Most of the social media platforms limit the number of times you can change your username, while Instagram is one platform that doesn’t restrict you.
On Instagram, you can change your username whenever you want to and as many times as you want. However, usually, people get confused about the difference between a username and a display name on Instagram.
The display name is on your profile page below your avatar. You don’t have to make it unique to put it on your profile. You can use emojis and special characters in it and can change it anytime you want to.
On the other hand, your Instagram username appears on the top of your profile and also at the end of your IG profile’s URL. It is your identity on the platform and your real Instagram followers search and connect with you using the same.
You need to use a unique username for your account that isn’t in use by someone else. Also, you cannot use more than 30 characters in it and it can only contain alphabets, numbers, periods, and underscores.
Now, coming to the topic of changing your username on Instagram, you must note that it isn’t difficult at all. But finding the availability of the one that you want could be difficult.
In this article, we will tell you how you can change the username on your Instagram app or website, what you can do when you don’t get your preferred username on Instagram, and more.
How to change Username using the Instagram App?
You can change your account username using the Instagram app on your Android or iOS device. Follow the steps to do this:
- Log in to your Instagram account on your Android or iOS device. Tap the avatar icon located on the bottom right side to go to your profile page.
- Tap the ‘Edit profile’ button under your Instagram bio.
- Tap the username field and enter the new name that you want to set up for your IG account.
- If the username isn’t available, you can try a different one. When you see it is available, click ‘Done’.
Note: If you are dealing with poor engagement rates for your profile, you can visit the best site to buy Instagram followers, likes, and views.
How to change Username using the Instagram Website?
You can also change your username using the Instagram website on your desktop. Follow the steps to do this:
- Go to Instagram’s official website and log in to your account using your username and password.
- Click on the profile icon located on the right side of the homepage.
- Click on the ‘Edit profile’ button right next to your username.
- Choose a new username for your profile and check its availability. Click on ‘Done’.
What to do after you have changed your Instagram username?
In case, you don’t like the new username that you have set up for your Instagram account, you can switch to your old handle or username within 14 days. After this time, you may still revert to the old username if some other person hasn’t taken it yet.
If you change your Instagram username, your account URL will automatically be changed. So, if you have linked your Instagram account to any place like your website or any other application, you need to reconnect it.
Otherwise, it will not be redirected to your Instagram account but will show an error instead.
Does Changing Account Username affect your Instagram Followers Count?
If you change your Instagram account username, it will not reset your follower count or any other metrics. You will still have the same number of followers.
However, the change may confuse your Instagram followers and this may lead to lower engagement for your posts and unfollows for your account.
If you want to avoid this after changing your username, you can buy Instagram likes with instant delivery. This will provide a boost in the number of followers that you have for your account.
But if you are a user who is only bothered to share photos and videos with friends and family, this shouldn’t concern you.
Also, Instagram will automatically update your username on each place that you’ve been using. So, you don’t have to worry about the old photos and videos that you have liked or commented on. But people who are looking to tag you in new posts may find it difficult to do so if they don’t know about your new Instagram username.
What to do if your preferred Instagram Username is Taken?
You may know that two people cannot have a common username on Instagram. It is provided on a first-come and first-served basis.
If your desired username is already taken on Instagram, it will let you know after you click on the ‘Done’ option on your mobile or the ‘Submit’ option on your desktop.
If you want a specific username on Instagram but it isn’t available, you can try adding numbers or underscores in it to make it unique and available for you.
Also, you can always check again. There’s a chance that your desired username may become available on Instagram in the future. The current owner of the username may change it or delete their account, leading to the availability of the same username.
The Bottom Line
You can use your true name, nickname, professional name, or anything else as your Instagram username. However, keep in mind that this is the name that will be shown to your active Instagram views and other people who might want to connect with you on Instagram.
Whether you are bored with having the same username on Instagram for years or you want to experiment with a new and unique name on Instagram, this guide will be helpful for you to do that in a moment.
Last Modified: Apr 19, 2024