How to Change Instagram Name

Looking to refresh your online identity? Changing your Instagram name is a quick and effective way to revamp your personal or business brand. Whether you’re rebranding, correcting a typo, or simply want a more catchy handle, understanding how to change Instagram name can save you time and preserve your social media consistency. In today’s fast-paced digital world, keeping your branding concise, memorable, and aligned is more important than ever—especially for entrepreneurs, creators, and professionals. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about changing your Instagram name, common pitfalls, and expert tips to do it the right way.

What’s the Difference Between Instagram Name and Username?

Before diving into how to change Instagram name, it’s essential to understand the difference between your Instagram “name” and “username.”

Name: This appears on your profile under your picture, and it’s what people see when they search for your account. It can be anything you choose and is not necessarily unique.
Username (@handle): This is your unique identifier on Instagram. It appears at the top of your profile and in your profile URL (e.g., instagram.com/yourusername). No two users can have the same username.

You’ll have the option to change both, but each has different rules and impacts your discoverability and brand identity differently.

Why Change Your Instagram Name?

There are many valid reasons for updating your Instagram name or username. Here are some common motivations:

Rebranding: You’re evolving your personal or business brand and want your name to reflect that change.
Professionalism: You want something that sounds more business-appropriate or easier to remember.
Consistency: Aligning your Instagram handle with your usernames on other platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, or websites.
Personal Reasons: Changing a nickname, marriage name, or simply evolving identity.

Whatever your reason, the process is straightforward—as long as you follow a few key guidelines.

How to Change Instagram Name on Mobile App

Most users manage their Instagram accounts through the mobile app. Follow these steps to update your Instagram name or username using the app:

Open the Instagram app and log in to your account.
Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner to go to your profile.
Tap Edit Profile under your bio.
You’ll see fields for both Name and Username. Tap to update either or both.
After entering your new name or username, tap Done or the checkmark on the right.

Note: If your new username is already taken, Instagram will alert you and ask you to choose another.

How to Change Instagram Name on Desktop

If you prefer working from your computer, changing your Instagram name is just as simple. Here’s how to do it:

Visit Instagram.com and log into your account.
Click your profile picture in the top-right corner, then click Profile.
On your profile page, click Edit Profile.
Update the Name and/or Username fields.
Click Submit at the bottom of the page to save changes.

Changes take effect immediately, but usernames may be subject to a short verification period.

Best Practices for Choosing a New Instagram Name

When deciding on a new name or username, make sure it aligns with your brand goals and is easy for followers to find.

Tips for Picking the Right Instagram Name

Keep it short and simple: Easier to remember and search for.
Consistent with other platforms: Use a similar name across all your social media accounts to build brand recognition.
Avoid special characters unless they’re necessary.
Use keywords related to your niche, especially for business accounts.
Conduct a quick search before finalizing to ensure it’s not already in use by another brand.

How Often Can You Change Your Instagram Name?

You can change your Instagram name as often as you like, but Instagram does place restrictions on your username to prevent certain types of abuse.

Your name (display name) can be changed at any time and as often as needed.
Your username can also be changed at any time, but once changed, your old username may become available to others.

Tip: If you’re changing your name for business purposes, it’s best to inform your audience ahead of time to avoid confusion.

What Happens After You Change Your Instagram Name?

Once you hit “submit,” your new Instagram name appears immediately across your account, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

Profile Links Break: If your username (@handle) changes, any links to your old name will stop working. Be sure to update website links, email signatures, and business cards.
Loss of Verification: Verified users (blue check) may lose their badge when changing usernames. You may need to reapply.
Search Ranking Reset: Your new name may take time to rank in Instagram’s search results.

Make a communication plan before changing your name, especially if you have a large or business-focused following.

Can You Reclaim a Previous Instagram Username?

If you switch your username and decide to go back, there’s no guarantee the old one will be available. Instagram doesn’t reserve usernames, and someone else can claim it once it becomes available.

If you’re experimenting or rebranding temporarily, consider creating a backup account with your original username to hold it.

How Changing Instagram Name Affects Business Profiles

For business profiles, changing your name can have wide-ranging effects on branding, SEO, and engagement:

Impact on Branding: A name change should align with your broader marketing strategy. Make it part of a coordinated rebrand across all channels.
Searchability: Tags, mentions, and previous posts using your old name won’t update automatically.
Analytics Disruption: Insights and analytics tied to your previous handle might reset or fragment.

Pro Tip: Notify your audience via Stories, Posts, or your bio before making the switch. Set a campaign around the name change if needed.

SEO Benefits of Using a Keyword-Optimized Instagram Name

If your Instagram account supports your blog, business, or personal brand, using relevant keywords in your Name can boost discoverability:

Choose keywords your audience searches for (e.g., “Fitness Coach,” “Marketing Expert”).
Include your location if it’s important for your business (e.g., “Photographer NYC”).
Check Instagram search results to see what similar names appear.

Think of your Instagram name as part of your search engine strategy—just like SEO for a website. If you’re using ViralPulseAI to schedule and analyze Instagram content, make sure your new name is properly linked to your campaigns.

Common Issues When Changing Instagram Name

Sometimes, users run into challenges when trying to update their names. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide:

1. Username Not Available

Try different spelling variations.
Add a period, number, or underscore.
Keep the name relevant and avoid keyword stuffing.

2. Temporary Restrictions

Instagram may temporarily block changes if you’ve changed your name multiple times recently.
Wait 14 days before trying again.