An IG handle is the username you choose when you set up an Instagram account, and it's the part that comes after the @ symbol
When you see @username on Instagram, that word after the @ is the handle. It's how other people find you, tag you in posts, and send you direct messages. Your handle is public — anyone on Instagram can see it and use it to locate your profile, whether your account is private or public.
Your handle is different from your display name. The display name is what appears at the top of your profile in larger text and can include spaces, capital letters, and special characters. Your handle, by contrast, can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. No spaces allowed.
Instagram lets you change your handle whenever you want, and there's no limit to how many times you can do it. When you change it, your old handle becomes available for someone else to claim within a short window — usually a few minutes to a few hours.
Key Takeaways
- Your IG handle is your username on Instagram, shown with an @ symbol, and is the main way people search for and find your account.
- Handles can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores — no spaces or special characters like hyphens or apostrophes.
- You can change your handle at any time through your profile settings, and Instagram will let you know if the one you want is already taken.
- When you change your handle, your old one becomes available for others to use within minutes, so choose a new one before you change.
- Your handle is separate from your display name, which can include spaces and capitals and appears at the top of your profile.
How to choose and set up your handle
When you first create an Instagram account, you'll be asked to pick a handle before you can finish signing up. Instagram will suggest some options based on your display name, but you can type in anything you want — as long as it's not already taken and follows the character rules.
Think about what you want your handle to say about you. If you're using Instagram for personal reasons, you might use your real name or a nickname. If you're building a business or creative presence, you might choose something that describes what you do — like @bakery_by_sam or @photography.studio. Short handles are easier for people to remember and type, but longer ones can be more specific.
Once you pick a handle, Instagram checks instantly whether it's available. If someone else already has it, you'll see a message saying the handle is taken, and you'll need to try something different. There's no waiting list — if you want a specific handle, you have to find a variation that's free.
Changing your handle and what happens to the old one
You can change your handle anytime by going to your profile, tapping the menu icon, selecting Settings and Privacy, then Account, and finally Username. Type in the new handle you want and tap Change Username. Instagram will confirm the change is saved.
When you change your handle, your old one doesn't stay reserved for you. It becomes available for anyone else to claim almost immediately — usually within a few minutes. If you're worried someone might grab your old handle, you can create a second account with it to keep it, but Instagram's terms of service don't allow you to hold multiple accounts just to reserve usernames.
People who had you saved in their contacts or bookmarks will see your new handle the next time they visit your profile. Any posts or comments you made under your old handle will still show your new handle when people view them. Links to your old handle will stop working, so if you've shared your Instagram link anywhere online, you'll need to update those links.
Why your handle matters for privacy and safety
Your handle is the easiest way for strangers to find you on Instagram. If your handle is your real name or something very specific to you, people can search for you even if they don't know your account exists. This is useful if you want people to discover you, but it's something to think about if you value privacy.
Scammers sometimes create accounts with handles that look similar to popular accounts or celebrities — like @instag_ram instead of @instagram. They do this to trick people into following them or sending money. If you're looking for a specific account, always check the blue verification badge (if the account has one) and look at the follower count and post history to make sure it's real.
Your handle is also what people see when they're tagged in your posts or when you comment on theirs. If your handle is something you'd rather not have broadcast, you can change it to something more neutral and use your display name for the personal touch.
The difference between a handle and a display name
Many people mix these up because they both appear on your profile. Your display name is the text at the very top of your profile page, in large letters. It can be anything — "Sarah Johnson," "Sarah's Baking Corner," "🎂 Sarah," or even just an emoji. You can change it whenever you want, and multiple people can have the same display name.
Your handle is the @username underneath the display name. It's unique — only one person on Instagram can have any given handle. The handle is what people type into the search bar to find you, and it's what appears when someone tags you or mentions you in a comment.
Think of it this way: your display name is like a nickname you can change on a whim, while your handle is more like your official username in the system. Both matter, but the handle is what actually connects people to your account.
What happens if someone takes the handle you want
If the handle you want is already taken, you have a few options. You can add numbers to the end — like @sarah_baking_2024 instead of @sarah_baking. You can use an underscore or period in a different spot — like @sarah.baking or @sarahbaking_. You can also try a completely different name that captures the same idea.
If a handle is taken by an inactive account, Instagram doesn't have a process to reclaim it. You can't request that someone else's handle be released to you, even if their account hasn't posted in years. Your only option is to choose a different handle.
If you see a handle that's being used by someone impersonating you or a business you own, you can report the account to Instagram. Go to the account, tap the menu icon, and select Report. Instagram will review it, but they won't transfer the handle to you — they'll either ask the person to change it or disable the account if it's clearly fraudulent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have spaces or special characters in my IG handle?
No. Instagram handles can only contain letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), periods, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, apostrophes, or other special characters. If you want to separate words, use an underscore or period instead.
What happens to my old handle when I change it?
Your old handle becomes available for anyone else to claim within minutes. It's not held for you, and you can't reserve it. If you want to keep it, you'd need to create a separate account with that handle, though Instagram's terms don't allow accounts created solely to reserve usernames.
Can someone else use my handle if I delete my account?
Yes. If you delete your Instagram account, your handle is released and becomes available for others to use. If you think you might want to come back to Instagram later, consider deactivating instead of deleting — deactivation is temporary and keeps your handle reserved for 30 days.
Is my handle the same as my username?
Yes, handle and username mean the same thing on Instagram. Both refer to the @name that identifies your account. Your handle is unique to you and is different from your display name, which can be changed anytime and doesn't have to be unique.
Can I search for someone if I only know their handle?
Yes. Type the @ symbol followed by the handle into Instagram's search bar, and their account will appear if it exists. If the account is private, you'll still see their profile but won't be able to see their posts unless they follow you back or you send a follow request they accept.