How to change your name on Instagram

What is an Instagram handle (username)?

Your Instagram handle is your username, the unique @name people use to find, tag, and mention your profile on Instagram.

It’s what appears in your profile URL, your profile page, and every post, reel, story, or comment you share. If someone wants to see your profile on Instagram or mention you in a conversation, this is the name they’ll use.

Your handle is also how Instagram identifies your account behind the scenes. No two users can have the same username, which means your handle needs to be unique.

What is the Instagram display name?

Your Instagram display name is the bold text that appears on your profile page, right under your profile picture or avatar icon.

Unlike your Instagram username, it doesn’t need to be unique. That means multiple business accounts can use the same display name, so you can choose something that clearly represents you, whether that’s your real name, your business name, or a keyword people are likely to search.

This distinction matters because Instagram uses both fields differently. Your username helps people tag and mention your account, while your display name helps people recognize you and can improve how your profile shows up in search results.

For example, you might use a clean, branded username like @janedoe.design, but set your display name to “Jane Doe | Graphic Designer” to make your profile easier to find and understand at a glance.

What are the differences between an Instagram username and a display name?

Your Instagram username and display name serve different purposes. One helps people tag and identify your account, while the other helps people recognize and find you.

Here’s how they compare:

How to choose your Instagram name

Choosing the right Instagram name affects how easily people can find, recognize, and remember your account. Around 50% of Instagram users discover new brands, products, or services while browsing, which means your name isn’t just a label, it directly impacts whether people can find you at all.

From what I’ve seen working across different accounts, the best names are simple, consistent, and easy to search. You don’t need something clever, you need something clear.

Here’s how to choose a name that works:

1. Match your business or brand name when possible

If your business name is available, use it as your Instagram username. This keeps your presence consistent across platforms and makes it easier for people to find your account.

If it’s already taken, try small variations instead of changing it completely:

• Add a location (e.g., @mundicoffee.seattle)
• Add a simple separator like an underscore (e.g., @mundi_coffee)
• Add a relevant word (e.g., @mundicoffee.shop)

Avoid adding random numbers unless there’s no alternative. They’re harder to remember and don’t add meaning.

2. Keep it easy to spell and say out loud

If someone hears your name in a video, story, or conversation, they should be able to find your profile without guessing.

That means:

• Avoid complex words or unusual spellings
• Skip long phrases or multiple underscores
• Keep it short enough to remember after one glance

A good test: if you have to explain how to type it, it’s probably too complicated.

Adam Mosseri has said Instagram is “starting to invest more in search,” particularly in helping users find content, not just profiles. That means more people can discover you through your posts.

However, discovery is only the first step. Your username and display name still determine whether people remember you, recognize your brand, and find you again later. If they’re unclear or hard to recall, you lose that second opportunity.

3. Avoid unnecessary punctuation

Instagram usernames are limited to letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but that doesn’t mean you should use all of them.

Too many separators make your username harder to read and type:

• Hard to read: @mundi_coffee_shop_
• Easier to read: @mundicoffee or @mundi_coffee

Use punctuation only when it improves clarity.

4. Add a niche or location only when needed

If your ideal username is taken, adding context can help without weakening your brand.

This works well for:

• Local businesses (e.g., @mundi_coffee_bucharest)
• Service providers (e.g., @janedoe.design)
• Niche creators (e.g., @alexfitness.coach)

Keep it relevant. Don’t add words just to make the name available.

5. Use your display name for keywords and clarity

Your Instagram username isn’t the only thing people search. Your display name is also searchable and gives you more flexibility. Since around 45% of users turn to Instagram to search for brands and products, adding relevant keywords here can make the difference between being found or being missed.

Instead of forcing keywords into your username, use your display name to add context:

• Username: @janedoe
• Display name: Jane Doe | Social Media Manager

This makes your profile easier to find without making your username harder to remember.

How to change your name on Instagram

You can change your Instagram username and display name from your profile page in just a few steps, whether you’re using the Instagram app, a mobile browser, or a computer.

Important: Before you change your Instagram name, update the rest of your profile at the same time. That includes your bio, profile image, link in bio, and pinned posts. When everything changes together, people recognize the new name faster and don’t get confused.

1. How to change your Instagram username

A. Change your Instagram username on the Instagram app (iOS or Android)

To change your Instagram username on the Android or iPhone app (there still isn’t a good iPad app), open your profile, tap the Edit Profile option, enter your new username, and save the change.

Follow these steps:

1. Open Instagram and log in to your account
2. Tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner
3. Click Edit Profile under your profile picture
4. Go to the Username field and delete your old handle
5. Type your desired username (Instagram will show if it’s available)
6. Tap Done or Save to update your account with the desired profile information

B. Change your Instagram username on a computer or mobile browser

You can update your username on Instagram from your computer or mobile browser using the Accounts Center.

1. Go to Instagram.com and log in
2. Click the menu (three lines) and click Settings
3. Click See more in Accounts Center
4. Go to Profiles and select your Instagram account
5. Click the username section and update it

6. Click Done to save

Note: If your Instagram profile and Facebook profile are connected to the same Accounts Center, you can manage and sync profile details from here, including a username change.

2. How to change your Instagram display name

A. Change your Instagram display name on the Instagram app

To change your Instagram display name on mobile, open your profile, tap Edit Profile, update your name, and save.

1. Open the Instagram iOS or Android app and log in 
2. Tap your profile icon in the bottom right
3. Tap Edit Profile
4. Enter your new name in the Name field
5. Tap Done or Save to update your profile

B. Change your Instagram display name on a computer or mobile browser

You can update your display name from your profile through Accounts Center.

1. Go to Instagram.com and log in
2. Open the profile Settings from the menu
3. Click See more in Accounts Center
4. Go to Profiles and select your Instagram account
5. In the Accounts Center click Name and write your new one
6. Click Done to save

Name change limits and waiting period on Instagram

Before you change your Instagram name, it’s important to understand the platform’s limits. These affect how your name appears, how often you can update it, and what happens after you make a change.

Check Instagram’s name character limits

Instagram allows up to 30 characters for both your username and your display name.

• Your username includes letters, numbers, periods, and underscores
• Your display name can also include spaces, emojis, and special characters

Keep in mind that longer names are harder to read and remember, especially on smaller screens.

Use the right characters in your username and display name

Your Instagram username has stricter rules than your display name.

Allowed in your username:

• Lowercase letters (a–z)
• Numbers (0–9)
• Periods (.) and underscores (_)

Not allowed in your username:

• Special characters like !, #, $, %, or spaces

Your display name gives you more flexibility. You can use:

• Uppercase and lowercase letters
• Spaces between words
• Emojis and symbols

For example, a brand like Wendy’s can use a simple username like @wendys, while adding a burger emoji in the display name for extra personality.

Understand how often you can change your name

Instagram applies different rules depending on what you change:

• Display name: You can change it twice within 14 days. After that, you need to wait before updating it again.
• Username: You can change it more freely, but each new username must be available at the time you update it.

If you change your username, your old username may become available for others to claim when they create a new Instagram account or want to change their own username, so avoid switching back and forth unless necessary.

Also, changing your username can temporarily affect how people find or recognize your profile, especially if they’re used to your old name.

How to change your name without waiting 14 days

If Instagram blocks another display name change within the 14-day limit, there is no reliable way to bypass this restriction inside the app.

Here’s what you can do instead:

• Update your bio: Add your new name there so it’s still visible on your profile
• Wait for the reset: Once the 14-day period passes, you can update your display name again
• Contact Instagram support (in specific cases): If your account was hacked or you’re dealing with a security issue, you can try reaching out through Instagram’s help center or using the Meta AI support assistant, but responses are not guaranteed

What to avoid:

• Don’t rely on third-party tools claiming to bypass the limit
• Don’t keep submitting repeated changes, as this won’t reset the timer

Frequently asked questions

1. What happens after you change Instagram username?

After you change your Instagram username, your profile URL updates immediately, and your old username may become available for others to claim. Your existing followers stay the same, but mentions using your old username won’t link to your account anymore.

You should also update any external links connected to your Instagram account, including your website, link-in-bio tools, and other social media profiles. If these still point to your old username, visitors may land on a broken page.

2. Can someone else take your old Instagram username?

Yes, in most cases, your old username becomes available shortly after you change it. If you think you might want it back, avoid changing it or switch back quickly before someone else claims it.

3. Will old links to your Instagram profile still work?

No, old links using your previous username will stop working once you change it. You’ll need to update your website, bio links from other social media sites, and any shared URLs to reflect your new username.

4. Why can’t I change my profile name on Instagram?

You usually can’t change your display name because you’ve reached the limit of two changes within 14 days. In this case, you’ll need to wait until the restriction resets before updating it again.

5. How long does Instagram take to approve a name change?

Most Instagram name changes happen instantly. However, in some cases, especially for larger accounts or recent changes, Instagram may take a short time to process the update.

6. Can you change your name on Instagram after being verified?

Yes, but changes to a verified account may be reviewed more carefully. In some cases, you might lose your verification badge if the new name no longer matches your identity or brand.

7. How to change the font of your name on Instagram?

Instagram doesn’t support custom fonts directly. To change how your name looks, you can use third-party font generators and paste the styled text into your display name or bio.

Ready to make your Instagram profile stand out with a new username?

Now you know how to change your name on Instagram, update your username or display name, and work within the platform’s limits.

Once your new Instagram name is live, the next step is making it recognizable. People need to see it consistently across your posts, stories, and interactions so it sticks.

With SocialBee, you can plan Instagram posts, schedule content at the right times, track how your profile on Instagram performs, and manage comments from one place. That’s especially useful if you’re rolling out a rebrand and want your new name to gain traction faster.

Start your 14-day free SocialBee trial and keep your Instagram account organized as you update and grow your profile.