How do I change my Instagram username? - Tutorial

Some social networks limit the number of times you can change your username. Others don't let you do it at all.

Instagram is a fairground for usernames. You can change your Instagram handle whenever you want, as many times as you like - within certain limits.

Whether you've changed your name in real life. Whether you want to adopt a more professional username. Or whether you're simply fed up with your current username, you can change your username in less than 30 seconds. Here's how.

The difference between username and Instagram nickname

First of all, you should know that there's a difference between your username and your Instagram nickname.

The Instagram nickname can be found on your profile, below your profile photo. It doesn't have to be unique to you, and it can contain emojis and special characters. (And yes, it can also be changed - up to twice in the space of 14 days.)

Your username, meanwhile, appears at the top of your profile and at the end of your profile's URL. It must be unique to you. It is also subject to more restrictions:

• It may be no longer than 30 characters
• And may contain only letters, numbers, dots and underscores.

{{INTERN}}

If you choose a new username, you will be able to change it again once a period of 14 days has passed. This period allows you to get your name back if you're not satisfied with the new one.

Why change your Instagram username?

Your Instagram username is your nickname on the social network. It allows you to be found, to be identified and is unique. So it's in your best interest to choose it well from the start.

How to choose your Instagram username well?

However, anyone can make mistakes. If you've chosen a username that no longer suits you, it's in your best interest to change it. Favor a username that's representative of your account and easy to remember.

Try to insert your first or last name and keep it as legible as possible.

By following these few tips, your account will look more professional and help you gain subscribers. You'll also be more easily found on the network and therefore gain visibility. Having a pro Instagram account is essential for getting your profile known.

Changing your username in the Instagram app

First, log in to your Instagram account on the iOS or Android app.

If you have more than one account, check again that you're logged in to the one you're trying to change. Then follow these steps to change your username:

1. Press the'icon of your avatar in the bottom right-hand corner to access your profile.
2. Press Edit Profile under your bio
3. Click on the Username field and type in your new username.
4. Press the blue check in the top right corner to save changes.

That's it, your username is updated. If you'd also like to change your Instagram nickname, edit the dedicated box.

Warning: if you're sharing your account link on other social networks or otherwise, remember to update your profile url.

Change username on a computer

If you prefer, you can change your Instagram username from a computer. Here are the steps to change your name:

• In a web browser, go to Instagram.com.
• If you're already logged in, you'll be prompted to continue with your account. If you're not already logged in, enter your username and password.
• Click on your profile icon on the right-hand side of the home page and select Profile.
• Click Edit Profile next to your username (see images below).

Once again, if you make a mistake during this process or decide you don't like your new name after all. You can revert to your old username within 14 days. After that time, you can always go back, but your old name may have been taken by another user.

So think carefully before you decide to change your username.

How to change your name if your username is taken?

As mentioned above, you can't have the same username as someone else, and it's first come, first served. If the username you've chosen is taken, Instagram will let you know after you press "validate".

If the name you want isn't available, try adding numbers or underscores to make it unique.

Don't hesitate to try again later. The username you want may become available in the future. The current owner can edit or delete their profile, and Instagram occasionally deletes fake accounts.

What happens when you change your username?

Once you've clicked the "Submit" button on the web or pressed the "check" button on mobile, your Instagram username will be changed instantly.

Your old username will be released after 14 days. This means that if someone else appropriates it, you won't be able to get it back (once the 14-day period has passed).

Changing your Instagram username also changes your account'URL. This means that any website linking to your Instagram account will now return an error message. Be sure to update any websites or other social media profiles that share your link on the Internet.

Changing your Instagram username will not reset your follower count, but it can be confusing.

The good news is that it's still the same account, so you won't have to start from scratch. You'll have the same followers, although they may be confused by the change.

This could result in lower engagement or unfollows. However, this shouldn't affect users who are simply looking to share photos with their friends. One way to alleviate this is to start automating your Instagram account to boost your followers and let real people discover your profile.

Everywhere your Instagram account is displayed on Instagram its name will be automatically updated. So you don't have to worry about old posts you've commented on linking to a non-existent account.

However, posts in which you've been tagged may not be updated. What's more, people looking to tag you in new posts will need to know your new username.

FAQ: change your Instagram username

Still have questions about changing your Instagram username? We answer them here.

Why can't I change my Insta name?

If you can't change your insta name, it's probably because you changed it less than 14 days ago.

As a reminder, you can only change your Instagram username once every 14 days.

If, however, you're sure this isn't the root of the problem apply the following step-by-step tips:

1. Update the app to make sure you're on the latest version.
2. Disable your smartphone's cellular data and wifi to reconnect it to the internet a little later. This will ensure that the problem isn't coming from your connection.
3. Try changing your username from your computer.
4. Check that this isn't due to a general problem on Instagram on the Downdetector website.

What's the username on Instagram?

Don't make the difference between your username and your Instagram nickname? No worries, here's how to tell them apart:

The username:

• Doesn't include spaces or emojis
• Can only be changed once every 14 days
• Located at the very top of the screen and in your Instagram profileurl.
• This is your unique identifier on the social network
• It can be used to log in to your Instagram account.

The Instagram nickname:

• It can be found below your profile photo and above your bio.
• It can include emojis and spaces.
• You can use special fonts.
• Changes are unlimited.

How to find a nickname for Instagram?

Be careful to differentiate between your Insta username and your nickname.

For your Instagram username, we recommend choosing a name that includes your first name or brand name.

If you're looking for a nickname for your Instagram page, here's one of the best articles to help you find an Instagram nickname.

Note that if your goal is to gain subscribers, we don't recommend changing your username too often.