Instagram, the social media platform is used by millions of people around the globe to share images and short videos. Like any other social media platform, Instagram also offers a username, which is unique to all users on the platform. It allows you to alter your username as many times as you want and whenever you want, with some limits.
In this guide, we will take a look at how one can change Instagram username on phones as well as on desktop sites. In addition to the steps, we will also answer some of the frequently asked questions. Before we get started with a username, it is important to know the difference between a username and a Display name (Name).
The display name of your profile does not come with as many limitations as the username. For starters, the display names don’t have to be unique. This display name or just name (in Instagram terms) is basically to show your actual name of person/business below the profile picture. Username on the other hand sits right on top of your profile and this is what others will have to use to tag you in a post to a story with @ symbol. Here are the guidelines you need to follow for a username on Instagram.
- Maximum of 30 characters
- Unique name
- A username must contain only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores
- A username shouldn’t have spaces or other symbols
- No profanity or restricted language.
Now that we know what a username is and how it works, let’s see how can once change the username on Instagram.
Also Read: Instagram: How to Create a Second Instagram Account and Switch Between Multiple Accounts
How to Change Username On Instagram Android
- Open the Instagram app on your Android device
- Tap on your profile photo on the bottom right
- Select the “Edit profile” option, which is present below your profile picture
- In the Edit profile screen, tap on the username option
- Remove the existing username and type the new user name you’d like to use
- If the username is available, you can now tap on the blue checkmark on the top right (If the username is not available, you will get a message saying “username is not available”, try adding a different character and check again)
- Tap on the blue check mark again on the top right in the Edit profile screen
- Your Instagram username will be updated
If your account has a large reach and engagement, your username change may need to be reviewed by Instagram. In that case, Instagram will notify when the review is completed. If not, your username will change immediately if available. Your followers may be notified of your username change as well.
How to Change Username on Instagram iPhone
- Open the Instagram App on your iPhone
- Tap on your profile photo on the bottom right
- Select the “Edit profile” option, which is present below your profile picture
- In the Edit profile screen, tap on the username option
- Remove the existing username and type the new user name you’d like to use
- If the username is available, you can now tap on the blue checkmark on the top right (If the username is not available, you will get a message saying “username is not available”, try adding a different character and check again)
- Ta on the blue check mark again on the top right in the Edit profile screen
- Your Instagram username will be updated
Also Read: Instagram Captions: 100+ Best, Cool & Unique Captions For Your Instagram Post
How to Change Username on Instagram Desktop
- Visit Instagram.com on your desktop browser (make sure you have logged in)
- Click on your profile picture on the right
- Select the “Settings” option
- Make sure you have selected the “Edit Profile” option on the left navigation bar
- Remove the existing username from the Username field
- Enter the new user name you’d like to use
- Scroll down and click on “Submit”
- If the username is available, the username will be saved. If the name is already taken, you can try again by editing the name by adding or removing some characters.
- Once you have clicked on Submit, your new username will be saved
FAQs:
What happens when you change your username?
Once you have successfully changed your username, your username will be changed on Instagram instantly and your previous username will be freed up. This also means anyone can now change their username to your previously used username.
Next, changing the username on Instagram also affects the Instagram URL you have shared. If anyone clicks on that old link, Instagram will say “user not found”. Once you have updated the username, make sure you update the Instagram profile link with a new one wherever you have had the old username link.
Even after changing your username, you will have the same followers on Instagram. However, the new username might confuse people if it is too different from the old one. The previously tagged post may not be updated and people trying to tag you in a news story or a post will have to use the new username as well.
How often can I change my Instagram username?
You can change your Instagram username as many times as you’d like and as long as the username is available. However, changing usernames too often can create confusion and Instagram might restrict after multiple changes. But, there is no number for how many times you can change your username yet.
Why won’t Instagram let me change my username?
In most cases, this happens because the username is already taken, which means you will have to add or remove characters from your username. Even if you try to get back your old username, it is possible that someone might have taken that already.
Can I change my username back to one I’ve used before?
In most cases, you can change an Instagram username back to a previously used name if the username hasn’t been taken by a new person on Instagram and the username hasn’t been recently removed from an active Instagram account that you don’t own.
Can I change my Instagram username before 14 days?
In most cases, you’ll be able to change your username back to the old username for another 14 days as the username hasn’t been taken by a new person on Instagram.
Also Read: Instagram: How to Reactivate Instagram Account If It is Disabled or Deactivated?
