Introducing your Instagram profile with a unique and memorable name is just as important as choosing a thought-provoking caption for your posts. Your name can reflect your personality, brand, or interests, making it an essential aspect of your online presence. Whether you're looking for a fresh start or simply want to align your name with your evolving identity, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of changing your Instagram name with ease.
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, it's worth noting that you can change your Instagram name only twice within a 14-day period. This limitation is in place to prevent spam and impersonation. So, choose your new name wisely and make sure it aligns with your long-term goals on the platform.
Now that you have a better understanding of the guidelines, let's dive right into the steps to change your Instagram name:
How to Change Instagram Name
Follow these simple steps to update your Instagram name:
- Open Instagram App
- Tap Profile Icon
- Select "Edit Profile"
- Tap "Name"
- Enter New Name
- Tap "Done"
- Confirm Name Change
- Wait for Review
- New Name Appears
- Enjoy Your New Name!
Remember, you can only change your name twice within a 14-day period.
Open Instagram App
To change your Instagram name, the first step is to open the Instagram app on your mobile device. If you don't have the app installed, you can download it from the App Store (for iOS devices) or the Google Play Store (for Android devices).
Once you have the app installed, tap on the icon to launch it. Make sure you are logged into your Instagram account. If you're not automatically logged in, enter your username and password to sign in.
Once you're logged in, you'll be taken to your Instagram home feed. From here, there are two ways to access your profile settings:
- Through the Profile Icon: Look for your profile picture or profile icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Tap on it to go to your profile page.
- Through the Navigation Menu: Tap on the three horizontal lines icon in the top-right corner of the screen. This will open the navigation menu. From here, select "Profile" to go to your profile page.
Once you're on your profile page, you're ready to proceed to the next step of changing your Instagram name.
Remember, you can only change your Instagram name twice within a 14-day period. So, choose your new name wisely and make sure it aligns with your long-term goals on the platform.
Tap Profile Icon
Once you've opened the Instagram app and logged into your account, you can tap on your profile icon to go to your profile page. Your profile icon is typically your profile picture, which is displayed in a circle at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Locate Your Profile Icon:
Look for the circular icon with your profile picture or avatar at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Tap to Open Profile:
Once you find your profile icon, simply tap on it. This will take you to your Instagram profile page, where you can view your posts, followers, following, and other profile information.
- Check Your Username:
Once you're on your profile page, you'll see your username displayed below your profile picture and bio. This is the name that appears next to your posts and in search results.
- Proceed to Edit:
To change your Instagram name, you'll need to tap on the "Edit Profile" button below your bio. This will open the profile editing screen, where you can modify various aspects of your profile, including your name.
Remember, you can only change your Instagram name twice within a 14-day period. So, choose your new name wisely and make sure it aligns with your long-term goals on the platform.
Select "Edit Profile"
Once you've tapped on your profile icon and gone to your Instagram profile page, you'll need to select the "Edit Profile" button to proceed with changing your name.
Here's how to do it:
- Locate the "Edit Profile" Button:
On your profile page, look for the "Edit Profile" button. It is typically located below your bio, next to the "Follow" or "Following" button (depending on whether you follow yourself or not). - Tap to Open Profile Editing Screen:
Once you find the "Edit Profile" button, tap on it. This will open the profile editing screen, where you can modify various aspects of your profile, including your name, username, bio, and profile picture. - Review Your Profile Information:
On the profile editing screen, you'll see all of your current profile information, including your name, username, bio, and profile picture. Make sure that all the other information is correct and up-to-date before you proceed to change your name. - Proceed to Name Field:
To change your name, simply tap on the "Name" field. This will highlight the field and allow you to edit your current name.
Now that you're in the "Name" field, you can proceed to the next step of entering your new name.
Remember, you can only change your Instagram name twice within a 14-day period. So, choose your new name wisely and make sure it aligns with your long-term goals on the platform.
Tap "Name"
Once you've selected the "Edit Profile" button and opened the profile editing screen, you're ready to tap on the "Name" field to change your Instagram name.
- Locate the "Name" Field:
On the profile editing screen, look for the "Name" field. It is typically located at the top of the screen, below your profile picture and username.
- Tap to Edit:
Once you find the "Name" field, simply tap on it. This will highlight the field and allow you to edit your current name. You'll see a cursor blinking at the end of your current name, indicating that you can start typing.
- Delete Current Name:
If you want to completely change your name, you can delete your current name by tapping on the backspace key on your keyboard. Alternatively, you can select the text and choose "Delete" from the menu that appears.
- Enter New Name:
Once you've deleted your current name, you can start typing your new name. Make sure to choose a name that is unique, memorable, and relevant to your brand or identity.
Remember, you can only change your Instagram name twice within a 14-day period. So, choose your new name wisely and make sure it aligns with your long-term goals on the platform.
Enter New Name
When choosing a new name for your Instagram profile, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Uniqueness: Make sure your new name is unique and not already taken by another Instagram user. You can check for availability by searching for the name in the Instagram search bar.
- Memorability: Choose a name that is easy to remember and spell. This will make it easier for people to find and follow you on Instagram.
- Relevancy: If you're using Instagram for business or branding purposes, choose a name that is relevant to your brand or niche. This will help you attract a targeted audience.
- Length: Instagram allows you to use up to 30 characters for your name, including spaces. However, it's best to keep your name concise and easy to read.
- Special Characters: Avoid using special characters, such as symbols, numbers, or emojis, in your name. These characters can make your name difficult to read and remember.
Once you've chosen a new name that meets these criteria, you can proceed to enter it in the "Name" field on the profile editing screen.
Here's how to do it:
- Position Cursor: Tap on the "Name" field to position the cursor at the end of your current name.
- Delete Current Name: If you want to completely change your name, delete your current name by tapping on the backspace key on your keyboard. Alternatively, you can select the text and choose "Delete" from the menu that appears.
- Start Typing: Once you've deleted your current name, start typing your new name. Make sure to type carefully and avoid any typos.
- Check Availability: As you type, Instagram will check the availability of your new name. If the name is available, you'll see a green checkmark next to the field. If the name is already taken, you'll see a red exclamation mark.
Once you're satisfied with your new name and it's available, you can proceed to the next step of saving your changes.
Remember, you can only change your Instagram name twice within a 14-day period. So, choose your new name wisely and make sure it aligns with your long-term goals on the platform.
Tap "Done"
Once you've entered your new name and you're satisfied with it, you can tap on the "Done" button to save your changes and update your Instagram name.
- Locate the "Done" Button:
The "Done" button is typically located in the top-right corner of the screen, next to the "Cancel" button.
- Tap to Save Changes:
Once you find the "Done" button, tap on it. This will save your changes and update your Instagram name.
- Review Name Change:
After tapping "Done," you'll be taken back to your profile page. Your new name should now be displayed below your profile picture and bio.
- Confirm Name Change:
If you want to confirm that your name change was successful, you can tap on your profile picture to open your profile. Your new name should be displayed at the top of the screen, next to your username.
Remember, you can only change your Instagram name twice within a 14-day period. So, choose your new name wisely and make sure it aligns with your long-term goals on the platform.
Confirm Name Change
After you've saved your changes and updated your Instagram name, you can confirm that the name change was successful by following these steps:
- Tap Profile Picture:
On your Instagram profile page, tap on your profile picture to open your profile.
- Check New Name:
Once your profile opens, look at the top of the screen, next to your username. Your new name should be displayed there.
- Refresh Profile:
If you don't see your new name immediately, try refreshing your profile by swiping down on the screen and releasing. This will force the app to reload your profile information.
- Check Other Sections:
To further confirm the name change, you can check other sections of your Instagram profile, such as your posts, followers, and following list. Your new name should be displayed consistently throughout your profile.
If you're still having trouble confirming your name change, you can try logging out of your Instagram account and then logging back in. This should refresh your profile information and display your new name correctly.
Wait for Review
After you've confirmed that your new Instagram name is displayed correctly on your profile, you'll need to wait for Instagram to review the name change.
Here's what happens during the review process:
- Instagram's Algorithm Checks: Instagram's algorithm will automatically check your new name for any violations of the platform's guidelines. This includes checking for inappropriate language, hate speech, or impersonation of other users.
- Manual Review: In some cases, Instagram may also manually review your name change. This is especially likely if you've changed your name multiple times in a short period of time or if your new name is similar to that of a popular user or brand.
- Approval or Rejection: Once the review process is complete, Instagram will either approve or reject your name change. If your name change is approved, it will be permanently updated on your profile. If your name change is rejected, you'll be notified and given the opportunity to choose a new name.
The review process typically takes a few hours, but it can sometimes take up to a few days, especially if there's a high volume of name change requests.
While you're waiting for your name change to be reviewed, you can continue to use Instagram as normal. You'll still be able to post, comment, and interact with other users.
Remember, you can only change your Instagram name twice within a 14-day period. So, choose your new name wisely and make sure it aligns with your long-term goals on the platform.
New Name Appears
Once your Instagram name change has been approved, your new name will appear in the following places:
- Profile: Your new name will be displayed at the top of your profile page, next to your profile picture and username.
- Posts: Your new name will be displayed as the author of all your posts, both old and new.
- Comments: Your new name will be displayed next to all the comments you've made on other users' posts.
- Mentions: If other users mention you in their posts or comments, your new name will be displayed instead of your old name.
It's important to note that your username will not change when you change your name. Your username is the unique identifier that people use to find your profile on Instagram. If you want to change your username, you'll need to follow a separate process.
Enjoy Your New Name!
Now that your new Instagram name is officially in place, it's time to start using it and enjoying all the benefits that come with it.
- Introduce Yourself: Let your followers know about your new name by posting a story or making an announcement in your bio. This will help to avoid any confusion and ensure that people start using your new name right away.
- Update Your Profile: Make sure that your profile is up-to-date with your new name. This includes your bio, profile picture, and any other relevant information.
- Use Your New Name Consistently: Use your new name consistently across all of your social media platforms and online presence. This will help to build a strong and consistent brand identity.
- Engage with Your Audience: Continue to engage with your audience by posting new content, responding to comments, and interacting with other users. Your new name should help you to attract new followers and grow your community.
Remember, your Instagram name is an important part of your online identity. Choose a name that you're proud of and that reflects your brand or personality. With a little effort, you can make your new Instagram name work for you and help you to achieve your goals on the platform.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about changing your Instagram name:
Question 1: How often can I change my Instagram name?
Answer 1: You can change your Instagram name twice within a 14-day period.
Question 2: What are the guidelines for choosing a new Instagram name?
Answer 2: Your new Instagram name must be unique, memorable, relevant to your brand or identity, concise (up to 30 characters), and free of special characters, such as symbols, numbers, or emojis.
Question 3: How can I check if my new Instagram name is available?
Answer 3: When you enter your new name in the "Name" field on the profile editing screen, Instagram will check its availability. If the name is available, you'll see a green checkmark next to the field. If the name is already taken, you'll see a red exclamation mark.
Question 4: Do I need to wait for Instagram to review my name change?
Answer 4: Yes, after you save your new name, it will be reviewed by Instagram to ensure it complies with the platform's guidelines. This review process typically takes a few hours, but it can sometimes take up to a few days.
Question 5: Where will my new Instagram name appear?
Answer 5: Your new name will appear at the top of your profile page, next to your profile picture and username. It will also appear as the author of your posts, in comments, and in mentions.
Question 6: What happens to my old Instagram name?
Answer 6: Your old Instagram name will no longer be associated with your account. It will be available for other users to claim.
Question 7: Can I change my Instagram username?
Answer 7: Yes, you can change your Instagram username, but it's a separate process from changing your name. You can change your username once every 14 days.
Question 8: I'm having trouble changing my Instagram name. What should I do?
Answer 8: If you're having trouble changing your Instagram name, you can contact Instagram's support team for assistance.
Remember, choosing a new Instagram name is an important decision, so take your time and choose a name that you're happy with and that aligns with your long-term goals on the platform.
Now that you know how to change your Instagram name and have answers to some common questions, here are some additional tips to help you choose the perfect name:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect Instagram name:
Tip 1: Keep it Unique and Memorable:
Choose a name that is unique, easy to remember, and relevant to your brand or identity. Avoid using generic or common names, as they may be difficult for people to find and remember.
Tip 2: Consider Your Target Audience:
Think about your target audience and choose a name that will appeal to them. If you're targeting a professional audience, for example, you might choose a more formal and sophisticated name. If you're targeting a younger audience, you might choose a more fun and creative name.
Tip 3: Keep it Short and Simple:
Your Instagram name can be up to 30 characters long, but it's best to keep it short and simple. A long and complicated name will be difficult for people to remember and type.
Tip 4: Use Keywords:
Include relevant keywords in your Instagram name to help people find your profile when they're searching for those keywords. For example, if you're a fashion blogger, you might include keywords like "fashion," "style," or "outfit" in your name.
By following these tips, you can choose an Instagram name that is unique, memorable, and relevant to your brand or identity. This will help you attract new followers and grow your community on the platform.
Now that you know how to change your Instagram name, have answers to common questions, and have some tips for choosing the perfect name, you're ready to update your profile and start using your new name.
Conclusion
Changing your Instagram name is a simple process that can be done in a few steps. By following the instructions outlined in this article, you can easily update your name and start using your new name on the platform.
Remember to choose a name that is unique, memorable, and relevant to your brand or identity. Keep your name short and simple, and consider your target audience when making your choice. You can also use relevant keywords in your name to help people find your profile when they're searching for those keywords.
Once you've chosen a new name, be sure to update your profile and start using your new name consistently across all of your social media platforms and online presence. This will help to build a strong and consistent brand identity and attract new followers to your Instagram profile.
So, whether you're looking for a fresh start or simply want to align your name with your evolving identity, don't be afraid to change your Instagram name. With a little thought and effort, you can choose a name that you're proud of and that will help you achieve your goals on the platform.
Happy Instagramming!