How to Change Your Instagram Name

You can easily change your Instagram name or username. However, keep in mind that you can only change your name twice within a 14 day period. There is no limit on how many times you can change your username. 

This post will cover how you can change your Instagram name and username on both the mobile and the desktop versions. It will also answer questions pertaining to where you can find new usernames and guidelines surrounding what you can do with your Instagram display name.

Your Instagram name is the display name on your account, not the handle that other people tag. Many people choose to use their real name as their display name on their Instagram page.

To change your Instagram name on an Android device, you will need to complete the following step by step instructions:

1. Step 1

   Log into your Instagram account.

2. Step 2

   

   Tap your profile picture on the bottom right corner of your screen (on an Android). On an iPhone, you will need to tap the profile icon.

3. Step 3

   

   Tap on “edit profile.”

4. Step 4

   

   Tap on your name and backspace (delete) your current name. (Some phones may bring up a delete icon to the right of your name. Tap that.)

5. Step 5

   

   Type in your new name.

6. Step 6

   Hit the checkpoint (or “done”) in the top right corner.

7. Step 7

   When it returns back to your profile page, tap the checkpoint in the top right corner again to confirm your changes.

Your Instagram username is the handle that other people use when they tag you in their own social media posts. This way they can ensure the right account is tagged as the username is unique (multiple Instagram users may use the same name).

To change your Instagram username, you need to complete the following:

1. Step 1

   Log into your Instagram account.

2. Step 2

   

   Tap your profile picture on the bottom right-hand side of your screen.

3. Step 3

   

   Tap on “edit profile.”

4. Step 4

   

   Tap on your username and backspace (delete) your current username. (Some phones may bring up a delete icon to the right of your username. Tap that.)

5. Step 5

   

   Type in your new username.

6. Step 6

   Hit the checkpoint (or “done”) in the top right corner.

7. Step 7

   When it returns back to your profile page, tap the checkpoint in the top right corner again to confirm your changes.

To change your Instagram username and name on the desktop, you will need to complete the following steps:

1. Step 1

   Log into your account on the Instagram app.

2. Step 2

   

   On the upper right-hand side of the screen, go to your profile by clicking your avatar and choose “Settings” from the drop-down menu.

3. Step 3

   

   You should be on the Edit Profile section on the following page, but if not, click “Edit Profile” on the left-hand sidebar. You should be able to change your names in the username field and the name field.

4. Step 4

   When you have finished making your changes, scroll down and click “Submit” at the bottom of the page. This should give you a new account name.

Whether you have a personal account or you are managing a brand account on the Instagram app, you may find times when you want to spruce up your Instagram profile. Interests, goals, and thoughts change and you may find that updating your Instagram handle will help your Instagram strategy.

There are many different reasons you may want to change your name on Instagram. Here are just a few reasons why people may choose a new username:

• Misspelling

  You misspelled your name the first time you typed it in. Fortunately, unlike some other platforms, you do have the option to change your mistake and choose your desired username. Changing your Instagram username will also change the account URL so that the name shows up accurately.

• Life Change

  Your name changed whether it be through marriage, divorce, or any other number of reasons. If your Instagram username includes a passion or hobby that you no longer have, you may want to change it. The purpose of your Instagram account may change as your life changes.

• Privacy

  You may want to update your privacy if you’re planning on enlarging your account to a wider group of followers and you currently display both your first and last name. This may be more important if you live in a smaller town or you have a very unique name.

• Purpose

  Some people may want to use more than one account. You may want to use the same username on the second Instagram account and will need to change your Instagram username on the primary.

• Fresh Start or Brand Change

  You may be changing your brand name to your company or site. You may just want to have a fresh start. If your current direction led to losing followers or wasn’t making you happy, you may want to give your brand a whole new start. You may also be changing your brand name to your company or site. You may be changing your brand name to your company or site.

Keep in mind that your current followers may no longer recognize who you are when you change your name or username. If you don’t want to lose followers, let them know that you are changing your name on your Instagram. This will help keep them around and keep them engaged. 

It can be very difficult to come up with a good Instagram name. For some of us, it doesn’t come naturally. If you’re struggling to come up with a good name, keep these things in mind.

• Simple

  Keep it simple, but memorable. If the name on your Instagram profile is too tricky to read, people may not be able to remember it in the future.

• Nickname

  You can use your own name or a nickname. You may be able to add an adjective to the nickname as well if other social media accounts use the one you would prefer.

• Purpose

  Make sure it matches the purpose of your account – don’t make a username about video games when you’re mainly going to talk about knitting. 

• Clean

  Keep it clean so it won’t deter any potential followers and it won’t be at risk of being banned. A few words are considered restricted language on the Instagram account and may get you into trouble if you add them to your display name or Instagram handle.

• Creative

  Keep it creative and/or personal to who you are and your interests. Remember that your profile underneath your username should also seem consistent with your overall branding.

• Consistent Branding

  Use an old username or name that you have from different social media platforms or gaming accounts if it fits with your Instagram account. 

• Name Generator

  Use an Instagram name generator if all else fails. If you’re anything like me who will spend hours trying to think of a cool name, this is a great way to speed up that process. Even if you choose not to use the suggestions as your new username, you may be inspired by some of the results.

Can You Change Your Instagram Username Back to the Original?

You can typically change your Instagram username back to the original within the first 14-days after you change it. After that, you may still be able to change it as long as your old username hasn’t been claimed by other Instagram users. With so many Instagram usernames on the platform, it is a good idea to be certain that you want the change because you truly may not be able to get it back in the future.

How Long Will it Take for Your Instagram Username to Change on the Instagram Display?

The name will change on your Instagram account in less than a minute, but it may not show up in search engines or searches on the platform for a few days. Previously used usernames may show up in search results for a few days.

What Are the Guidelines for an Instagram Username?

Your Instagram username must be 30 characters or fewer. You can use numbers, letters, underscores, and periods on your username.

How Often Can You Change Your Instagram Name?

You can only change your Instagram username or name twice every 14 days. That being said, there is no other limit on how many times you change the name on the platform.