Instagram offers plenty of space for creativity, whether it’s through visually stunning images, curated Highlights, or showcasing talents in Stories. However, one aspect that often sparks debate is your Instagram name. While changing your name or handle is possible, it’s not as simple as updating your bio or profile picture. Since your Instagram name plays a crucial role in how people discover you, it’s important to approach any changes with caution.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about Instagram name changes, from understanding the differences between usernames and display names to step-by-step instructions on making the switch without losing visibility.
Instagram Name Basics
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify some key terms:
What is an Instagram Handle (Username)?
Your Instagram handle (or username) is your unique identifier on Instagram, starting with the “@” symbol (e.g., @yourbusiness). It’s how people find, tag, and mention your account. Your handle appears at the top center of your profile page, above each of your posts, and next to every Like and Comment you leave.
What is the Instagram Display Name?
Your Instagram display name appears at the top of your profile, right below your profile picture. Unlike usernames, display names do not need to be unique. They can contain spaces, special characters, and even emojis. Both your username and display name are searchable, helping others find your account.
Key Differences Between an Instagram Username and Display Name
| Feature | Instagram Username (Handle) | Instagram Display Name |
|---|---|---|
| Uniqueness | Must be unique | Can be identical to other accounts |
| Character Limit | 30 characters | 30 characters |
| Allowed Characters | Letters, numbers, periods, and underscores | Spaces, special characters, and emojis allowed |
| Searchability | Helps users tag and mention your account | Helps users find your profile |
| Change Limit | Can be changed as often as you like | Can be changed twice every 14 days |
How to Change Your Instagram Username
Changing your Instagram handle is a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Once you change your username, all previous mentions and tags will be updated automatically, but links to your old username will no longer work.
Steps to Change Your Instagram Username on Mobile (iOS or Android)
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap your profile icon in the lower right corner.
- Tap Edit Profile (located under your profile picture).
- Tap the Username field.
- Delete your current username and enter your new one.
- Tap Done to save the changes.
If your chosen username is already taken, Instagram will prompt you to try another variation.
Steps to Change Your Instagram Username on Desktop
- Open Instagram.com and log into your account.
- Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner and select Profile.
- Click Edit Profile.
- Then click on the personal details.
- Delete your current username and type in the new one.
- Click Submit to save changes.
Read More: How to see most recent followers on Instagram?
How to Change Your Instagram Display Name
Unlike usernames, display names can be more flexible. You can change them without affecting external links or losing followers.
Steps to Change Your Instagram Display Name
- Open Instagram.
- Tap your profile icon in the lower right corner.
- Select Edit Profile.
- Tap the Name field.
- Delete your previous name and enter the new one.
- Tap Done to save your changes.
How to change your name on Instagram before 14 days
If you’ve already changed your Instagram name and want to change it again before the 14-day limit, here are a few possible solutions:
- Switch to a Previous Name – Sometimes, Instagram allows you to revert to your last used name. Try changing it back to your previous one.
- Report an Issue – Go to Settings > Help > Report a Problem and explain why you need to change your name. Instagram may allow an exception.
- Try a Slight Variation – Modify your name slightly by adding a symbol, number, or space.
- Create a New Account – If urgent, consider making a new account with the desired name.
If none of these work, you’ll need to wait for the 14-day restriction to expire.
How to Change Your Name on Instagram Without Facebook
To change your Instagram name without affecting Facebook, follow these steps:
- Open Instagram – Launch the app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner.
- Access Settings – Tap the three lines in the top right, then select Settings.
- Go to Account Center – Scroll down and find Account Center.
- Manage Profiles – Tap Profiles and choose your Instagram account.
- Disable Syncing – Find the Sync Profile Info option and turn off the toggle.
Now, you can change your Instagram name independently from Facebook.
Alternative Method:
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Tap Edit Profile and select Name.
- If linked to Facebook, tap Manage Settings.
- Locate Sync this Profile Info and toggle it off.
This ensures your Instagram name remains separate from Facebook
Important Considerations When Changing Your Instagram Name
While changing your Instagram name is simple, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Your Old Username Won’t Redirect
If you’ve shared your Instagram handle on websites, emails, or other platforms, those links won’t automatically redirect to your new handle. You’ll need to update them manually.
2. Your Profile Might Temporarily Disappear from Search Engines
Google and other search engines take time to update changes, so your Instagram profile might not appear in searches for a short period.
3. You Might Lose Followers
While Instagram updates your username across the platform, people searching for your old username may assume you’ve deleted your account. To prevent confusion, notify your followers about the change via Stories or a post.
4. Instagram Freezes Your Old Username for 14 Days
Since 2019, Instagram automatically locks old usernames for two weeks to prevent hacking and bot activity. If you change your mind, you have a small window to reclaim your old handle.
Read More: How to See Sent Follow Requests On Instagram
FAQs
How to Choose the Best Instagram Username
Picking the right Instagram handle is crucial for branding. Here are some tips:
- Keep it simple and memorable.
- Use your brand or real name if possible.
- Avoid random numbers or special characters.
- If yourreferred username is taken, try variations:
- Adding a location (e.g., @MundiCoffeeSeattle)
- Using underscores (e.g., @mundi_coffee)
- Ensure it’s consistent across platforms.
Will Changing Your Instagram Username Make You Lose Followers?
Possibly. When you change your Instagram handle, your profile will display your new username on all previous likes, comments, and mentions. However, if someone searches for your old username, they’ll get a “User Not Found” message. To avoid confusion, consider announcing your username change via a post or Instagram Story beforehand.
Why Your Instagram Name Might Get Locked
If you change your Instagram username and try to switch back within two weeks, you may find that your old username is locked. Instagram introduced a feature in 2019 that temporarily reserves your old username for 14 days to prevent hijackers from claiming abandoned accounts. This feature protects users but means you can’t immediately revert to your previous handle if you change your mind.
Can Other Users See Your Old Instagram Names?
No. Once you change your Instagram username, only the new one is visible to other users. Previously, Instagram allowed users to view past usernames in account settings, but this feature has been removed.
Conclusion
Changing your Instagram name or handle is a simple process, but it comes with potential downsides like temporary visibility issues and possible confusion among followers. If you’re making a change, plan ahead by informing your audience and updating external links.
Ready for a fresh start on Instagram? Your username is your digital identity—make sure it sticks with your audience!
