Usernames are the lifeblood of most social media sites, but finding a good one is always a struggle. Unless you created your account years ago you’re unlikely to get the username you want, and even then you might regret it all these years later. If you’re like most of us and regret the choices you made in your youth, you’ll be happy to learn that it’s super easy to change your Instagram username to something a bit less cringe-inducing.
Read also: Instagram tips and tricks: Do it for the ‘gram
But before you make any rash decisions, you should know that there is a difference between your Instagram display name and username. Your display name, which is basically your personal or business name, has very few restrictions. You can change it as often as you want, and it doesn’t have to be unique. Changing your display name might be an easier solution for those looking for something easier to remember.
Your username, on the other hand, is what goes at the top of your Instagram account. It’s also how people tag you with the @ symbol, and what goes at the end of your Instagram URL. Instagram usernames also have a lot of more restrictions:
- Unique to your account.
- Less than 30 characters.
- Contains only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores (no spaces).
- No profanity or restricted language.
With that out of the way, here’s how to change your Instagram username, as well as a few extra pieces of information that you should know.
How do I change my username in the Instagram app?
Instagram is all about mobile, so the first method we’ll outline uses the Instagram app. It takes literally seconds to complete, assuming you’ve already thought of your new username.
To change your Instagram username in the app, tap your avatar in the bottom right to open up your profile. Then, tap the Edit Profile button beneath your bio. Enter your new Instagram Username in the Username field, and tap the check mark in the top right. That’s it! You’re done!
As mentioned previously, there are certain restrictions to Instagram usernames, and if your new username doesn’t meet them you will see a red exclamation point and a message reading “Username not available.” Keep trying variations of your username until you find one that works.
For those who need a step-by-step, we’ve listed the steps below in brief.
How to change an Instagram username in the app
- Open the Instagram app and log in.
- Tap your avatar in the bottom right.
- Tap Edit Profile beneath your bio.
- Enter your new username in the Username field.
- Tap the check mark in the top right.
How do I change my username on a computer?
Changing your Instagram username from a browser is just as easy. In fact, the steps are exactly the same, but some of the buttons are in different places on the screen. Here’s what you need to do:
Navigate to Instagram.com and log into your account. Next, click your avatar in the top right of the screen. Click the Edit Profile button next to your Instagram username at the top, and enter your new username in the Username field. Click Submit at the bottom of the screen and you’re good to go!
Note that unlike changing your Instagram username in the app, you will not get a warning that a desired username is already in use. Instead, a small pop up will inform you that the username isn’t available when you click the submit button.
Once again, we’ve listed the step-by-step instructions below for your convenience.
How to change an Instagram username on the web
- Navigate to Instagram.com and log in.
- Click your avatar in the top right.
- Click Edit Profile next to your username.
- Enter your new username in the Username field.
- Click Submit at the bottom of the page.
What happens when you change your Instagram username?
Once you’ve clicked the Submit button on the web or tapped the check mark button on mobile, your Instagram username will instantly be changed and your previous username freed up. This means that if someone else snags it, you won’t be able to get it back.
Changing your Instagram username also changes your account URL, which means that any place your account is linked online will now return the error seen above. Make sure you update any websites or other social media profiles you have around the web.
Changing your Instagram username will not reset your follower count, but it may confuse them.
The good news is that it’s still the same account, so you won’t have to start over from scratch. You will still have the same followers, although they may be confused by the change. This could lead to lower engagement or unfollows, but that shouldn’t be a concern for users just looking to share photos with friends.
Everywhere your Instagram account is displayed on Instagram will automatically update, so you don’t have to worry about old posts you’ve commented on linking to a non-existent account. However, posts you’ve been tagged in may not be updated, and people looking to tag you in new posts will need to know your new username.
Why won’t Instagram wont let me change my username?
If Instagram won’t let you submit a new username, it’s likely because it doesn’t meet the requirements mentioned above. The most common error is related to that username being taken, so try another username.
Note that even if you’re trying to change back to an old username, it’s possible that someone else took it while it was free and you won’t be able to get it back.
Another probable cause is app caching, which may happen when you change your username in the Instagram app. This isn’t much cause for concern, as everyone else will see your new username and it usually fixes itself after a few hours. If you’re really worried about it, restart your phone. When that doesn’t do the trick, uninstalling and reinstalling Instagram is the silver bullet that always works.
How to find someone on Instagram who changed their username
A new Instagram username might feel like a fresh start, but it’s still very easy to find for those who previously knew about the account. If you’re already following the account, it will still appear in your following list and new posts will still pop into your feed.
Another way to find Instagram accounts that change username is by searching for their display name. Assuming the account is public and the display name was left the same, it should come up with a simple search.
The final method is to find another place where the account is linked. This could be an old post that the account commented on or someone else tagging them in a new post. With a little sleuthing it isn’t too hard to find a changed Instagram username, but please don’t be a creep about it.
Check out some of our other guides about Instagram:
- How to change or reset your Instagram password
- How to get back your Instagram account when it’s disabled, hacked, or deleted
- How to upload photos to Instagram on your PC
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