How to Change Your Instagram Name: 2024 Guide

Changing your Instagram username is a straightforward process that you can complete in just a few minutes. Your Instagram username is a representation of your identity on this widely popular social media platform. It is how people find your profile, mention you in comments, and connect with you. Whether you're rebranding, prefer a new name, or just want to shake things up, modifying your username can give your profile a fresh appeal.

Updating your username also updates your profile URL. It's important to note that when you change your username, the previous one becomes available for others to claim. Therefore, before making the switch, ensure that you are ready to commit to the new one, as switching back might not always be possible if someone else takes your old username. Your profile name, the name displayed at the top of your profile, can be different from your username and can be changed in a similar way without affecting your login credentials or the way others tag you in posts.

In your Instagram account settings, you'll find the option to edit your profile details, including your username. The process to change is user-friendly and can be done quickly, whether you're on a phone, tablet, or using the web version of Instagram. Keep in mind, your desired username must be unique, not already in use, and adhere to Instagram's guidelines. If the username you want is already taken, Instagram will prompt you to choose a different one. Make sure that your new username aligns with your personal or brand identity to maintain consistency across your social media presence.

Changing Your Instagram Username

Changing your Instagram username is a straightforward process whether you're on a computer or using a mobile device. It's important to know that your new username should be unique, can only include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, and should not already be in use.

On Computer

1. Log in to your Instagram account on the web by visiting the official Instagram website.
2. Navigate to your profile by clicking on your avatar located typically on the top right corner of your homepage.
3. Click on "Edit Profile" next to your username.
4. Under the username field, clear your current username and type in your new username.
5. Click "Submit" to save your new username.

Instagram will immediately check the availability of the username and prompt you if it's already taken.

On Mobile

1. Open your Instagram mobile app on your iOS or Android device.
2. Tap on the profile icon in the bottom right to go to your profile.
3. Tap "Edit Profile" located under your profile bio.
4. Tap the username field and use the delete icon to remove your current username.
5. Enter your desired new username and tap "Done" or the checkmark symbol if you’re on Android or iPhone respectively.

You'll be informed if the username is unavailable, and you'll need to try different variations until you find one that's free to use.

Updating Instagram Name After Marriage

When you update your Instagram profile to reflect a new name after marriage, you can have your updated name displayed to your followers. Here's how to make the change:

1. Log into your Instagram account on your mobile device or computer.

2. Tap or click on the profile icon to go to your profile.

3. Select Edit Profile to access the settings where you can change your personal information.

   Area to Edit	Action
   Name	Enter your new full name post-marriage. This doesn't have to be unique.
   Username	Choose a unique username that reflects your new name if desired.

4. Tap the field under Name and enter your full name as you'd like it displayed after your marriage.

5. If you wish to change your username, tap the corresponding field and type your new desired handle. Instagram will check the availability of the username in real time.

Remember:

• The username must be unique and can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.
• After changing your username, your old username becomes available for anyone to claim.
• This does not affect your follower count, posts, or direct messages.

After entering your new details, simply tap Save or Done at the top right of the screen to update your profile information. Your Instagram profile will now reflect your new name, celebrating your recent change in marital status.

Changing Instagram Name On Chrome

To change your Instagram name using the Chrome browser, begin by opening Chrome on your device. Navigate to the Instagram website and log in to your account if you haven't already done so.

Once logged in, follow these steps:

1. Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner to access your profile.

2. Select Edit Profile to open your account settings.

   In the Edit Profile section, you'll find two fields of interest:

   • Name: This is your display name that appears under your profile picture and on your profile page.
   • Username: This is your unique Instagram handle that forms the URL for your profile page (instagram.com/yourusername).

3. To change your username, click into the Username field, clear your current username, and type in your new desired username.

   Note: Your new username must be unique. If it's already taken, Instagram will prompt you to choose a different one.

4. After selecting your new username, click Submit at the bottom of the page to save your changes.

Remember that changing your username will alter the URL to your profile and might affect how people find you on Instagram. However, it won't impact your existing followers, direct messages, or comments. Be sure to update your username on other platforms or inform contacts if necessary.

Changing Instagram Display Name

Your display name on Instagram is a key aspect of your social media identity. It differs from your username as it doesn't require uniqueness, which means you can choose a name that's already been taken by another user. Here's how you change it:

1. Access Your Profile: Launch the Instagram app, and navigate to your profile page by tapping your profile icon.

2. Enter Edit Mode: Tap on Edit Profile, located below your profile picture and bio.

3. Update Display Name:

   • Find the Name field. This is where your current display name is displayed.
   • Tap the field to edit it.
   • Clear the existing name and type in your new desired display name.
   • Be creative, but keep it appropriate and within Instagram guidelines.

4. Save Changes:

   • Review your new display name for any typos or errors.
   • Once satisfied, tap either Done (iPhone) or the checkmark icon (Android) located on the top right corner to save your new display name.

Remember, your display name can be changed as often as you like, providing you the flexibility to reflect any changes or rebranding. However, frequent changes might confuse your followers, so consider updating your display name judiciously.

Removing Name From Instagram

If you decide to remove your name from your Instagram profile, either for privacy reasons or to maintain an element of anonymity, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram App on your mobile device.
2. Tap on the profile icon in the bottom right corner to go to your profile.
3. Select Edit Profile, which is located right below your profile picture.
4. In the Edit Profile menu, you'll find two fields: one for your name (this is your display name, not your username) and another for your username.

The process to remove your name:

• Locate the Name field. This is different from the Username field; the Name field is usually where your actual name is displayed.
• Clear out any text that is currently in the Name field. If you wish to remove your name entirely, simply erase all the characters, leaving it blank.

Regarding your bio:

• If your real name is also mentioned in your Bio section, you may want to edit that part as well. Scroll down to the Bio field and remove or edit any text as necessary.

Once done, make sure to do the following:

• Tap Done or Submit (depending on your device) to save the changes.

Please note: Despite removing your name, your profile won’t be entirely anonymous since your username will still be visible to other Instagram users. If you aim for a higher level of anonymity, you may consider changing your username as well, ensuring it does not contain parts of your real name.

Frequency of Instagram Name Changes

When you decide to change your Instagram name, whether it’s your display name or username, Instagram allows you to do so with relative freedom. Here are the specifics you should be aware of:

• Username Changes: Your username on Instagram is unique to your profile, and it's how others find you on the platform. If you want to change it, Instagram does not enforce a strict limit on the frequency of changes. However, you should note that once you change your username, the old one becomes available for other users to claim.

• Display Name Changes: Your display name is not unique, meaning multiple users can have the same display name. For this, Instagram allows you to change it as frequently as you wish without restrictions.

Considerations:

• Availability: Before changing your username to a new one, Instagram checks for uniqueness—your desired username must not be taken by another user.
• Immediate Changes: Any changes made to your username or display name are reflected immediately across the platform.

Remember: Frequent changes to your Instagram name could confuse followers. It is generally advisable to carefully consider changes to maintain consistency for your audience.

Tip: If you're unsure about changing your username, you can temporarily change it back to the previous one if it's still available. Instagram does not reserve the old username for you; it's on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Impact of Changing Instagram Name on Followers

When you decide to change your Instagram name, understanding the potential impact on your followers is crucial. A change in your username or the display name can lead to varying effects on engagement with your follower base on this social media platform.

• Confusion Among Followers: Altering your Instagram username can create confusion, as followers may think your profile is a different account or that they have been unfollowed without their knowledge.

• Loss of Brand Recognition: If you manage a profile akin to a brand, a name change might undermine the recognition you've worked to build. Your new name requires promotion to ensure followers associate it with your old identity.

• Notification to Followers: Instagram notifies your followers when you change your username. This helps to lessen the confusion, but it's still important to announce the change in advance.

• Update Marketing Materials: Remember to update your new Instagram details on all other marketing platforms and materials to maintain consistency throughout your online presence.

Best Practices

• Inform Ahead of Time: Communicate the forthcoming change to your followers through posts and stories to make the transition smoother.

• Consistent Content: Maintain the quality and style of your content to reassure followers that only the name, not the content, has changed.

• Timely Response: Be prepared to respond to queries from followers about the name change, and use this as an opportunity to re-engage with your audience.

Visibility of Previous Instagram Name

When you change your Instagram username, the visibility of your previous name can be of concern. Your new username takes immediate effect, and the old one becomes unusable by you or anyone else for a certain period. This means that searches for your old username will not lead to your account.

Keeping track of name changes is crucial because:

• Searches: After the update, searches for your previous username will not show your profile.
• Mentions: Posts mentioning your old username won't update to the new one.
• Tags: Similarly, any tags featuring your old username remain unchanged. If your profile is private, new followers won't see these tags until you approve them.

Here's what happens to your old username:

Situation	Visibility of Previous Name
Search	Not linked to your account
Mentions	Remain as is, link broken
Tags	Unaffected, link remains until edited

It is worth noting that Instagram does not redirect old usernames to new ones. Additionally, your previous username will not be immediately available for someone else to use. However, Instagram eventually releases old usernames back into the pool for anyone to claim.

If you are rebranding or changing your username for privacy concerns, remember to update your friends and followers. This ensures your network can continue to find and engage with your Instagram content seamlessly.

Instagram Username Character Limits

When selecting a username for your Instagram account, you'll need to adhere to specific character limitations set by the platform. The username must:

• Be within 1 to 30 characters in length.
• Include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores only.

The username cannot contain spaces or special characters other than periods and underscores.

Structure:

• Letters: You can use any combination of lowercase and uppercase letters, but Instagram usernames are not case-sensitive. This means "ExampleUser" and "exampleuser" will be seen as the same username by Instagram.
• Numbers: You have the freedom to incorporate numbers anywhere in your username.
• Periods and Underscores: These are the only symbols allowed. You can use them to separate words or numbers for clarity.

Keep in mind:

• Your chosen username should be unique. If it’s already taken, Instagram will prompt you to choose a different one.
• Avoid using too many consecutive periods or underscores, as this can make your username difficult to remember or look spammy.
• While you can change your username at any time, it's wise to limit frequent changes as this can confuse your followers.

Choosing Your Username:

Here are some additional tips:

• Simplicity: A simple, memorable username is more effective for others to find and remember.
• Relevance: Select a username that reflects your brand or personality.
• Future-proof: Think long-term to avoid the need for changes that could disrupt your branding.

By keeping these guidelines in mind, you can create an Instagram username that is both compliant with the platform's requirements and representative of your digital presence.

Reusing an Old Instagram Username

When you wish to switch back to a username you've previously held, remember that Instagram usernames must be unique. Hence, if the username is still available and has not been taken by a new user, you can reclaim it by simply changing your username to the old one.

Follow these steps to reuse an old username:

1. Go to your Instagram profile.
2. Tap Edit Profile.
3. Select the username field.
4. Type in your previous username.
5. Tap Done or the checkmark icon to save the changes.

Remember, Instagram may require a review if your account is prominent and reaches a large audience. You'll be notified about the review status.

Here are some significant points to keep in mind:

• Availability: You can only reuse a username if it hasn't been claimed by another user after you changed it.
• Frequency of Changes: Instagram may place temporary limitations on changing your username if you do it too often in a short period.
• Immediate Updates: Username changes are typically instant, but it may take some time for the new name to reflect across the platform.

If you find the username isn't available anymore, you'll need to select a different one. Always consider the uniqueness of your username to maintain your distinct identity on Instagram.

Restrictions on New Instagram Usernames

When you decide to change your username on Instagram, you must navigate several restrictions to ensure the new username is acceptable on this social media platform.

• Uniqueness: Your chosen username must be unique. If another account already uses it, you will need to try different variations until you find one that's not taken.
• Character Limit: Usernames can't be longer than 30 characters in an effort to keep them manageable for search and mentions.
• No Spaces or Symbols: Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Spaces or other symbols are not permitted.

Instagram imposes specific standards to maintain a user-friendly environment:

Criterion	Detail
Character Types	Only use letters, numbers, periods, and underscores
Length	Keep under 30 characters
Appropriateness	Avoid using offensive or suggestive words

Remember, once you change your username, the new username takes immediate effect. This means that any previous mentions of your old username won't redirect to your new one, hence, always consider the rebranding implications and inform your followers, if necessary.

Additionally, while your username represents your unique identity, your display name can be shared among multiple users and can include spaces with fewer restrictions on characters. Adjust it in the "Name" field when editing your profile for a less formal representation.

Changing Profile URL after Instagram Name Update

When you update your Instagram username, your profile URL changes accordingly. This URL is crucial for sharing your profile on other platforms or directing people to your Instagram page.

Before you start:

• Be aware that changing your username may affect your branding and follower recognition.
• Username changes are subject to availability.

Steps to Change Your Instagram Username and Profile URL:

1. Open the Instagram app and log in.
2. Tap on your profile icon at the bottom right corner.
3. Select Edit Profile located next to your profile picture.
4. In the Username field, enter your new desired username.
5. Tap Done or Save in the upper right corner.

After the Username Update:

• Your new profile URL becomes https://www.instagram.com/[YourNewUsername]/.
• Old links to your profile with the previous username will no longer work.
• You may want to inform your followers and update any links on other social media accounts or websites.

Considerations	What to Do
Instantaneous effect on links	Expect your old profile URL to stop working immediately.
Verify links if used in business cards, websites, or promotional materials	Replace with the new URL to maintain accessibility.

Remember, frequent changes to your username may confuse followers, so choose a username that you're happy with for the long term.

Effect of Instagram Name Change on Tagged Photos

When you change your Instagram username, there is a concern about whether the tagged photos under your previous username will update to the new one. It's important to understand the mechanisms of Instagram to ensure you are confident about how the platform will handle your previously tagged photos.

• Photos You're Tagged In: Your tagged photos will remain intact. Instagram automatically updates your new username in the tags on other users' photos where you were originally tagged. The change is also retroactive, which means all past tags will show your new username.

• Your Tags on Your Posts: The tags you've placed on your own posts won't be affected. These tags will not need any manual adjustments and will continue to link to the respective tagged Instagram profiles as usual.

• Tag Notifications: For your followers or anyone who's tagged you previously, the old username will no longer send notifications once it's changed. New notifications from the moment of the change on will reflect your updated username.

Here's a quick checklist for changing your username while understanding the impact on tagged photos:

1. Before Changing Your Username:
   • Ensure your new username is available.
   • Notify close friends or brands of the change if you're frequently tagged in posts.
2. Changing Your Username:
   • Go to your Instagram profile.
   • Select 'Edit Profile'.
   • Input your new username.
   • Confirm the change by tapping 'Done' on iPhone or 'Submit' on Android/computer.

Remember, after changing your username, the old username goes back into the pool of available names on Instagram – it can be taken by another user. Maintain a record of where your Instagram profile is featured outside of Instagram (like business cards or websites) to update these mentions with your new username.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section provides straightforward answers detailing the process of changing your Instagram username or name on different devices.

What are the steps to update your Instagram username on an Android device?

To change your Instagram username on an Android, open the Instagram app, tap on your profile picture at the bottom right, choose "Edit Profile," and select the username field to enter a new username. Save the changes by tapping "Done."

Is there a way to alter your Instagram username on an iPhone, and what are the steps?

Yes, on an iPhone, you'd open the Instagram app, tap the profile icon on the bottom right, then select "Edit Profile." Tap the username field, input a new username, and tap "Done" to confirm.

How can one change their Instagram name from a desktop computer?

While on the desktop, navigate to Instagram's website, log in if necessary, click on your profile picture in the top right, select "Profile," then click "Edit Profile." Enter your new name or username, and click "Submit" to apply the changes.

Can you modify your Instagram username if it is already taken, and how to go about it?

If the username you desire is already taken, you need to try a new variation or choose a different username that isn't in use. Instagram will notify you immediately if the username is available when you attempt to save the change.

What is the protocol for changing your Instagram name if it's not linked to a Facebook account?

Even without a link to a Facebook account, you can alter your Instagram name by visiting your profile, tapping "Edit Profile," and changing the information in the name or username fields directly on the Instagram app or website.

What should you do if Instagram doesn't allow you to change your name?

If you're unable to change your Instagram name, wait for a few minutes, or double-check to ensure you're following the community guidelines and not attempting to change your name more often than allowed, which is twice within 14 days.