Wondering if you can update your Instagram handle to reflect a fresh start, personal branding, or business rebranding? Whether you’re an aspiring influencer, a growing brand, or someone looking to clean up their digital footprint, you’ve probably asked yourself: can you change your Instagram name? The good news is—yes, you absolutely can. But there’s more to it than just typing in a new username. From understanding the difference between your display name and username, to navigating best practices, we’re walking you through everything you need to know. In this guide, we’ll break down the steps and strategies so you can make the right decision for your personal or professional profile.

Understanding Instagram Names: Username vs Display Name

Before you go through the process, it’s important to clarify what exactly you’re changing. On Instagram, you have two different names associated with your account:

Username (@yourhandle): This is your unique identifier. It appears in your profile URL and is what users tag or mention.
Display Name: This appears under your profile photo and doesn’t have to be unique. It’s usually your full name or brand name.

Both of these can be changed, but the implications and rules surrounding them differ. We’ll explain how each can be updated, and what you should consider beforehand.

Can You Change Your Instagram Name? Yes—Here’s How

Changing your name on Instagram is a quick and straightforward process, whether you’re updating your display name or your username. Here’s how to do both:

How to Change Your Instagram Username (Handle)

To change the “@yourname” handle on Instagram:

Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
Tap “Edit Profile.”
Under the “Username” field, type your new username.
Check the availability. Instagram will alert you if it’s already taken.
Tap “Done”.

Note: Your followers will be updated automatically with your new username. However, if someone tries to tag your old handle, it won’t redirect them—you may miss important mentions or messages if you don’t communicate the change.

How to Change Your Instagram Display Name

To alter the name that appears on your profile (not your handle):

Navigate to your profile.
Tap “Edit Profile.”
Under the “Name” field, enter the new display name.
Tap “Done.”

This is especially useful for making your profile more searchable or optimized for your brand. The display name can include emojis, slogans, or keywords related to your business.

Why Change Your Instagram Name?

There are multiple reasons why someone—especially businesses and professionals—might want to tweak their Instagram name.

Rebranding: A business pivot or new branding strategy.
Improved Searchability: Including relevant keywords can improve discoverability.
Consistency Across Platforms: Aligning usernames with Twitter, TikTok, or your website helps with brand recognition.
Personal Growth: You’ve outgrown your old username or you want a more professional identity.

Things to Consider Before You Change Your Instagram Name

Before hitting that “Edit Profile” button, make sure you’ve accounted for the following:

1. Username Availability

Instagram usernames are unique. If your ideal name is taken, you’ll need to improvise with periods, underscores, or slight variations.

2. SEO and Branding Impact

If you’re running a business or personal brand, changing your handle can impact your online visibility. Update all linked platforms and be sure to let your audience know about the change.

3. Engagement Drop

Your existing followers remain, but your content may become harder to find for users trying to tag the old handle. Be proactive—make an announcement or pin a story to your profile about the change.

4. URL Updates

Your Instagram profile URL changes with your username (e.g., instagram.com/old-name becomes instagram.com/new-name). Update this on your website, email signature, and other platforms.

How Often Can You Change Your Instagram Name?

You can change your Instagram username at any time with no formal limit, but with the following caveats:

Username: No limit, but changing too often can confuse followers.
Display Name: Can be changed twice within 14 days. After that, you’ll need to wait to update it again.

Consistency is key when it comes to building trust and recognition. Only change your name when it’s aligned with your brand goals.

What Happens After You Change Your Instagram Name?

After changing your Instagram name, here’s what you can expect:

Profile URL Update: Your Instagram profile URL will now reflect the new username.
Mentions and Tags: Older tags and mentions will not redirect to your new username—so notify your audience.
Verification Badge: If your account is verified, the badge may be re-reviewed if the change is significant.

Tip: If you’re preparing for a username change, post a Story or Reel explaining it to avoid confusion and maintain engagement.

Strategic Tips Before You Decide to Change Your Instagram Name

Not sure if changing your Instagram name is the right move? Here are some strategic checks:

Keyword Research: Incorporate relevant keywords in your display name to improve discoverability.
Brand Consistency: Make sure your new name aligns with your domain name, other social media, and your content strategy.
Customer Communication: Announce your name change via DM, post, and email marketing if you have a subscriber list.

What to Do If Your Desired Instagram Name Is Taken

In cases where your username is unavailable, here are some creative alternatives:

Use underscores or periods (e.g., @your_name or @your.name)
Add keywords (e.g., @yourbrand.design)
Include a location (e.g., @yourbrand.nyc)
Use acronyms or industry terms

However, keep your name clear, memorable, and aligned with your brand identity. Avoid excessive punctuation or unrelated numbers that may confuse users.

Can You Switch Back to a Previous Instagram Name?

Yes, but there’s a catch. If your previous username is still available and not claimed by someone else, you can switch back. However:

Instagram does not reserve or hold usernames for any user.
If someone takes your old handle after your change, you can’t reclaim it.

Pro Tip: If the username is part of a business strategy, consider creating a backup account to hold the old handle.

Instagram Name Change for Business Accounts

If you’re using Instagram for business, a name change carries more weight. It’s not just a tweak—it’s a rebranding opportunity. Here’s what to do:

Audit Your Brand Presence: Ensure all platforms reflect the change.
Inform Your Audience: Post an explanation and celebrate the new identity.
Update Marketing Materials: Business cards, URLs, email addresses, and visual assets should be revised.

Pro Tip: Use tools like ViralPulseAI to track the performance of posts during and after your rebranding phase.