How to change your Instagram username

Some social platforms limit the number of times you can change your username, while others don’t let you do it at all. Instagram is a username free-for-all; you can alter your Instagram handle whenever you want, as many times as you want.

There’s a difference between your username and your display name. The display name is on your profile below your avatar. It doesn’t need to be unique to you, and it can contain emoji and special characters. (And yes, it can also be changed.)

Your username, on the other hand, appears at the top of your profile and at the end of your profile’s URL. It needs to be unique to you. It’s also subject to more restrictions: it can’t be longer than 30 characters and can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.

Whether you’ve changed your real-life name, you’re upgrading to a more professional username, or you’re just bored of your current moniker, you can change your handle in less than a minute. Here’s how.

CHANGE 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, double-check that you’re logged in to the one you’re trying to change.

• Tap your avatar icon in the bottom-right corner to go to your profile
• Tap “Edit Profile” under your bio
• Tap the Username field and type in your new handle
• Click “Done”

CHANGE YOUR USERNAME ON A COMPUTER

If you prefer, you can change your username with the desktop version of Instagram.

• 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 your profile icon on the right side of the homepage.
• Click “Edit Profile” next to your username

Note: If you make a mistake during this process or decide you don’t like your new handle after all, you can go back to your old handle within 14 days. After that time, you may still be able to revert, but your old handle may have been taken by another user.