How to change your name on Instagram
You can change your Instagram name in your profile settings. Tap Edit profile, change your name or username, then save the update. The most important thing is understanding exactly what you are changing: your name is the text shown on your profile, while your username is your unique @name and also determines your profile link.
A different name can be useful if your account no longer suits you, you are starting a new brand, you want to be easier to find, or you are simply finished with the old name you chose years ago. Just do not rush the decision. A good Instagram name is easy to remember, easy to type and clear enough for people viewing your profile for the first time.
Change your Instagram name in the app
Changing your Instagram name usually takes less than a minute. These steps work for personal, creator and business accounts.
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner. You will then arrive on your own profile page. - Tap Edit profile.
You will see fields such as Name and Username. - Change your name and save it.
Enter your new name or username. Then tap Done or the tick, depending on your device.
If you choose a new username, Instagram immediately checks whether it is still available. If the name has already been taken, you will see a message and need to try another version.
Change your Instagram name on a computer
If you access Instagram through a browser, you can also change your name on a laptop or desktop computer.
- Go to Instagram and sign in to your account.
- Click your profile on the left or in the bottom right corner.
- Select Edit profile.
- Change your Name or Username.
- Save your changes.
Cannot see the option straight away? Instagram changes its menus from time to time. Check your profile settings or visit the Instagram Help Centre for the latest explanation.
Display name and username: what is the difference?
Many people confuse these two details. That is understandable because Instagram refers to both as a type of name. However, they serve different purposes.
| Part | Where can you see it? | Does it have to be unique? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | On your profile, often below your profile picture | No | Lisa Photography |
| Username | At the top of your profile and after the @ symbol | Yes | @lisaphotography |
What is your name on Instagram?
Your name, also known as your profile name or display name, does not have to be unique. This means several people can use the same name. The field is useful for displaying your real name, business name or a search term.
Examples:
- Emma Baker
- Tom Personal Trainer
- Studio Noor
- Amsterdam Food Guide
Because this field appears on your profile, it helps visitors quickly understand who you are or what you do.
What is your username on Instagram?
Your username is your unique @name. It appears in your profile link and is used when someone tags you, mentions you in a story or searches for you on Instagram.
For example, if your username is socialkings, your profile link will usually be:
instagram.com/socialkings
If you change your username, your profile link changes as well. Remember to update your Instagram link on your website, TikTok, YouTube, business card, email signature or other social media profiles.
Rules and limits for an Instagram username
Instagram does not accept every username. Your name must follow a few simple rules. According to Instagram’s official information, you can change your profile details through your account settings, but usernames must be available and comply with the rules. You can learn more on the Instagram help page about editing profile information.
- Your username must be unique.
- You can use letters, numbers, full stops and underscores.
- Spaces, emojis and most special characters cannot be used in a username.
- The name must not impersonate someone else.
- The name must not include offensive or misleading content.
- Instagram may reject a username if it believes the name does not comply with the rules.
A full stop or underscore can be useful when your preferred name is taken, but avoid using too many. Names such as @anna.photography or @studio_noor are still easy to read. Names such as @anna…photo__official quickly become cluttered and difficult to remember.
How often can you change your Instagram name?
You can edit your profile, but Instagram may apply limits if you make changes too frequently within a short period. In particular, for the Name field, you may sometimes be told that you can only change it a limited number of times within 14 days. Additional checks may also apply to your username, such as when the name was recently changed, appears suspicious or is unavailable.
That is why it is sensible to test your new name carefully before saving it. Type it in a note, check that it reads well and perhaps ask someone else to read it aloud. If someone cannot easily pronounce or remember it, the name is often too complicated.
How to choose a good Instagram name
A good Instagram name suits you while also being clear to other people. This is particularly important if you want to grow, as your name is more than something fun. People often decide within a few seconds whether they understand your profile and want to follow you.
Make your name easy to remember
The best names are often simple. Think of a name that someone can easily remember after seeing your profile once.
Examples that are easy to read:
- @noormakesphotos
- @fitwithdan
- @recipesbylisa
- @studiojasmine
- @rotterdamfoodtips
Less useful options:
- @x_noor_1998_xx
- @dan.fit.official.real
- @lisa_123_recipes_456
Numbers are not always a poor choice. If they suit your brand, birth year, city or project, they can work perfectly well. However, do not use them only because your first choice has already been taken. Adding a relevant word is often better than adding random numbers.
Show immediately what your profile is about
If you use Instagram for a hobby, work or growth, it helps when people can understand from your name what to expect.
| Account type | Name idea | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Food account | @eatingwithmila | Personal and clear |
| Fitness account | @strongwithsem | Easy to remember and relevant to the niche |
| Photographer | @sannephotography | Combines the name and field |
| Beauty creator | @glowbytara | Short, recognisable and stylish |
| Local guide | @utrechttips | Easy to find for people searching for Utrecht |
If you mainly want to post personal content, your name does not need to include a topic. Your own name or nickname may be enough.
Use the same name on other platforms
Do you also use TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest or a website? Try to use the same name everywhere to avoid confusion. If someone sees you on TikTok and then searches for you on Instagram, you want them to find you quickly.
This is especially important for creators and businesses. Using a different name on every platform makes you less recognisable. If your preferred username is not available everywhere, choose a version that you can use in several places.
Use your name field effectively for search
Your username does not have to explain everything. You can use your profile name to provide extra clarity.
Examples:
- Username: @sannemakes
Name: Sanne | Interior inspiration - Username: @fitwithdan
Name: Dan | Personal trainer - Username: @studioflora
Name: Studio Flora | Wedding flowers
This makes your profile clearer to visitors and may help when people search for your name, field or topic.
Want to tidy up more than your name while improving your profile? You may also find it useful to learn how to delete followers on Instagram efficiently and quickly.
What can you do if your preferred Instagram name is taken?
A taken name can be frustrating, but you can usually still create a strong alternative. Try to choose a name that feels natural rather than one that looks like the last available combination.
Good ways to adapt a taken name
- Add your field: @sannephotography instead of @sanne
- Add your city: @hairdresserlondon or @lisainamsterdam
- Use a short word that suits your brand: @bylisa, @studioemma, or @teamnoor
- Use a full stop or underscore: @anna.design or @anna_design
- Make it more personal: @cookingwithmila or @travelwithrose
Be careful with official, real and numbers
Words such as official or real can sometimes work, but they can quickly feel exaggerated if you are not a well known brand or public figure. Long strings of numbers can also make your name look less professional.
Compare these two options:
- @realofficialsophie12345
- @sophiemakesart
The second name is much easier to understand and remember.
What happens after you change your Instagram username?
Your followers will continue following you as usual. You do not need to rebuild your following simply because your username changes. Your profile picture, posts, reels, stories, saved posts and statistics will also remain on your account.
However, there are a few things you should check.
- Your profile link changes. Links containing your old username may no longer work correctly.
- People may not recognise you immediately. This is particularly likely if your profile picture changes as well.
- Old mentions can be confusing. People who see your old @name may not realise that you now use a different name.
- Your name may be harder to find for a short period. It can take some time before everyone recognises your new name in search results.
Tell your followers that your name is changing
If you have a small personal account, an announcement is not always necessary. However, if you have customers, fans, followers or collaborations, it is sensible to share your new name briefly.
A simple story is often enough:
“Quick update: my account is now called @newname. Everything else stays the same.”
If you have a business or creator account, you can temporarily pin a post explaining that your name has changed. This helps new visitors understand more quickly that they have reached the correct profile.
Update your links outside Instagram
Check these locations in particular:
- Your website
- Your TikTok profile
- Your YouTube channel
- Your Facebook page
- Your newsletter or email signature
- Link in bio tools
- Online shops, portfolios and booking pages
This is especially important for businesses. An outdated link can send customers to the wrong profile or make your account more difficult to find.
Common mistakes when changing your Instagram name
Choosing a new name may seem simple, but minor choices can become frustrating later. These mistakes occur frequently.
Choosing a name that is too long
Long names are difficult to remember and are more often typed incorrectly. If your name is not easy to say during a conversation, it is probably too long.
Using too many full stops and underscores
One full stop or underscore can be fine. Several in a row make your name appear cluttered. People can quickly forget where the full stop or underscore belongs.
Changing your name without a plan
If you change your name regularly, followers may become confused. This is particularly true if you also change your profile picture, bio and content style at the same time. A fresh start can be worthwhile, but make sure people can still recognise you.
Choosing a name that looks too similar to another account
This can cause confusion and may also create problems under Instagram rules, especially if it appears that you are copying a brand, creator or public figure. It is better to choose something original.
Only considering availability
A name is not necessarily good simply because it is available. Also check whether it is easy to read, suits your content and will continue to feel appropriate as your account grows.
Changing your Instagram name when you want to grow
If you want to use Instagram more seriously, a clear name can help. People need to understand quickly why they should follow you. Your name, bio, profile picture and first posts all work together. A good username strengthens that first impression.
If you want to improve your visibility as well as your name, you can explore different options among the Instagram services from SocialKings that support growth and visibility. For example, you can add more social proof when you buy Instagram followers, increase engagement on posts when you buy Instagram likes, or support the visibility of video content with Instagram views.
Keep your expectations realistic: a strong name helps people find and remember you more easily, but your content must give them a reason to stay. Make sure your name reflects what you post.
How do you find someone who has changed their Instagram name?
If someone changes their username, you can often still find them, particularly if you already followed the account.
- Check your followers or following list. The account will usually remain there under the new name.
- Search using the profile name. If the person has not changed their name field, you may be able to find them with that name.
- Check old chats. You can often still see the account in Instagram DMs, even when the username is different.
- Check shared posts or comments. The account may have left a previous comment or been tagged somewhere.
- Search on other platforms. The new Instagram name may be listed in a TikTok bio, YouTube bio or on a website.
If the account has been made private or the profile picture has also changed, it may be more difficult to confirm that you have found the correct profile.
Frequently asked questions about changing your Instagram name
Can I get my old Instagram username back?
Sometimes, but not always. If no one else has selected your old username and Instagram does not show a restriction, you may be able to use it again. If someone else is already using the name, you cannot simply reclaim it.
Will my followers receive a notification when I change my name?
Your followers do not normally receive a separate notification when your username changes. They will see your new name when you post, share a story or appear in their feed. If you have a larger account, it is useful to announce the change yourself.
Will I lose followers if I change my Instagram name?
You will not automatically lose followers because of a name change. People will continue following you. However, some followers may take longer to recognise you if your name, profile picture and content all suddenly look different.
Can I use emojis in my Instagram name?
You can often use emojis in your profile name, but you cannot use them in your username. Your username normally consists of letters, numbers, full stops and underscores.
Why will Instagram not accept my new username?
The name may already be taken, may not comply with the rules or may be temporarily unavailable. Try a minor adjustment, such as adding another word, your field or your city. If this does not help, check again later or visit the official Instagram help page about usernames and accounts.
Which Instagram name suits me?
Choose a name that matches what you post and how people know you. For a personal account, your own name or nickname will often work well. For a creator or business, combining a name and topic is often more effective, such as @fitwithdan, @sannephotography, or @utrechttips.
Which Instagram names are still available?
You can check this immediately by entering a username under Edit profile. Instagram will tell you whether the name is available. Prepare a few alternatives before you begin so you do not choose a cluttered name on the spot if your first option has been taken.
Check your new Instagram name before saving it
Take a moment before tapping save. A good Instagram name is short, clear, easy to type and appropriate for your profile. Also check whether you can use the same name on other platforms and whether your old links need updating.
If you are choosing between several names, select the one that will still make sense to you a year from now. A name can be creative, but above all, it should remain recognisable to the people who search for you, follow you or discover you for the first time.
