How to Change Instagram Name

Thinking about changing your Instagram name? Whether you're rebranding your business, switching to a personal account, or just tired of that handle you picked back in 2012, the process is straightforward. This guide will walk you through exactly how to change both your display name and your username on Instagram, plus the important things you need to consider before you hit confirm.

Understand the Difference: Username vs. Display Name

Before making any changes, it's good to know the distinction between your Instagram Username and your Display Name. They serve different purposes, and changing one has different implications than changing the other.

Your Display Name: The Public-Facing Name

This is the name that appears in a bolder font right below your profile picture in your bio. Think of it as the name on your mailbox.

• It does not have to be unique. You and a hundred other people can have the display name "Jane Smith" or "The Coffee Shop."
• It can contain emojis and special characters. ✨
• You can change it up to two times within a 14-day period.
• Maximum length is 30 characters.

For most brands and creators, this is their actual business name or full name. It's more flexible and easier to change on a whim.

Your Username: Your Unique Handle (@)

Your username, or handle, is your unique identifier on the platform. It's the name that starts with the "@" symbol and forms your personal Instagram URL (e.g., instagram.com/yourusername). This is your official address on Instagram.

• It must be unique. No two accounts can have the same username.
• It’s how people tag you in photos, comments, and captions.
• It can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.
• Changing it has more significant consequences, which we'll cover in detail below.

Changing your Display Name is simple. Changing your Username requires a little more strategic thinking.

How to Change Your Instagram Name (Display Name)

This is the easy part. You can update your display name in just a few taps, whether you're using your phone or a computer.

On the Mobile App (iOS & Android)

The process is identical for both iPhone and Android users. It takes less than thirty seconds.

1. Go to Your Profile: Open the Instagram app and tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
2. Tap 'Edit Profile': This button is located directly under your bio.
3. Select the 'Name' Field: Tap on the line that shows your current display name.
4. Enter Your New Name: Type in the new display name you want to use.
5. Confirm the Change: Tap "Done" (on iOS) or the checkmark (on Android) in the top-right corner to save your changes.

That's it! Your new name will appear immediately. Just remember a pop-up might warn you that you can only change it twice within 14 days, so make sure you’re happy with it.

On a Desktop Computer

If you prefer using Instagram on a desktop, the process is just as simple.

1. Log In to Instagram: Go to Instagram.com in your web browser.
2. Access Your Profile: Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner of the page and select "Profile" from the dropdown menu.
3. Click 'Edit Profile': This button sits next to your username.
4. Change Your Name: In the 'Name' field, delete your old name and type in the new one.
5. Save Your Changes: Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the "Submit" button.

How to Change Your Instagram Username (@Handle)

Changing your username follows nearly the same steps as changing your display name, but the stakes are higher. This change affects your URL and how people tag you, so make sure this is a move you're ready to make.

On the Mobile App (iOS & Android)

1. Go to Your Profile: Open the app and tap your profile icon in the bottom-right.
2. Tap 'Edit Profile': Find the button under your bio information.
3. Select the 'Username' Field: This time, tap on the line with your current username.
4. Enter Your New Username: Type your desired new handle. Instagram will automatically check if it's available. If it's taken, you'll see a red "X", if it's available, a green checkmark will appear.
5. Confirm Your Choice: Once you have an available username you're happy with, tap "Done" (on iOS) or the checkmark (on Android) to save it.

On a Desktop Computer

1. Log In to Instagram: Go to Instagram.com.
2. Navigate to Your Profile: Click your profile picture and then "Profile."
3. Click 'Edit Profile': It's right next to your username.
4. Change Your Username: Focus on the 'Username' field. As you type, the system will tell you if the handle is available.
5. Save Your Changes: Scroll down and click the "Submit" button to finalize the update.

Things You Must Consider BEFORE Changing Your Username

Don't just jump in and change your handle without thinking through the consequences. A username is deeply tied to your account's identity and online footprint. Here are five big things to consider first.

1. The 14-Day Lock-Up Period

When you change your username, Instagram reserves your old handle for 14 days. This means no one else can claim it during that period. It also means if you change your mind and want to switch back, you might be able to reclaim it within that 14-day window. After 14 days, however, it's released to the public and could be claimed by anyone.

2. Links and Tags Will Break

This is arguably the most significant side effect. Every single link from another website, blog post, or email signature pointing to your old profile URL (instagram.com/OldUsername) will now lead to a "sorry, this page isn't available" error. Any time someone tagged you in a photo caption or comment with your old handle, that tag will no longer be linked to your account. Your connection to old user-generated content and past collaborations will be severed.

3. You Could Lose Your Verification Badge

If your account is verified with a blue checkmark, changing your username could cause you to lose it. Instagram’s verification policies are tied to account authenticity and established presence. A name change can signal a change in identity, potentially voiding your current verified status. You may need to apply for verification all over again with your new handle, and there are no guarantees you’ll get it back.

4. Check for Brand Consistency

Your social media presence is stronger when your brand handle is consistent across all platforms. Before you commit to a new Instagram username, check if that same handle is available on TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and any other platform your brand is on. A consistent identity makes it easier for followers to find you everywhere and helps build a cohesive brand. Don't create confusion by having different names on different channels.

5. Announce the Change to Your Followers

A sudden username change can confuse your audience. People who are used to searching for or tagging your old handle might think your account has been deleted. To avoid this, plan a small communication campaign around the change.

• Create a dedicated post and a series of "heads up!" Stories announcing the change.
• For a few weeks after the change, add "(formerly @OldUsername)" to your bio.
• Update your username on your website, in your email signature, and on all other online platforms immediately.

Username Taken? Creative Ways to Find a Great Handle

"Your amazing brand name" is almost certainly taken on Instagram. Don't worry. A great handle is still within reach if you get a little creative.

Add a Prefix or Suffix

This is the most common and effective strategy. Think about adding a relevant word to the beginning or end of your name.

• Examples: TheJaneDough, JaneDoughNYC, JaneDoughCreative, OfficialJaneDough, JaneDoughHQ.

Punctuation is Your Friend

Instagram allows periods (`.`) and underscores (`_`) in usernames. Use them to break up words or add a visual distinction. Note that Instagram doesn't recognize periods as a point of difference (e.g., `jane.dough` is the same as `janedough`), but underscores do offer a unique separation.

• Examples: Jane_Dough, The_Jane_Dough.

Incorporate an Action Word

Using a verb can make your handle more memorable and tell people what your brand is all about.

• Examples: MeetJaneDough, JoinJaneDough, TryJaneDoughBakery, WeAreJaneDough.

Specify Your Niche or Industry

Adding a qualifier can help you secure the name you want while also providing context to new followers.

• Examples: JaneDoughBakes, JaneDoughWrites, JaneDoughRealEstate.

One word of caution: Instagram generally does not allow users to claim inactive usernames. You can’t report an account as inactive in hopes of having the handle freed up for you. Your best bet is to work with the creative solutions above to find something available now.

Final Thoughts

Changing your Instagram name can be a powerful step in refreshing your brand or aligning your personal profile with your current identity. While updating your display name is a simple, low-risk edit, choosing a new username requires careful thought to avoid breaking old links and creating confusion for your audience.

Once your new name is locked in, the important work of building a consistent brand presence continues. We know from experience how challenging it can be to plan and schedule content when your identity needs to be cohesive everywhere. At Postbase, we built our visual calendar to give you a clear, bird's-eye view of your entire content strategy. We made it to help you organize campaigns, spot gaps, and see exactly what's going live across all your accounts - from Reels to TikToks - so your rebrand rollout feels coordinated and professional, not messy and chaotic.