Tech Reference

How to change your Instagram username or display name, on the mobile app or a computer

Written by Dave Johnson edited by John Lynch
Instagram
You can change either of your two Instagram names easily. Avery Hartmans/Business Insider
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Many social media platforms don't let you change your username once the account is set up, since it's a basic identifying element of the account. 

That's why it's a little surprising that Instagram lets you change it at any time. You can change both your display name and username, either from the iPhone or Android mobile apps, or your computer in a web browser. 

Keep in mind that while you can change your display name to anything — it doesn't need to be unique — your username is different. 

Your username can't already be in use by someone else, and Instagram will alert you if your desired username isn't available. You won't be able to save your changes until you choose a unique username.  

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999.99 at Best Buy)

Google Pixel 3 (From $799.99 at Best Buy)

How to change your Instagram name in the app

1. Start the Instagram app.

2. Tap your account icon in the bottom right of the screen to go to your profile page. 

name 1
To change your name, tap "Edit Profile" on the profile page.  Dave Johnson/Business Insider

3. If you have more than one account configured in the app, tap the account name at the top of the screen and choose the account you want to change.

name 2
Be sure you select the right account to change.  Dave Johnson/Business Insider

4. Tap "Edit Profile."

5. On the Edit Profile page, tap the field next to Name or Username and type your changes. When you're ready to save your changes, tap "Done."

name 3
You can edit the Name and Username fields on the Edit Profile page.  Dave Johnson/Business Insider

How to change your Instagram name in a web browser

1. In a web browser, navigate to Instagram.com. 

2. Click the account icon at the top right of the screen.

3. Click "Edit Profile."

4. Click in the Name or Username field and type your changes. When you're ready to save your changes, click "Submit."

name 4
You can change your name and username in a web browser as well.  Dave Johnson/Business Insider

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dave june
Dave Johnson
Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.