You change your Instagram username in your profile details. Open your profile and look for the option to edit those details. Enter your new name under ‘Username’, not under your display name. Confirm the change if Instagram accepts it. Then check your profile address and shared links. Your old username is not guaranteed to remain available to you.
Below, you’ll find the steps and what to check before and after the change.
What is the difference between your Instagram username and display name?
Your username is the name after the @ symbol. People use it to mention you in a post or comment. It is also part of your profile address. Your display name is the visible name on your profile. These names do not have to be the same.
| Name | What do you use it for? | Fictional example |
|---|---|---|
| Username | Your profile address and @ mentions | @noor.tekent |
| Display name | The name visitors read on your profile | Noor | Drawings from Ghent |
Do you only want to show a different name on your profile? Change your display name. Do you want a different name after the @ symbol or in your profile address? Then you need to change your username.
Instagram refers in its help about updating profile information to changing your name and username.
Changing your Instagram username in the app
Do you use multiple accounts? First check the profile picture and current username. This ensures you are changing the right profile.
- Open your own profile.
- Look for the option to edit your profile details.
- Go to the field for your username, not your display name.
- Enter your new username. Read the message if one appears.
- Save the change.
- Open your profile again and check that the new username appears.
The buttons and layout may differ. Can’t find the field? Look in your account settings for your profile details or try Instagram on your computer. If you still can’t do it, use Instagram’s help option.
Does Instagram say that your change is being reviewed? Or can’t you save it yet? Don’t share your new name until it actually appears on your profile.
Changing your Instagram username on your computer
Open Instagram in your browser and log in to the account you want to change.
- Go to your own profile.
- Look for the option to edit your profile details.
- Enter the new name under your username and save the change.
- Open your profile again to check whether the name has been changed.
Can’t see a username field? Try the app. Don’t simply change a different name field.
A computer is useful if you also want to change links on a website or in other profiles afterwards. You can then copy and test your new profile address straight away.
What do you do if Instagram rejects your new username?
First read the message next to the field. It will help you decide what to do.
- The name is not available. Try a recognisable variation. Even if you cannot find a profile with that name, it does not mean you can use the name.
- The spelling is rejected. Check whether you accidentally pasted spaces. Follow the message about which characters and length are allowed.
- It won’t save. Check whether the new name nevertheless appears on your profile. If it does not, note the exact error message before trying again.
A fictional example: if noor.tekent is not accepted, you can noor.tekent.gent try. That example name may not be available either. Choose an addition that suits you and that you can easily tell someone.
Make sure the message concerns your username. A message about your display name does not indicate which rules apply to your username.
Can you switch back to your old Instagram username?
Do not assume that your old username will be kept for you. Therefore, choose a new name you want to keep.
The explanation from Digital Trends about changing your Instagram username mentions 14 days to switch back. This is not a guarantee that you can always get your old name back within that period.
Do you still want to switch back? Enter your old name again under your username. The message from Instagram will show whether you can continue.
Nor should you assume that every old @ mention or saved link will automatically point to your new name. Check them yourself. Also remember the name on other websites and printed cards.
What should you check before changing your Instagram username?
Make a short list beforehand of the places where your current name appears. That way, you won’t have to search for them all again after the change.
- Your new name: can you read, pronounce and type it easily?
- Your account: do you have the right profile open?
- Shared links: does your profile address appear on a website, another social profile or at the bottom of your emails?
- Printed material: does your name or a QR code appear on cards, posters or stickers?
- People who often mention you: do they know which name you will use next?
Do you want to remain recognisable to people you know? It is best not to change your username and profile picture at the same time. They can identify the profile from your familiar photo.
Which links do you update after changing your Instagram username?
Copy your new profile address and open it yourself. Check that it takes you to the right profile. Then update the places on your list.
| Place | What do you do? |
|---|---|
| Website and other social profiles | Replace your old profile link. Then click the new link to test it. |
| Bio and profile text | Check whether your old name still appears in the text and change it. |
| Important mentions by others | Open the mention. Ask for it to be changed if it does not lead to your profile. |
| QR codes | Scan each code and check which profile opens. Replace codes that no longer work properly. |
| Business cards, posters and stickers | Update the design before ordering new copies. |
Your bio is the short piece of text on your profile. Want to change it? Read where to find your bio on Instagram.
You can also share your new name in a post or story. A fictional example text: “You can now find my drawings via @noor.tekent.gent. This is still the same profile.” Only post such a message after checking that the change was successful. If you also publish your own content, our Instagram services includes packages for followers and likes. The product pages show the available quantities and prices.
