how do you change your name on instagram

How Do You Change Your Name on Instagram?

Whether you’re rebranding your business, updating your personal profile, or simply trying something new, the question of how do you change your name on Instagram has likely crossed your mind. With Instagram being such a central platform for personal branding and digital marketing, making sure your profile reflects who you are is more important than ever. Fortunately, changing your name on Instagram is straightforward—if you know exactly where to look and what steps to follow. In this guide, you’ll learn how to change both your display name and username, the difference between the two, and best practices to ensure your new name aligns with your online presence.

Understanding the Difference: Instagram Display Name vs Username

Before diving into how to change your name on Instagram, it’s essential to understand the two types of names used on the platform:

  • Display Name: This appears on your profile right under your profile picture. It doesn’t need to be unique and can include special characters or emojis.
  • Username (Handle): This is your unique identity on Instagram, shown at the top of your profile (e.g., @yourname). It must be unique and doesn’t allow special characters (except for periods and underscores).

Both of these can be changed depending on your needs, whether it’s a personal update or a brand refresh.

How Do You Change Your Name on Instagram: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Change Your Name on Instagram (Display Name)

Follow these quick steps to update your Instagram display name:

  1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device or go to the Instagram website.
  2. Log in to your account if you haven’t already.
  3. Go to your Profile by tapping on your profile image at the bottom right.
  4. Click on Edit Profile.
  5. In the Name field, type in your desired display name.
  6. Tap Done or the check mark (✔) in the top right corner.

That’s it! Your display name has instantly been updated and is visible on your profile.

How to Change Your Username on Instagram

If you’re looking to change your handle, here’s how:

  1. Navigate to your Instagram profile.
  2. Tap on Edit Profile.
  3. Locate the Username field and enter your new username.
  4. If the username is available, a green check mark will appear. If not, try slight variations.
  5. Click Done or the check mark (✔) to save the changes.

Note: Changing your username can affect your reach and discoverability, especially if you’ve built a following under your current handle. Be sure to notify your followers of your updated username!

Things to Consider Before Changing Your Instagram Name

Here are a few essential points to keep in mind before updating your name:

  • Username Availability: Usernames must be unique. If your desired handle is taken, you’ll need to try a different variation.
  • Verification Status: Changing your name as a verified account might result in a loss of verification. Always double-check Instagram’s verification policies.
  • Branding Consistency: Make sure your new name aligns with your branding across all other social media platforms.
  • URL Updates: Remember, your Instagram profile URL changes when you change your username (e.g., instagram.com/newusername), so update your website, email signature, and other platforms accordingly.

Why You Might Want to Change Your Instagram Name

From rebranding to personal choice, there are several reasons why you might ask, how do you change your name on Instagram:

  • Rebranding a business
  • Changing your personal brand focus or niche
  • Transitioning into a different career or market
  • Correcting name misspellings or updating to a preferred name
  • Creating a more professional or keyword-rich profile name

Whatever the case may be, Instagram makes it relatively easy to make the switch—just be aware of the implications and handle your change strategically.

How Changing Your Name Affects Your Instagram Profile and Strategy

Changing your Instagram name can alter how current followers interact with your content and how new users discover your page. Here’s how it might impact your presence:

1. Searchability and Discoverability

Your username directly impacts how you appear in search results. If your old name was keyword-rich (e.g., @fitnesscoach_mike), and you switch to a more abstract name like @mikevibes, you might lose some visibility in relevant search results.

2. Mentions and Tags

If you’ve been mentioned or tagged in previous posts by your old username, those mentions may no longer lead people to your new profile. Inform your network and followers of your updated handle.

3. Link Management

As mentioned above, your Instagram URL changes with your username. That means anywhere your handle is linked—like your website, blog, or email campaigns—needs to be updated. Don’t forget to check your bio links and cross-channel promotions.

 

How Often Can You Change Your Instagram Name?

Great question! Instagram allows users to change their display name and username as often as needed. However, keep in mind:

  • You can change your display name without any limitations. However, changing it multiple times within short periods can look suspicious and may affect trust with your audience.
  • Changing your username has no hard limits, but Instagram may lock the previously used name so that others can’t take it for a certain period. There’s also a risk of temporary account review if you change handles too frequently.

Pro Tips When Changing Your Instagram Name

If you’re making the switch, here are a few expert tips to ensure a smooth transition:

  • Announce the change: Create a story or post that notifies your followers about the new name to avoid confusion.
  • Update connected channels: Revise your name and links on your website, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
  • Use your bio strategically: Make your updated profile name part of a larger bio overhaul. Add call-to-actions and hashtags to enhance engagement.
  • Monitor engagement metrics: Keep an eye on your stats after changing names. Use Instagram Insights or scheduling tools like ViralPulseAI to see how the update affects reach and engagement.

 

Can You Change Your Name on Instagram on a Desktop?

Yes, though most users interact with Instagram on mobile, you can also manage name changes via desktop. Here’s how:

  1. Go to instagram.com and log in.
  2. Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner.
  3. Select Profile > Edit Profile.
  4. Edit the Name or Username fields as needed.
  5. Click Submit to save changes.

What to Do If You Can’t Change Your Instagram Name

Sometimes, users encounter issues when trying to change their name. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

  • Username already taken: Try a variation using underscores, initials, or numbers.
  • Temporary lock: You may have changed your name too recently. Wait 14 days before trying again.
  • App issues: Make sure your app is updated or use the desktop option as a backup.
  • Policy violations: Instagram may prevent updates if your account violated a community guideline.

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