other Relevant Articles to Explore: How to Fix Instagram Not Sending SMS Code for Two-Factor Authentication
What Happens When You Change Your Username?
When you change your Instagram username, the switch occurs instantaneously. This means that the old username will be available for others to claim. So, if someone else takes it, you won’t be able to retrieve it. Another essential point to remember is that your account URL will change, which may influence links to your Instagram profile from other websites. Make sure to update any social media pages or websites where you’ve included your Instagram URL.
Fortunately, altering your Instagram username does not influence your followers. Your account is unchanged, and you will retain all of your followers, likes, and posts. However, some followers may be bewildered by the sudden change and unfollow you. Although Instagram immediately updates all internal links to your account, tags in earlier posts may not be updated, requiring people to tag you in future posts with your new identity.
Why Won’t Instagram Let Me Change My Username?
If Instagram refuses to accept your new username, there is most likely a precise explanation. The most typical problem is that the desired username has already been taken. In that scenario, you’ll have to be creative with your options—try adding digits, periods, or underscores to make it distinctive.
Another explanation could be that your new username violates Instagram’s guidelines. It must be less than 30 characters long and may only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Spaces, special symbols, and unsuitable language are not permitted.
App caching can sometimes be the source of the problem. If you’ve already changed your username and the app still displays the old one, it’s probably a small display issue. Restarting your phone or emptying the app’s cache may help. If the problem persists, deleting and reinstalling Instagram frequently resolves these bugs.
How to Find Someone with a New Username
Finding someone who has changed their Instagram username might be difficult, but not impossible. First, see if you already follow them. Even with the new username, the account will remain in your followers list and new posts will appear in your feed. If you don’t already follow them, try searching for their display name. As long as the display name does not change and the account is public, it should appear in search results.
Another alternative is to search through posts that have been tagged, as the tags will not change unless updated. You may also look at their comments on other topics, as their new username should now be visible. Finally, if the account is linked to another platform or website, you can access it from there. Simply remember to be respectful and avoid any conduct that may be viewed as intrusive.
You can also explore: How to Find Liked Reels on Instagram and Access Saved Posts
FAQs
There is no limit on how frequently you can alter your Instagram username, as long as it respects Instagram’s requirements. You are allowed to switch it up whenever you like.
It depends. If your Instagram account is personal, changing your username is usually a better option, especially if you already have a following. However, for individuals establishing a new business or project, using a separate account may be preferable. In this manner, your followers will not be pushed to connect with stuff that they are not interested in.
Yes, you can return to your prior username—unless someone else has claimed it in the meantime.
Unfortunately, you cannot retrieve a username from an inactive account. Instagram does not allow users to claim usernames that are still linked to other accounts, even if they are not in use. However, Instagram occasionally deactivates accounts owing to lengthy inactivity. When that happens, the username may become available again, so keep an eye on it.