Are you wondering how do I change my name on Instagram? Whether you’re rebranding your business, updating your personal identity, or simply refreshing your profile, changing your name on Instagram is a simple process—but one that’s important to get right. Your Instagram name plays a major role in how your followers perceive you, find you in searches, and engage with your content. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from step-by-step instructions to tips and best practices. Let’s make sure your new name reflects your brand or personal identity while keeping all your followers in the loop.

Why Changing Your Instagram Name Matters

Your Instagram profile is your digital identity. Whether you’re an influencer, entrepreneur, or casual user, the name you choose impacts:

Search visibility – People can find you more easily through search.
Brand consistency – Keep your username aligned with other platforms.
First impressions – Your name appears first on your profile and posts.

Before we dive into the steps of how to change your name on Instagram, it’s essential to understand the difference between your username and your display name.

Username vs. Display Name on Instagram

Instagram allows you to edit two name fields:

Username: The unique handle (e.g., @yourname) shown in your profile URL. It must be unique and contain only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.
Display Name: The name that shows up on your profile and under your photos/posts. It does not have to be unique and can include emojis, symbols, and spaces.

If you’re asking “how do I change my name on Instagram,” this guide will show you how to alter both the username and the display name, step by step.

How to Change Your Instagram Name on Mobile (iOS & Android)

Most users access Instagram via the mobile app. Here are the steps to change your name or username through your smartphone:

Step-by-Step Guide:

Open the Instagram app.
Go to your profile by tapping your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
Tap Edit Profile.
Under the Name or Username fields, type your desired name.
Tap Done (iOS) or the checkmark icon (Android) to save changes.

Note: Instagram allows you to change your name twice within 14 days. Choose wisely, especially if you’re managing a business or personal brand.

How to Change Your Instagram Name on Desktop

Prefer working from your laptop or PC? Here’s how to update your Instagram name from a web browser:

Here’s how:

Go to www.instagram.com and log in to your account.
Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Profile.
Click Edit Profile next to your username.
Update your Name or Username as needed.
Click Submit to save your changes.

Once updated, changes usually reflect immediately on your profile, but keep in mind that Instagram may review certain changes for compliance.

Tips for Choosing the Right Instagram Name

Picking a name is more than a cosmetic change—it’s a branding decision. Follow these tips to make sure your new name adds value:

Keep it simple: Short, memorable names make it easier for others to tag and search for you.
Stay consistent: Use the same handle across all your social platforms for a consistent presence.
Avoid numbers and underscores: Unless necessary, these can complicate searchability.
Think long-term: Choose names that will still make sense as your brand evolves.

**Pro Tip**: Need help with social media strategy or profile optimization? At ViralPulseAI, we offer tools and insights to help creators and businesses grow smarter.

What Happens After You Change Your Instagram Name?

After you change your name or username on Instagram:

Your followers will still remain the same—no need to worry about losing them.
Your name will update on all previous posts, comments, mentions, and tags.
If your new username was recently used by someone else, it may be unavailable.

Note: If you change your username, make sure to update your business cards, email footers, and other platforms to reflect the new handle.

How Often Can You Change Your Instagram Name?

While display names can be changed more freely, Instagram puts a limit on frequent changes:

Display Name: Can be changed twice within 14 days.
Username: Can be changed any time, as long as the new name is not taken.

Always review Instagram’s naming guidelines to ensure your name complies with their community standards.

Common Issues When Changing Your Instagram Name

Sometimes users face issues when updating their name. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:

“Username Not Available”: The handle may already be taken. Try variations or add a keyword relevant to your niche.
“Name Change Failed”: Check your internet connection or update the app before retrying.
Too Many Changes: If you’ve reached the 14-day limit for display name changes, you’ll need to wait before trying again.

Importance of SEO for Instagram Profiles

Did you know Instagram profiles can be optimized for search engine visibility? Your name, handle, and even bio keywords can impact where and how you appear in searches—both on Instagram and Google.

Best practices include:

Using descriptive keywords in your display name (e.g., “Jane Doe | Fitness Coach”)
Keeping consistency across all social profiles
Linking your Instagram on your website, email, and other social channels

Looking to maximize the reach of your content? ViralPulseAI helps users track what’s trending and optimize for higher visibility.

How to Notify Your Followers About the Name Change

To avoid confusion and maintain engagement, consider announcing your name change:

Post a story or reel explaining the change
Update your bio temporarily with a note (“formerly @oldusername”)
Pin a post at the top of your feed with your new name branding

A well-communicated change keeps your audience in the loop and helps strengthen your new brand identity.

Examples of Creative Instagram Names

Looking for inspiration before you change your Instagram handle? Here are ideas based on different niches:

Personal Brand: @firstname.lastname, @itsyourname, @real.yourname
Business: @brandnameco, @usebrandname, @getbrandname
Creative: @pixelqueen, @wordchef, @travelcanvas

For more tips on naming conventions across platforms, check out our naming strategy resource.

What to Avoid When Changing Your Instagram Name

Renaming your profile isn’t as simple as typing in new words. Avoid these pitfalls:

Using trademarked names: Make sure your new name isn’t legally protected by someone else.
Overusing special characters: Makes it hard to remember and tag.
Copying others: Be original