A Complete Guide to Changing Your Instagram Name and Username

With more than 2 billion users active on Instagram every month, standing out on the platform is more important than ever. Whether you’re rebranding, adjusting to a new phase in life, or just want a more creative or professional presence, updating your Instagram name or handle (your @username) can make a big difference.

Luckily, the process is straightforward — if you know where to look and what to avoid. In this guide, we’ll explain:

• The difference between your Instagram name and handle
• Step-by-step instructions for changing both
• What to expect after the change
• Helpful tips for choosing a great handle
• What to do if you run into problems

Let’s walk through everything you need to know.

Instagram Name vs. Instagram Handle: What’s the Difference?

First things first — your Instagram name and your Instagram handle are not the same thing.

• Instagram Name: This is the display name shown on your profile, just below your profile picture. It can be your real name, your brand name, or something fun and descriptive. It’s searchable, so it helps others find your account, but it doesn’t need to be unique.
• Instagram Handle (also called your username): This is your @username — like @alexdesigns or @floridalawfirm. It appears at the top of your profile and in your profile link (e.g., instagram.com/yourhandle). It must be unique and can only be used by one account at a time.

Knowing the difference helps you decide which one needs changing — or whether you want to update both.

Why You Might Want to Change Your Name or Handle

There are many reasons users update their Instagram name or handle, including:

• A personal name change
• A brand or business rebrand
• The current handle is hard to spell or remember
• You want something more professional or creative
• You made a mistake during your initial setup

Whatever the reason, updating your Instagram identity can help your account feel more aligned with your current goals or audience.

How to Change Your Instagram Name

On the Instagram Mobile App:

1. Open the Instagram app and log into your account
2. Tap your profile icon at the bottom right
3. Select Edit Profile
4. In the Name field, enter your new name
5. Tap Done (on iPhone) or the checkmark (on Android) to save changes

On the Web (Desktop):

1. Go to Instagram.com and sign in
2. Click your profile picture in the top-right corner and choose Profile
3. Click Edit Profile
4. Update the Name field
5. Scroll down and click Submit

Important:

You can only change your name twice within a 14-day period. If you’ve already made two changes recently, you’ll need to wait before updating it again.

How to Change Your Instagram Handle (Username)

Changing your handle follows a similar process, but Instagram will check if the new username is available before allowing the change.

On the Mobile App:

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile
2. Tap Edit Profile
3. Tap the Username field
4. Type your desired new handle
5. Instagram will verify availability in real time
6. If it’s available, tap Done to save

On Desktop:

1. Visit Instagram.com
2. Click your profile picture > Profile > Edit Profile
3. Change the Username field
4. Click Submit to confirm

If the username is taken or restricted, Instagram will prompt you to try a different one.

What Happens After You Change Your Handle?

Switching your Instagram handle comes with a few key changes:

• Your profile URL will change. For example, if your old handle was @mystylepage, your new profile link will be instagram.com/newhandle.
• Old mentions and tags that used your previous handle will no longer work.
• There may be a temporary dip in visibility while Instagram processes the update.
• You’ll need to update your new handle wherever it’s listed — business cards, websites, other social platforms, etc.

💡 Pro Tip: Announce your new handle with a story or post so your followers know how to find you.

Tips for Choosing the Right Instagram Handle

Your handle is one of the most recognizable parts of your profile — so choose wisely. Here are some quick tips:

• ✅ Make it short and memorable
• ✅ Avoid special characters or random numbers, unless necessary
• ✅ Be consistent with your handles across social media platforms
• ✅ Include niche keywords (e.g., @miamilawyer, @veganchefjane)
• ✅ Keep it professional if you’re using Instagram for business
• ❌ Avoid impersonating others — it could violate Instagram’s guidelines

Can I Revert to My Old Handle?

In some cases, yes — if no one else has claimed it since you changed it. To switch back:

1. Go to Edit Profile
2. Enter your old handle
3. If it’s available, Instagram will allow you to save it again

But remember: there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to reclaim your previous username.

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Final Thoughts

Your Instagram name and handle are more than just identifiers — they’re part of your personal or business brand. Whether you’re fine-tuning your online presence or making a major rebrand, changing your name or username can help you build trust, improve recognition, and connect more effectively with your audience.

The best part? The process is easy and quick — just follow the steps above and you’ll be set in minutes.

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