Are you looking for a fresh start on Instagram? Changing your username is a simple way to rebrand, improve consistency, or simply switch things up. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to successfully change your Instagram username and give you the tools to update your profile to reflect your new identity. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways:
- Changing your Instagram username is a simple process that can give you a fresh start on the platform.
- Your username is unique to your account and appears at the top of your profile and in your account URL.
- You can change your Instagram username using the mobile app or through Instagram.com on a browser.
- Your account URL will be updated with the new username, but your followers and posts will remain the same.
- Consider the impact of changing your username on links, mentions, search engine indexing, and engagement.
The Difference Between Display Name and Username
Before changing your Instagram username, it’s essential to understand the distinction between your display name and username. Knowing the difference will help you make an informed decision when updating your Instagram profile.
Your display name is the name that appears on your profile and can be changed as often as you like. It’s the name by which others identify you on Instagram. You can use your real name, a nickname, or a creative pseudonym for your display name. It’s a great way to express your personality or showcase your brand identity. Here’s an example:
Display Name: John Doe
Your username, also known as your Instagram handle, is unique to your account and represents your online identity. It appears at the top of your Instagram profile, starting with the ‘@’ symbol, and forms part of your Instagram URL. Choosing a memorable and relevant username is crucial for creating a cohesive and easily recognizable online presence. Here’s an example:
Username: @johndoe
Understanding the difference between display name and username is essential when considering a username change. While your display name can be updated frequently, your username carries a greater impact and is relatively permanent. Choose a username that aligns with your personal or brand identity and represents you authentically. It’s recommended to select a username that remains relevant even as your content or focus evolves over time.
In the next sections, we will explore the steps to change your Instagram username on both the app and web platforms, and offer tips for selecting a new username that fits your goals and aspirations.
Changing Your Instagram Username in the App
The easiest way to change your Instagram username is through the mobile app. By following a few simple steps, you can update your username to better reflect your personal brand or preferences. To change your Instagram username in the app, follow the instructions below:
- Open the Instagram app on your Android or iOS device.
- Go to your profile page by tapping on the “Profile” icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Tap on the “Edit Profile” button just below your profile bio.
- A new screen will appear with various sections to edit. Look for the “Username” field.
- Enter your new desired username in the designated field. Make sure it complies with Instagram’s username requirements, which include being unique and less than 30 characters long. You can only use letters, numbers, periods, and underscores in your username.
- Once you have entered your new username, tap on the “Save” button to save your changes. It is essential to save your changes before exiting the app to ensure that your new username is successfully updated.
Note: The process of changing your Instagram username on the app is the same for both Android and iOS users. However, the app interface may vary slightly between the two operating systems.
Changing Your Instagram Username on the Web
If you prefer to change your Instagram username on the web, you can do so by following these simple steps:
- Log into Instagram.com using your preferred browser.
- Access your profile by clicking on your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen.
- In your profile, locate the “Accounts Center” option on the left-hand side and click on it.
- From the Accounts Center, select the Instagram account you want to edit.
- Scroll down to the “Username” section and click on it.
- Enter your new desired username in the provided field.
- Click on the “Save” button to save your changes.
By following these steps, you can easily change your Instagram username on the web using Instagram.com and the Accounts Center feature. Take a look at the table below for a comparison of changing your username on the app versus on the web.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| App |
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| Web |
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Changing your Instagram username on the web gives you the flexibility to update your profile using a browser and take advantage of additional account management features provided by Instagram.com and the Accounts Center. Whether you choose to change your username on the app or on the web, the process is straightforward and allows you to personalize your Instagram profile to suit your needs.
What Happens After Changing Your Username
Once you change your Instagram username, several aspects of your account will be affected. Let’s take a closer look at what happens after you update your username:
Your Account URL
After changing your username, your Instagram account URL will be automatically updated to reflect the new username. This means that when someone visits your profile or clicks on a link to your account, they will be directed to the new URL associated with your updated username.
Follower Count and Engagement
Changing your username will not affect your follower count. Your existing followers will remain the same, and you won’t lose any of them during the transition. However, it’s important to note that depending on how well your followers adapt to the change, you may experience a temporary dip in engagement. Some followers might not immediately recognize your new username, which can lead to confusion or lower interaction on your posts. Nevertheless, as your followers adjust to the change, your engagement levels should gradually stabilize.
Tagged Posts
When you change your username on Instagram, any posts you’ve been tagged in will not automatically update with your new username. This means that if someone tags your old username in their posts, those tags will still reflect the old username even after you’ve made the change. To address this, it’s a good practice to reach out to friends, followers, and collaborators who have tagged you in their posts, and kindly ask them to update the tags with your new username. This ensures that your tagged posts accurately reflect your current username and maintain consistency across the platform.
Overall, it’s important to remember that while changing your Instagram username can bring a fresh start and new identity, it’s essential to communicate the change to your followers and actively manage the transition to maintain engagement and strengthen your online presence.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Account URL | Updated to reflect the new username |
| Follower Count | Remains the same |
| Engagement | May experience temporary decrease due to confusion |
| Tagged Posts | Do not automatically update with the new username |
Why Instagram Won’t Let You Change Your Username
If Instagram is not allowing you to change your username, there could be a few reasons for it. One possible reason is that your desired username may not meet the platform’s restrictions. Instagram has certain guidelines in place for usernames to ensure uniqueness and consistency across the platform. Here are some of the restrictions:
- Instagram usernames must be unique, meaning no two accounts can have the same username.
- Username can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.
- The username should be less than 30 characters long.
If your desired username violates any of these restrictions, Instagram will not allow you to change it. You will need to come up with a different username that complies with the rules.
Another reason why Instagram may not let you change your username is if someone else has already taken the username you want. Since each username must be unique, if someone is already using the username you desire, you will have to come up with an alternative option.
App caching can also be a reason why you’re unable to change your username immediately. Sometimes, the app may cache your current username, preventing you from seeing the changes right away. To resolve this issue, you can try restarting your device or reinstalling the app to clear the cache.
Now that you understand the possible reasons behind Instagram not letting you change your username, you can make the necessary adjustments to comply with the restrictions or find an available username that suits your needs.
To summarize:
If Instagram won’t let you change your username, it could be due to:
- The username not meeting Instagram’s restrictions (must be unique, less than 30 characters, and can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores)
- The desired username already being taken by someone else
- App caching preventing immediate updates
Example Usernames:
| Username | Availability |
|---|---|
| john_doe | Taken |
| john.doe | Available |
| john-doe | Available |
| john_doe_123 | Available |
| johnDoe123456789101112 | Not Available (exceeds character limit) |
Finding People with New Usernames
After someone you follow changes their Instagram username, you may wonder how to find their account. Fortunately, there are a few methods you can use to locate their profile even with their new username. Here’s how:
1. Search by Display Name
If the person you are looking for hasn’t changed their display name, you can still find their account by searching for their display name. This method works as long as their account is public. Simply open the Instagram app or website, enter their display name in the search bar, and their profile should appear in the search results.
2. Explore other Links and Tags
Alternatively, you can try finding changed Instagram usernames by searching for other links or tags associated with the account. For example, you can search for old comments or posts where they were tagged. Clicking on these links or tags may lead you to their updated profile.
Now let’s take a look at an example of how you can find someone with a new username using their display name:
Example: Let’s say you follow a user named @sarah123. Suddenly, you notice that they have changed their username. To find their new profile, you can search for their display name, “Sarah,” in the Instagram app. As long as they haven’t changed their display name, their profile should appear in the search results, even with the new username.
Keep in mind that the ability to find someone with a new username may depend on their account privacy settings. Additionally, if someone has changed both their username and display name, it may be more challenging to locate their profile using these methods. However, with a bit of creativity, you can still conduct thorough searches and reconnect with your favorite Instagram accounts.
Now that you know how to find people with new usernames and display names, let’s move on to some helpful tips for choosing a new Instagram username in the next section.
Tips for Choosing a New Instagram Username
When selecting a new Instagram username, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
- Choose a username that is simple: A simple username is easier to remember and type. Avoid complex words or combinations of numbers or symbols that could confuse others.
- Reflect your identity or brand: Your Instagram username is a reflection of your personality or your brand identity. Choose something that aligns with your values, interests, or the content you plan to share.
- Check availability: Before finalizing your username, check if it’s available. You don’t want to choose a name that is already in use, as it could lead to confusion or make it difficult for others to find you.
- Consider future growth: Think about the long-term potential of your username. Will it still make sense if your interests or focus change? Avoid usernames that may become irrelevant or limit your growth in the future.
Examples:
Here are a few examples of effective Instagram usernames that follow these tips:
| Instagram Username | Description |
|---|---|
| @TravelWithAlex | A travel enthusiast sharing adventures from around the world. |
| @FitnessFreak23 | A fitness enthusiast providing workout tips and motivation. |
| @FoodieAdventures | A food lover exploring culinary delights in different cities. |
Changing Your Instagram Username Checklist
Before changing your Instagram username, it’s important to follow a checklist to ensure you don’t miss any important steps. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the process:
- Updating Linked Accounts: Start by updating your linked accounts, such as Facebook, Twitter, or your personal blog, to reflect your new Instagram username. This will help maintain consistency across your online presence and make it easier for your followers to find you.
- Informing Followers: Notify your followers about your upcoming username change. You can post a prepared image or message on your Instagram feed or stories to explain the reason behind the change and provide your new username. This will help avoid confusion and ensure that your followers can continue to engage with your content.
- Checking Email Signature: Don’t forget to update your email signature with your new Instagram username. This is especially important if you use email marketing or communicate with your audience through emails. It will help maintain consistency and make it easier for recipients to find and connect with you on Instagram.
- Informing Other Social Accounts, Blogs, or Email Lists: If you have a presence on other social media platforms, blogs, or email lists, make sure to inform your followers and subscribers about the upcoming Instagram username change. This can be done through a blog post, social media announcement, or email newsletter, ensuring that your audience across different channels is aware of the change.
By following this checklist, you can seamlessly update your Instagram username while keeping your online presence consistent and ensuring that your followers can easily find and connect with you.
Example
“I’m excited to announce that I’ll be changing my Instagram username to better reflect my personal brand and streamline my online presence. Starting from [date], my new username will be [new username]. Please make sure to update your records and continue following me for the latest updates and content. Thank you for your support!”
Here’s an example of how you can inform your followers about your upcoming username change:
Will Changing Your Instagram Username Affect Anything?
Changing your Instagram username can have various impacts on your online presence. It’s important to consider the potential effects on links and mentions of your old username, as well as search engine indexing. Links to your old username may need to be updated, and search engines may take some time to register your new account name. Additionally, it’s possible to experience changes in likes and engagement after changing your username, although this can vary from person to person.
Impact on Links and Mentions
When you change your Instagram username, it’s important to update any links or mentions of your old username across various platforms. This includes updating links on your website or blog, as well as any social media profiles or directories where your old username is listed. Failing to update these links can lead to broken or inactive links, which can negatively impact your online presence.
Search Engine Indexing
After changing your Instagram username, it may take some time for search engines to index your new account name. This means that when people search for your old username, they may still see results associated with your previous account name. However, over time, search engines will update their indexes and your new username will become more prominent in search results.
Likes and Engagement
Changing your Instagram username can potentially affect your likes and engagement. Some followers may not immediately recognize your new username, leading to fewer likes and comments initially. However, as you inform your followers of the change and update your profile with the new username, engagement should return to normal. Ultimately, the impact on likes and engagement will depend on your specific audience and how well you communicate the username change.
| Impacts | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Links and Mentions | Links to your old username may need to be updated to avoid broken or inactive links. |
| Search Engine Indexing | Search engines may take time to index your new username, but it will become more prominent over time. |
| Likes and Engagement | There may be a temporary dip in likes and engagement, but it should normalize as you communicate the change to your followers. |
Can You Reuse or Swap Your Old Instagram Username?
Once you’ve changed your Instagram username, you may be wondering if it’s possible to reuse or swap back to your old username. The good news is that Instagram provides a 14-day grace period during which you can revert to your previous username if you wish. However, it’s important to note that not all previously used usernames may become available again.
You should carefully consider whether you want to reclaim your old username or explore other options if it’s not immediately available. Creating a variation of your old username can be a great alternative to maintain consistency while still giving it a fresh twist.
Take this opportunity to reassess your branding or personal goals to ensure your username aligns with your current aspirations. Swapping back to your old username can bring a sense of familiarity and continuity, but it’s also worth considering if a new name better represents your identity or brand.
Reusing Instagram Username: Points to Consider
- Is your previous username important to your online presence or brand recognition?
- Is your old username still relevant and aligned with your current goals?
- Have you explored variations of your previous username to maintain consistency?
- Is there a possibility of confusion or overlap if you revert to your old username?
- Are there any negative associations or reasons why you changed your username in the first place?
By considering these points, you can make an informed decision about whether to reuse or swap your old Instagram username.
Remember, while Instagram provides a grace period, it’s best to avoid frequently changing your username to avoid confusing your followers or impacting your online presence.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Reusing Your Old Instagram Username
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| 1. Familiarity and recognition among your existing followers | 1. Potential confusion if you changed your username for a specific reason |
| 2. Brand consistency and continuity | 2. Missed opportunity to rebrand or explore a new identity |
| 3. Easy recognition for those who followed you previously | 3. Possibility of clashing or overlapping usernames with other users |
| 4. A sense of nostalgia and connection to your previous online presence | 4. Difficulty in finding a variation or alternative if the old username is unavailable |
Steps to Change Your Instagram Username – Summary
In order to change your Instagram username, follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram app or go to Instagram.com on a browser
- Access your profile or account settings
- Enter your new desired username
- Save your changes
- Update linked accounts and inform followers of the change
By following these steps, you can successfully change your Instagram username and give yourself a fresh start on the platform.
Conclusion
Changing your Instagram username is a straightforward process that can give you a fresh start on the platform. Whether you’re rebranding, improving consistency, or simply seeking a change, following the steps outlined in this article will help you successfully update your Instagram username.
It’s important to consider the impact on your online presence when changing your username. Informing your followers of the upcoming change can help avoid confusion and maintain engagement. Additionally, don’t forget to update your linked accounts and inform followers on other social accounts, blogs, or email lists of the change.
Enjoy your new username and explore the possibilities it brings to your Instagram journey. With a new username, you can express your personality, attract new followers, and engage with the Instagram community in a whole new way. Embrace the change and make the most out of your fresh start!
