You can change your Instagram username or display name separately, and each takes about one minute

Instagram lets you change two different things: your username (the handle people use to find you, like @yourname) and your display name (the name that appears above your posts). You change them in different places in the app, and the rules are different for each one.

Your username can be changed once every 14 days. Your display name has no time limit and can be anything — you can change it back and forth as often as you want. Both changes happen in your profile settings and take effect immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username (the @handle) can only be changed once every 14 days, and Instagram will tell you if you have already used your change recently.
  • Your display name (the text above your posts) can be changed as many times as you want with no waiting period.
  • Both changes are made in Settings and Privacy, under Account, then Username or Name.
  • If your desired username is taken, you will see that message immediately and must choose a different one.
  • Old mentions and tags still work after you change your username, so people who tagged you before the change can still find those posts.

How to change your username (the @handle)

Open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu) in the top right corner, then tap Settings and privacy. Tap Account, then Username. Delete your current username and type the new one you want.

Instagram will check in real time whether the name is available. If it is taken, you will see a message saying so. If it is available, a checkmark appears next to it. Tap Done (or Save on some versions) to confirm the change. The new username is live immediately.

If you have already changed your username in the last 14 days, Instagram will show you the date you can change it again. You cannot change it before that date, even if you have a different username in mind.

How to change your display name (the text above your posts)

Open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner, then tap Settings and privacy. Tap Account, then Name. Type the new display name you want and tap Done or Save.

Your display name can include spaces, numbers, and special characters. It does not have to start with @, and it does not have to be unique — multiple people can have the same display name. You can change it back and forth as many times as you want with no waiting period.

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 after a short period. Instagram typically releases old usernames within a few weeks, though the exact timing is not published. If you want to keep a username reserved, you can create a second account with that name.

Posts that were tagged with your old username still work. If someone tagged you in a photo using your old @handle, that tag will still link to your profile even after you change your username. The same is true for mentions in captions and comments — old mentions do not break.

Reasons your username change might not work

The most common reason a username change fails is that the name you want is already taken. Instagram shows this immediately, so you will know right away. If you see a message saying you cannot change your username yet, you have already made a change in the last 14 days and must wait until that period passes.

If you are having trouble accessing the username field or the change is not saving, try logging out of Instagram completely, closing the app, and logging back in. Make sure you are using the current version of the app — outdated versions sometimes have bugs. If the problem continues, you can report it through Settings and Privacy > Help > Report a Problem.

Changing your username on Instagram's website instead of the app

You can also change your username on a computer. Go to instagram.com and log in. Click your profile icon in the bottom left, then click Settings. Click Edit profile and you will see the Username field at the top. Type your new username and click Submit. The same 14-day rule applies — you can only change it once every two weeks.

The website version is sometimes faster if you are having app glitches, and it can be easier to type a long username on a keyboard. The change takes effect the same way whether you use the app or the website.

How to choose a username that will not get taken later

If you have a username you love but do not want to use it yet, you can create a second Instagram account and claim it. This reserves the username under your control. You can switch between accounts by tapping your profile icon, then tapping the account name at the top and selecting a different account from the list.

Keep in mind that Instagram can disable accounts that appear to exist only to hold usernames and are not used. If you create a second account to reserve a username, post occasionally or interact with content so the account looks active. You do not need to post frequently, but a completely empty account with no activity for months might be at risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it. If you change from @jane to @jane_2024 and then want to go back to @jane, you can do that as long as the 14-day waiting period has passed and @jane is still available. If someone else has taken @jane in the meantime, you cannot use it again.

Will my followers see my old username anywhere after I change it?

No. Your old username disappears from your profile immediately. Old posts, tags, and mentions that used your old @handle will still link to your profile, but your profile itself will only show your new username. Your follower count and all your posts stay the same.

What is the difference between a username and a display name?

Your username is the @handle people search for and use to mention you — it must be unique and can only change once every 14 days. Your display name is the regular text that appears above your posts and in your profile — it can be anything, does not have to be unique, and can change as often as you want.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my username?

No. Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Display names can include spaces, numbers, and most special characters. If you want a username that looks like two words, use an underscore between them, like @jane_smith.

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere on Instagram?

Your new username appears on your profile immediately. It may take a few minutes to update in search results and in other places across the app, but this usually happens within seconds. If you do not see it updated after a few minutes, try closing and reopening the app.