Meta Description: Learn how to change Instagram username step-by-step in 2024 with this beginner-friendly guide. Ensure a smooth rebranding or update with ease.
How to Change Instagram Username in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you’re rebranding your business or simply refreshing your online identity, learning how to change Instagram username the right way can make a big difference. In today’s digital landscape, your Instagram handle is more than just a name—it’s a vital part of your brand and how people discover you online. Whether you’re a content creator, business owner, or social media enthusiast, updating your username isn’t just about change—it’s about alignment. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to change your username confidently, without risking your reach or confusing your audience.
Why Changing Your Instagram Username Matters
Before diving into how to change Instagram username, it’s important to understand why this change can impact your digital presence. Your Instagram username is:
- Your unique identity on the platform
- Searchable by users and algorithms
- Part of your profile’s URL and branding
If your handle no longer reflects your brand, business, or niche, it might be time to update it. But making the switch should be thoughtful, especially if you’re looking to maintain follower trust and visibility.
Before You Change Your Instagram Username: Things to Consider
Making any update to your social identity, especially your Instagram username, comes with consequences. Here’s what you should consider before making the swap:
1. Check Username Availability
Your desired handle must be unique and follow Instagram’s username guidelines. To check availability:
- Search your new username in the Instagram search bar
- Try to create a dummy account with it (if available)
- Avoid using special characters and spaces
2. SEO and Discoverability Impact
If you’re active in growing your Instagram through SEO or hashtags, know that changing usernames can affect your visibility temporarily. Consistency across platforms also helps strengthen brand recognition.
3. Risk of Confusing Followers
Long-time followers might not recognize the new handle at first. We recommend communicating changes via posts and stories ahead of time to keep your audience informed.
4. Reserved for 14 Days After Change
Instagram may reserve your old username for 14 days to allow you to change back. However, this is not guaranteed, so be sure before you finalize the switch.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Instagram Username in the App
Here is a simple, step-by-step process to change your Instagram username using the mobile app:
- Open the Instagram mobile app and log in to your account.
- Tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner.
- Tap the “Edit Profile” button under your bio.
- In the “Username” field, delete your current handle and type your new one.
- Tap “Done” (iOS) or the checkmark (Android) to save changes.
Tip: If the username is unavailable, you’ll see a red alert and need to try a different variation.
How to Change Instagram Username on Desktop
If you’re managing Instagram from a browser, here’s how to update your handle via desktop:
- Go to Instagram.com and log in to your profile.
- Click your profile photo in the top right and select “Profile.”
- Click the “Edit Profile” button next to your profile picture.
- Change your username in the provided field.
- Scroll down and click “Submit” to save changes.
This version is ideal for business owners managing multiple accounts or those who prefer working from a desktop interface.
What Happens After You Change Your Instagram Username?
Changing your handle updates your:
- Profile URL
- Tagging mentions
- Search appearance
However, any old links and mentions in previous posts or external platforms like blogs or bios will need to be updated manually.
Tips for Choosing the Right Instagram Username
Now that you know how to change Instagram username, picking the right one becomes essential. Use these tips to hone in on the perfect identity:
Make It Brand-Friendly
Choose a username that aligns with your business or personal brand. Keep it:
- Short and memorable
- Relevant to your niche or services
- Consistent with usernames on other platforms
Avoid Numbers and Random Characters
Unless absolutely necessary, avoid using numbers or underscores. They make your username hard to remember and less professional.
Keyword Optimization
Include a relevant keyword in your handle if possible. For example, “@socialcraftstudio” instead of “@thebestpageever.”
Test for Visual Clarity
Read your potential username out loud or write it out. Make sure it doesn’t accidentally read as something unintended.
Does Changing Your Instagram Username Affect Your Followers?
Thankfully, changing your username does not affect your follower count. However:
- Your followers may not recognize your new handle instantly
- Old mentions may no longer link to your updated profile
- You may experience a temporary drop in engagement as the algorithm adjusts
Pro Tip: Announce the change in advance through a story, post, and even your bio to keep your audience in the loop.
Can You Change Your Username Multiple Times?
Yes, Instagram allows you to change your username as often as you’d like, but with certain limitations:
- You can revert to your old handle if it’s still available (within 14 days)
- Frequent changes may confuse your audience
- Constantly changing usernames can make your brand look unstable
Best practice: Make thoughtful, strategic username updates—not spontaneous ones.
What to Do After Changing Your Username
Once you’ve changed your handle, there are several quick actions you should take:
-
- Update All External Links: Website, email footers, business cards, or anywhere your Instagram link appears
- Notify Followers: Post a story and mention the change
- Monitor Engagement: Keep an eye on insights to track any impact
- Update Bot or Automation Tools: Platforms like ViralPulseAI use usernames for analytics and scheduling, so make updates accordingly
Troubleshooting: What If You Can’t Change Your Instagram Username?
Ran into an issue during the process? Here are a few common roadblocks and how to resolve them:
1. Username Is Taken
Try a variation by:
- Adding a location (e.g., @StudioLA)
- Using your full name or initials
- Spelling the word creatively while keeping it readable
2. Instagram Throws an Error
This could be due to a temporary bug or server issue. Try the following:
- Log out and back in
- Clear your app’s cache
- Use the desktop version to make changes
3. Account Was Flagged
If you recently violated any community guidelines, you may have restricted account features. Wait 24–48 hours and try again.