You change your Instagram username in your profile information. Open your profile and look for the option to edit that information. 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 @ sign. People use it to mention you in a post or comment. The name 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 @ sign 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 way, you can be sure you are changing the right profile.
- Open your own profile.
- Look for the option to edit your profile information.
- Go to the username field, not your display name.
- Enter your new username. Read the message if one appears.
- Save the change.
- Open your profile again and check whether the new username appears.
The buttons and layout may differ. Can’t find the field? Look for your profile information in your account settings 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 under review? 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 sign in to the account you want to change.
- Go to your own profile.
- Look for the option to edit your profile information.
- Enter the new name under your username and save the change.
- Open your profile again to check whether the name has been changed.
Don’t see a username field? Try the app. Don’t change another name field at random.
A computer is useful if you also want to change links on a website or in other profiles afterwards. You can copy and test your new profile address right away.
What do you do if Instagram rejects your new username?
First read the message beside the field. It will help you determine what you can do.
- The name is not available. Try a recognizable variation. Even if you can’t find a profile with that name, that doesn’t 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 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 is about your username. A message about your display name does not tell you which rules apply to your username.
Can you go back to your old Instagram username?
Don’t assume that your old username will be kept for you. Therefore, choose a new name you want to keep.
The Digital Trends explanation of changing your Instagram username mentions 14 days to switch back. That does not guarantee that you can always get your old name back during that period.
Still want to go back? Enter your old name again under your username. Instagram’s message will show whether you can proceed.
Also don’t assume that every old @ mention or saved link will automatically point to your new name. Check them yourself. Don’t forget 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 look for all of them 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 mention you often: will they know which name you’ll use from now on?
Want to remain recognizable to people you know? It’s better not to change your username and profile picture at the same time. They can identify the profile by your familiar photo.
Which links should you update after changing your Instagram username?
Copy your new profile address and open it yourself. Check that it leads to the right profile. Then update the places on your list.
| Location | 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 update it. |
| Important mentions by others | Open the mention. Ask for an update if it doesn’t lead to your profile. |
| QR codes | Scan each code and see 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’ll now find my drawings via @noor.tekent.gent. This is still the same profile.” Only post such a message after you have confirmed 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.
