How to Change Your Name in Instagram: A Step-By-Step Guide for Beginners and Professionals

Whether you’re rebranding, correcting an old username, or simply giving your Instagram presence a fresh identity, knowing how to change your name in Instagram is essential. Your Instagram name is more than just a label—it’s a vital part of your personal brand and influences how you’re found and remembered online. If you’re a business owner, professional, or just getting started, this process might seem daunting. But don’t worry—we’re breaking it down, step by step, in clear and simple terms to ensure you make a smooth transition without losing followers or engagement.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to edit both your display name and Instagram username, understand the difference between the two, and discover tips to optimize your name for growth. Let’s get started with the basics!

Understanding the Difference: Username vs. Display Name on Instagram

Before diving into how to change your name in Instagram, you need to understand the **two types of names** associated with your account:

Username (@yourname): This is your Instagram handle, unique to you, and how others will tag or search for you.
Display Name: This appears on your profile page and in search results. It’s not unique and can include spaces or emojis.

Both can be updated, and each serves a different purpose, so knowing how to modify them effectively can enhance your brand visibility and discoverability.

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

Most users manage their accounts via the Instagram mobile app. Follow the steps below to change your name seamlessly:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Open the **Instagram app** on your phone.
Tap your **profile icon** in the bottom right corner.
Tap **Edit Profile** right below your bio or profile picture.
To change your display name, edit the Name field.
To change your username (handle), edit the Username field.
Tap **Done** on iOS or the check mark on Android to save changes.

Note: Instagram may restrict you from choosing certain handles if they have been taken or flagged. Make sure your new username complies with Instagram’s naming guidelines.

How to Change Your Name in Instagram on Desktop

If you’re using a browser, here’s how to change things up on your desktop:

Desktop Instructions:

Go to Instagram.com and log in.
Click your **profile photo** in the top right corner.
Select Profile then click Edit Profile.
Edit the **Name** field for your display name.
Edit the **Username** field for your handle.
Click Submit to save your changes.

Simple, right? In either version, changes take immediate effect—as long as you’re within Instagram’s allowed limits.

How Often Can You Change Your Name on Instagram?

This is one of the most common questions people ask when learning how to change your name in Instagram. Here’s what you need to know:

You can **change your display name whenever** you want, but Instagram may restrict changes **to only once every 14 days.**
Your **username** can be changed as often as needed, assuming your new username is available and not flagged.

Pro Tip: Avoid frequent changes to your username, especially if you manage a business account. It can impact your brand recognition and search rankings.

Best Practices for Choosing a New Instagram Name

Changing your Instagram name is not just a technical update—it’s a strategic decision. Whether you’re personalizing your profile or building a business brand, keep these tips in mind:

Display Name Tips:

Use your full name for personal branding (e.g., Jane Doe).
Include a descriptive keyword (e.g., Jane Doe | Fitness Coach).
Keep it clean, readable, and professional.

Username Tips:

Make it short and memorable.
Avoid using numbers or special characters unless necessary.
Reflect your niche or brand clearly (e.g., @jane.fit instead of @jane123).
Ensure it’s consistent with your usernames on other platforms.

What Happens After You Change Your Instagram Name?

Once you’ve changed your Instagram name, here’s what you can expect:

**Previous mentions and tags** will not automatically update to your new username.
Your **URL will change** (instagram.com/yournewhandle), so update any links on your website, email signature, etc.
You may experience a brief drop in visibility, especially if people know you by your old name.

So, if you’re a business or influencer, make sure to publicly announce your name change via stories, posts, or captions to minimize confusion.

When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Change Your Instagram Name

Not every situation calls for an Instagram name change. Be sure your reason aligns with your long-term goals. Here’s a quick guide:

Good Reasons to Change:

You’re rebranding your business or services.
You’ve changed your legal name or marital status.
Your current name no longer reflects your content/niche.

Bad Reasons to Change:

Sudden decision made without thinking about your followers.
You want to try a trendy name temporarily.
Your new name could confuse or alienate your audience.

Always evaluate the risks and benefits before making a major profile change.

Will Changing Your Name Affect Your Followers or Engagement?

Here’s the good news: **changing your Instagram name won’t automatically affect your followers**. However, it can:

Disrupt your recognition, especially if you’re using a personal brand.
Affect how people search for you—making it harder to find you based on previous marketing materials.
Cause initial dips in engagement if followers aren’t aware of the update.

Solution: Communicate the change. Use posts, stories, and bio updates to remind followers who you are and why the change happened.

Common Issues When Changing Your Name and How to Fix Them

Occasionally, users run into glitches when trying to change their username or display name. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:

Problem: Username Already Taken

Try adding a period, underscore, or abbreviation.
Consider alternate words or synonyms.
Use a location or niche-based tag, e.g., @janedesignnyc.

Problem: Name Change Limit Hit

Wait out the 14-day restriction period.
Use Instagram’s Help Center to explore appeal options.

Problem: Instagram Won’t Save My Changes

Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
Try clearing the app cache or updating the app.
Double-check the character count and guideline compliance.

Still stuck? Use the Instagram Help section through the app under Settings > Help.

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