Stories
How to Change Your Instagram Username Without Creating a New Account
- •On Instagram, your username and display name are two different things, with the username appearing at the top of your profile and as part of your profile URL.
- •You can easily change your username by opening the Instagram app, going to your profile, tapping Edit Profile, and entering your new handle.
- •Every Instagram username must be unique; if your preferred handle is already taken, you will need to choose another one or add numbers and dots.
- •Instagram has a 14-day lock-in period after a username change, during which you may have the opportunity to revert to your old username if you change your mind.
- •Changing your username updates your profile URL, meaning you must update the new link on other websites and social media platforms where your old link was shared.
Key Questions Answered
Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android phone, go to your profile by tapping your profile picture, and select the 'Edit Profile' option below your bio. From there, choose 'Username', delete the old handle, type your new desired handle, and tap the checkmark icon to save it.
Your Instagram username (or handle) appears at the top of your profile page, forms part of your profile URL, and must be unique using English letters, numbers, dots, and underscores. In contrast, your display name does not need to be unique and lacks these strict restrictions.
After changing your username, Instagram has a 14-day lock-in period during which you can revert to your old username if you change your mind. After 14 days, however, your old username may become available for other users to claim.
