How to Change Your Instagram Page Name

Thinking about updating your Instagram page name? It’s a common move whether you're rebranding your business, fine-tuning your personal brand, or just feel like it’s time for a change. This guide walks you through exactly how to change your Instagram name and username, the critical differences between the two, and the strategic considerations you should think about before you hit that save button. We’ll cover every step so you can make the switch feeling confident and in control.

Name vs. Username: Understanding the Difference is Vital

First things first, it's essential to understand the distinction between your Instagram name and your username. People often use these terms interchangeably, but they serve very different functions on the platform. Grasping this difference is the first step in a successful profile update, as changing one has different implications than changing the other.

What is an Instagram Name?

Your Instagram name is the less-restrictive, non-unique text that appears under your profile picture. It’s supposed to be your actual name or your business's name. It's much more flexible than your username.

• Not Unique: Multiple users can have the same Instagram name. There could be a thousand "John Smith"s or "Sunny Days Cafe"s on the platform, and that's perfectly fine.
• Supports Special Characters and Spaces: You can use spaces, emojis, and various characters in your name to give it more personality or clarity (e.g., "Sarah | Fitness Coach ✨").
• Easier to Change: You can change your Instagram name relatively easily, but with one important catch: Instagram limits you to two changes every 14 days.
• Searchable: Your Instagram name is one of the main fields Instagram's search function uses. Including keywords related to what you do or who you are (like "Brooklyn Photographer") can improve your discoverability.

What is an Instagram Username (@handle)?

Your Instagram username, often called your handle, is your unique identifier on the platform. It starts with the "@" symbol and is arguably the more critical of the two to get right for your brand.

• Completely Unique: Only one account on all of Instagram can have a specific username. Once you claim @sunnydayscafe, no one else can have it unless you release it.
• Part of Your Profile URL: Your username dictates your Instagram profile's web address (e.g., instagram.com/YourUsernameHere). It's what people use to tag you in photos, comments, and Stories.
• Character Restrictions: Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. You cannot use spaces or other special characters.
• Bigger Implications When Changed: Altering your username has a ripple effect. All existing links to your profile will break, and you risk losing followers who can't find your new handle. Also, your old username immediately becomes available for someone else to claim.

How to Change Your Instagram Name (Step-by-Step)

Updating your display name is a quick and simple process, whether you're on your phone or computer. Just remember the "two changes in 14 days" rule.

Using the Instagram Mobile App

1. Open Instagram: Launch the app and go to your profile by tapping your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
2. Tap "Edit Profile": This button is located just below your bio.
3. Go to the "Name" Field: Tap into the field labeled "Name."
4. Type Your New Name: Delete your old name and enter the new one you'd like to use. Feel free to add emojis or profession descriptors to stand out.
5. Save Your Changes: Tap the checkmark in the top-right corner (or "Done") to save. Your name will be updated immediately.

Using a Web Browser on Desktop

1. Navigate to Instagram.com: Log into your account on your preferred web browser.
2. Go to Your Profile: Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner and select "Profile" from the dropdown menu.
3. Click "Edit Profile": This button will be next to your username.
4. Find the "Name" Field: Edit the text in the "Name" box.
5. Submit Changes: Scroll down and click the "Submit" button to save your new name.

How to Change Your Instagram Username (Step-by-Step)

Changing your username is just as simple mechanically, but the strategic stakes are higher. Make sure you've considered all the implications before following these steps.

Using the Instagram Mobile App

1. Head to Your Profile: Open the app and tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
2. Tap "Edit Profile": Find the button beneath your bio and tap it.
3. Select the "Username" Field: Tap into the field where your current @handle is displayed.
4. Enter Your Desired Username: Type in your new username. Instagram will instantly check if it's available. If it is, you’ll see a green checkmark. If not, you'll need to try a different one.
5. Confirm the Change: Tap the checkmark (or "Done") in the top-right to lock it in.

Using a Web Browser on Desktop

1. Go to Instagram.com: Sign into your account from a desktop browser.
2. Access Your Profile: Click your profile picture and then "Profile."
3. Click "Edit Profile": Select the "Edit Profile" option next to your handle.
4. Locate the "Username" Field: In this field, type your new username choice. The page will tell you if it's available or already taken.
5. Save Everything: Scroll to the bottom and click "Submit" to save the change.

6 Critical Things to Consider Before Your Big Change

Changing your name or username seems simple, but a hasty switch can negatively impact your brand, SEO, and follower experience. Before you finalize anything, walk through these key considerations.

1. Your Old Username is Instantly Up for Grabs

The moment you change your username, your old one is released back into the public pool. Another user can claim it immediately. There's no grace period to change your mind. If you ever think you might want to go back, you risk losing your old handle forever. This is especially dangerous for brands with established recognition, a squatter could take your old username and confuse your audience.

2. Losing Your Verification Badge (Temporarily)

If your account is verified with a blue checkmark, changing your username will trigger a re-review by Instagram. You may temporarily lose your badge while they confirm that your account still meets their verification criteria under the new handle. In most legitimate cases, it's restored, but it’s a possible disruption to be aware of.

3. Broken Links and Tagging Issues

Every single link pointing to your Instagram profile lives and dies by your username (instagram.com/YourUsername). When you change it, all prior links break. This includes links on your:

• Website or blog
• Other social media profiles (Linktree, TikTok, X, Facebook)
• Email signature
• Digital or printed marketing materials
• Features in other people's blog posts, articles, or bios

Anyone who tries to use an old link will hit a "Sorry, this page isn't available" message. Additionally, past tags of your old handle in comments or photo captions will no longer lead to your profile.

4. Inform Your Audience Proactively

Don’t surprise your followers with a sudden change. For businesses and established creators, it can look unprofessional and sow confusion. Let people know what’s coming! You can:

• Post about it in advance: Create a few Instagram posts, Stories, and Reels leading up to the change. Explain the new name and maybe even the "why" behind the rebrand.
• Update your bio: After the change, add a line to your bio for a few weeks like, "Formerly @YourOldName." This helps stragglers connect the dots.
• Announce it everywhere: Share the news on your other social platforms and on your email list to make sure your community finds you.

5. Impact on Discoverability and SEO

Both your name and username are searchable on Instagram. If your current handle includes a relevant keyword (e.g., @nycfoodguide), changing it could impact how people find you. Before switching to a more abstract or personal name, consider if you'll lose out on valuable search traffic. On the other hand, if your current name is vague, changing it to something more keyword-rich can actually boost your discoverability.

6. Platform-Wide Brand Consistency

Your Instagram handle shouldn't live in a vacuum. A strong digital brand maintains a consistent identity across all platforms like TikTok, X, YouTube, and Threads. Before you commit to a new username on Instagram, check if it's available on all the other platforms that matter to your brand. Having a unified @handle everywhere makes you instantly recognizable and easier for your audience to find.

Best Practices for Choosing Your New Instagram Name

Choosing the right name and username is both an art and a science. Your goal is something memorable, professional, and aligned with your brand's future.

Prioritize Clarity and Simplicity

Your best bet is a name that's easy to read, say, and remember. Avoid:

• Long strings of numbers (e.g., @sarahbakes1994).
• Difficult-to-spell words or complex jargon.
• Overuse of underscores or periods (@best_._.cakes). A single separator is fine if needed, but multiples look spammy and are hard to recall.

The goal is effortless recognition. If someone hears your handle in passing, they should be able to look you up without second-guessing the spelling.

Be Consistent Across All Channels

As mentioned, cross-platform consistency is power. Use a tool like Namechk.com to instantly see if your desired username is available on dozens of social networks. Locking down the same handle everywhere creates a seamless brand experience. If your first choice is taken, try slight variations, like adding a suffix (@YourBrandOfficial, @YourBrandHQ) before settling for completely different names on different channels.

Think About Future-Proofing Your Brand

Avoid picking a username that’s overly trendy or specific, as it could feel dated in a few years. For instance, a name tied to a specific year (@austindesigns2023) or a fleeting meme will quickly lose relevance. Pick a name that can grow with you and your business.

Final Thoughts

Changing your Instagram page name or username is straightforward, but it’s a decision with lasting impacts on your brand’s findability and perception. By understanding the functional differences, following the right steps, and carefully considering the strategic checklists above, you can confidently make the switch without losing your audience or breaking your digital presence.

One of the hardest parts of a name change is updating all your content plans without missing a beat. Since Postbase provides a beautiful visual calendar, we make it easy to see and manage all your scheduled content in one place. You can plan campaigns in advance to announce your new handle across all platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Threads, ensuring a smooth and consistent transition for your audience.