You can change the name that appears on your Instagram profile in two places, and they work differently
Instagram lets you change two separate things: your username (the handle people use to find you, like @yourname) and your display name (the full name shown at the top of your profile). Most people want to change their display name, which takes 30 seconds. Changing your username is just as quick, but Instagram limits how often you can do it.
The display name is what shows up when someone visits your profile or sees your posts in their feed. The username is what appears after the @ symbol and is what people type to search for you. You can change your display name as many times as you want, but you can only change your username once every 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- Your display name (the full name shown on your profile) can be changed anytime by going to Settings > Edit Profile and typing in the Name field.
- Your username (the @handle) can only be changed once every 14 days, and Instagram will tell you if you have already changed it recently.
- If someone else has taken the username you want, you cannot get it back unless that account becomes inactive for a long time.
- Changing your name does not affect your followers, messages, or posts — everything stays connected to your account.
How to change your display name on Instagram
Open Instagram and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Then tap "Edit Profile" near the top of the screen. You will see a field labeled "Name" — this is your display name. Delete what is there and type the new name you want to use.
Tap "Done" or the checkmark in the top right corner to save. The change takes effect immediately. Your followers will see the new name the next time they visit your profile or see your posts.
You can use spaces, numbers, and special characters in your display name. Instagram does not restrict what you put here the way it does with usernames.
How to change your username on Instagram
Go to your profile and tap "Edit Profile." Scroll down to the field labeled "Username" — this is the @handle. Tap on it and delete the current username. Type the new one you want.
Instagram will check in real time whether the username is available. If a checkmark appears next to it, you can use it. If you see a message saying the username is taken or not available, that name belongs to another account and you will need to choose something different.
Tap "Done" to save the change. If you changed your username in the last 14 days, Instagram will show you a message saying you have to wait before changing it again. The 14-day timer starts from the date of your last change, not from today.
What happens to your old username after you change it
When you change your username, your old one becomes available for someone else to claim. This happens immediately. If you think you might want it back later, do not change your username unless you are sure.
If someone else takes your old username before you realize what happened, you cannot reclaim it unless that person's account is deleted or becomes inactive. Instagram does not hold old usernames for previous owners. The only way to get it back is to contact the person using it and ask them to change it, which they have no obligation to do.
Usernames that Instagram will not let you use
Instagram blocks certain usernames for safety and legal reasons. You cannot use a username that is already taken, even if the account looks inactive. You also cannot use usernames that impersonate Instagram itself, contain hateful language, or are reserved by Instagram for future use.
If you try to use a username and Instagram says it is not available, it is either taken by another account or blocked by Instagram's system. There is no way to override this. You will need to choose a different name.
Changing your name on Instagram from a computer
Go to instagram.com and log in. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Settings" from the menu. Click "Edit Profile" on the left side. You will see the same Name and Username fields as on the mobile app.
Make your changes and click "Submit" to save. The process is identical to the mobile app — display names can change anytime, usernames have a 14-day wait between changes.
What does not change when you update your name
Your followers stay your followers. Your messages stay in your inbox. Your posts stay on your profile with the same likes and comments. Your account history does not reset. Changing your name is purely cosmetic — it only changes what people see when they look at your profile.
If you had a verified badge (the blue checkmark next to your name), it stays with your account even after you change your name. The verification is tied to your account, not to the specific name you use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Instagram username more than once every 14 days?
No. Instagram enforces a 14-day waiting period between username changes. If you try to change it before that time has passed, you will see a message telling you when you can change it next. The timer is strict — you cannot bypass it.
What if the username I want is taken?
You cannot use it unless the account that owns it is deleted or becomes inactive for a very long time. Instagram does not release usernames from active accounts. You will need to choose a different username or wait to see if that account is ever deleted.
Does changing my name affect my Instagram business account or creator account?
No. Whether you have a personal, business, or creator account, the process for changing your name is the same. Your account type does not change, and neither do your followers or analytics.
Can I use special characters or emojis in my username?
No. Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Display names can use spaces and special characters, but usernames cannot. If you want to use special characters, put them in your display name instead.
If I change my username, will my old posts show my new name?
Yes. All your old posts will show your new username and display name. Instagram updates your name across your entire account history automatically.