Tired of your old, childish handle? Here’s how to change your Instagram username—follow these simple, step-by-step instructions..

Choosing a username for a social media account can sometimes feel like a lifelong commitment—especially the first time you do it. A few years later, that random nickname, long string of numbers, or an overly enthusiastic handle from your teenage years might not seem so clever anymore. In such cases—whether you are switching to a professional account, rebranding a business, or simply want a handle that better reflects who you are today—you might want to change your username. If you use Instagram, the good news is that there is a straightforward way to change your username without having to create a new account.

Changing Your Instagram Username:
Instagram distinguishes between your username (your handle) and the title that appears on your profile (your display name). Your username is displayed at the top of your profile page and forms part of your Instagram profile URL; therefore, it must be unique. It can consist of letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. A display name, on the other hand, does not need to be unique and is not subject to the same restrictions.

However, before you begin the process and confirm a new username, it is a good idea to carefully check the new handle—especially if the account is used for professional purposes or has been shared with a large number of people.

How to Change Your Instagram Username: A Step-by-Step Guide
Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android phone and log in to the account for which you want to change the username.
Tap on your profile picture in the bottom-right corner to access your profile.

Tap the "Edit Profile" option, located just below your bio.
Tap on the "Username" field.
Delete your old username and enter the new handle you would like to use. Instagram will let you know whether a username is available. If it is already taken by someone else, you will need to choose a different one.
Once you have entered an available username, tap the checkmark in the top-right corner to save your changes.

Important points to keep in mind
Usernames on Instagram are entirely unique; this means that if your preferred handle is already in use by someone else, the app will not allow you to select it. In such cases, you could try adding numbers, dots, or underscores, or perhaps use a shorter version of the name.

While there is no official limit on how many times you can update your username, the platform enforces a 14-day "lock-in" period. If you change your mind during this time, you can switch back to your previous username.

However, once the 14-day period ends, your old username becomes available to the public—meaning any other user can claim it. Furthermore, as soon as you update your username, your profile URL will change immediately. Consequently, any links to your profile that you may have shared on websites or other social media platforms will stop working and will need to be updated.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Dainik Jagran. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.