How to Check if an Instagram Username Is Taken

Finding the perfect Instagram username feels like striking gold, but discovering it’s already taken can stop your creative process in its tracks. This guide will show you exactly how to check if a username is available, understand why it might not be (even if it looks free), and give you a clear game plan for what to do next.

The Easiest Ways to Check Username Availability

Before you get too attached to a name, a quick search will tell you if it's up for grabs. Here are the simplest methods to check, starting with the most obvious and moving to a few lesser-known tricks.

Method 1: The App's Search Bar (The Quick Check)

The fastest way to get an answer is directly within the Instagram app. Because the app is built for discovery, its search function will immediately tell you if an account with that exact name exists.

1. Open the Instagram app and tap the search icon (the magnifying glass) at the bottom.
2. Tap the search bar at the top and type in the exact username you want.
3. Select the "Accounts" tab to filter out hashtags and places.
4. If an account with that name appears, it's taken. If you see "No results found," there's a good chance it's available.

This is a great first step, but it doesn't always tell the whole story. Some inactive or banned accounts may not show up in the search results, leading you to a dead end later.

Method 2: The Sign-Up or 'Edit Profile' Page (The Definitive Answer)

This is the most reliable method because Instagram has to check its database in real-time to give you an answer. It confirms whether a username is available to be registered *right now*.

If you're creating a new account:

• Go to the Instagram sign-up page on the app or desktop.
• Proceed through the initial steps until you reach the "Create a username" screen.
• Type your desired username into the field.
• Instagram will instantly show a green checkmark if it's available or a red 'X' with a message like "This username isn't available" if it's taken.

If you already have an account:

• Go to your profile and tap "Edit Profile."
• Tap on your current username.
• Delete your old handle and type the new one you want to claim.
• The app will let you know immediately if the name is available to use. If you get the green light, you can save the change right there. Don't worry - you can always change it back if you're not ready to commit.

Method 3: The URL Trick (The Browser Method)

Every Instagram profile has a unique URL: instagram.com/username. You can use this to quickly check on any profile without even logging in. It's simple, fast, and works on any web browser.

1. Open a web browser on your phone or computer.
2. In the address bar, type: https://www.instagram.com/BRANDNAME
3. Replace "BRANDNAME" with the exact username you want to check.

Two things can happen:

• If a profile page loads, the username is taken. It doesn't matter if the profile is public, private, or has zero posts - it's occupied.
• If you get a "Sorry, this page isn't available" error message, the username is likely free for the taking.

This method gives you a clear visual confirmation and is especially useful for quickly checking a list of potential names without being logged into the app.

Why Is a Username Unavailable When No Account Shows Up?

This is one of the most confusing parts of hunting for a good Instagram handle. You type in a URL and get an error page, or you search for it and find nothing, but when you go to claim it, Instagram says it's unavailable. What's going on?

Here’s the deal: a username can be taken without being attached to an "active" or visible account. The handle is essentially locked in Instagram's system.

It Belongs to a Deactivated Account

When someone temporarily deactivates their account, their profile, photos, comments, and likes are hidden from public view. To an outsider, it looks like the account doesn't exist. However, the username is still reserved for them. As soon as they decide to log back in, their account is restored with the same handle. There is no time limit on deactivation, so that username could be held indefinitely.

It Belonged to a Recently Deleted Account

When an account is permanently deleted, Instagram holds the username for a 14-day grace period. During this time, the original owner can change their mind and reactivate their account. After the grace period, the username is supposed to be released back into the public pool for anyone to claim. However, this isn't always immediate. You might have to wait a bit longer than 14 days for it to become truly available.

Pro Tip: If you know a username was recently deleted, you can try checking its availability every day after the 14-day mark. You might just get lucky.

It's a Banned Account

If an account was suspended or permanently banned for violating Instagram's community guidelines (like spam, harassment, or impersonation), the username is often locked forever. Instagram does this to prevent the banned user from simply creating a new account under the same name. From the outside, it will appear as though the username is free, but you'll never be able to claim it during registration.

What to Do When Your Perfect Username Is Taken

So, you've confirmed that your first-choice username is out of reach. Don't panic. This is an opportunity to get creative and find a handle that's just as strong, if not stronger. Here's a step-by-step strategy for finding a great alternative.

1. Try Simple and Strategic Variations

Sometimes, a small tweak is all you need. The goal is to keep the username recognizable and easy to remember.

• Add a period or an underscore: Instagram doesn't recognize periods or underscores as unique characters *within* search, but they do matter for the username itself. If @BrandName is taken, try @Brand.Name or @Brand_Name. Be careful not to use too many, as it can look spammy (e.g., @B_r_a_n_d_Name is a bad look).
• Use a prefix: Add a descriptive word to the beginning. Examples include @TheBrandName, @OfficialBrandName, or @WeAreBrandName. This adds a level of authority.
• Use a suffix: Add a relevant word or abbreviation at the end. For example: @BrandNameCo, @BrandNameNYC (if location-based), @BrandNameApp (if you have an app), or @GetBrandName.

2. Get Creative with Wording

If simple variations don't work or feel too cliche, it's time to think outside the box. This can actually lead to a more memorable and unique brand name.

• Add a verb: A call-to-action can be dynamic. Think @JoinBrandName, @TryBrandName, or @ExperienceBrandName.
• Use an acronym or initials: If your brand is "The Awesome Coffee Shop," you could try @TACSNYC. This works best if your full brand name is long.
• Spell it out differently: Play with words. A tech company called "For You" could become @4Utech. Just make sure it's still easy for people to read and pronounce.

Whatever you choose, run it by a few people first. Does it make sense? Is it easy to say out loud? The last thing you want is a clever handle that no one can remember or spell.

3. The Long Shot: Contacting the Owner

What if the username is taken by an account that's been inactive for years, with just a couple of posts from 2014? You *could* try to contact the owner and ask if they'd be willing to give it up. Before you do, set your expectations low - most people won't respond or won't be interested.

Do Not Try If:

• The account is active, private, or has a clear personal identity.
• You can't find contact information.

How to Politely Inquire:

1. Find a way to contact them off Instagram. Check their bio for a link, an email, or another social profile where they might be more active. Do not send DMs to an inactive account.
2. Be professional and polite. Start by introducing yourself and your brand. Politely explain why you're interested in their username and ask if they would consider transferring it.
3. Offer something in return. Some may give it away for free, but others might expect compensation. Be prepared to negotiate, but be wary of exorbitant asks.
4. Never use "username brokers" or "hacking" services. These are almost always scams and can get your own account banned.

Honestly evaluating your alternatives is usually a better use of time, but if the username is a perfect match for your established brand, a polite and professional inquiry might be worth the effort.

Final Thoughts

Checking if an Instagram username is taken is the easy part, the real work lies in navigating the complexities when your ideal handle isn't readily available. By understanding the difference between available, deactivated, and locked usernames, and having a creative strategy for finding alternatives, you can secure a strong, memorable handle for your brand.

Once you’ve locked in your brand handle, consistently showing up is what turns a good name into a powerful brand. Finding the time to create and post content across multiple platforms is a huge lift. We built Postbase to make that simpler, with a visual calendar that lets you see your whole content strategy at a glance. It helps you schedule video and photo content everywhere at once, turning your great new username into a brand people remember.