Why Can't You Change Instagram Username? [2024 Update]

Are you confused because you cannot change your username on Instagram?

Then you’re not the only one.

After facing the same problem a while back, I had to get to the bottom of it. After lots of digging, I uncovered the reasons behind Instagram’s no-username-change policy.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to work around it. Read on to learn how to refresh your Instagram presence without starting over.

Why Won’t Instagram Let You Change Your Username?

If your username is taken on Instagram by someone else then Instagram won’t let you choose that particular username. Also, in case you already changed the username twice of your Instagram account, and you are trying to change it again within 14 days then you can’t change it.

Therefore, why can’t you change your name on Instagram for 14 days?

This is because of the Instagram “Name change limit” policy. Simply put Instagram sets a rule, on how often you can change the Username. When you previously changed your username twice within the last 14 days, then you can’t change the username until the time limit finishes.

Having said that, being one of the most popular social media platforms, Instagram has strict policy guidelines and restrictions for changing the user profile details, which include the username. The username goes to the top of your Instagram account.

Instagram display name and username are two different things on Instagram. Username has to be unique, but the display name can be anything you want, your personal name or business name.

There are some criteria you must pass before being able to change the Instagram username to something else.

I’m listing the reasons why you can’t set a new username on your Instagram account with explanations for your better understanding. Go through them and figure out which one is causing you trouble.

Here are the reasons why Instagram is not letting you change the username:

Exceeded Username Change Quota

According to Instagram’s latest community guidelines update, account holders cannot change their Instagram account username more than 2 times in 14 days.

In case any users try to modify their username more than twice in two weeks, they will get a message saying, “You can’t change your name now” because they have changed it twice within 14 days.

Username Linked with Another Account

If you’re trying to set your username in the Instagram app to something already used by someone, Instagram won’t allow it.

You should choose your new Instagram username for something unique that has never been used before. Even if the previous account is disabled now, there’s a chance Instagram might hold that username if there’s a fair reason.

Instagram also keeps the previous username for 14 days, should anybody desire to revert back to the previous username. It also avoids Instagram username grabbers from taking control of the previous usernames of users and abusing it.

Instagram Reviewing the Username Change

If your account has a big number of followers and a high reach, Instagram will not allow the username to change instantly. Instead, it will send the new username for review and approve it once the review is done.

So, if you have a big reach, the username change will not be instant. Instagram will inform your following list about your username change if you have a high reach count.

Internet Connection Issues

Last but not least, a lousy internet or Wi-Fi connection can be the reason you can’t update your Instagram username.

Your commands won’t reach Instagram’s servers without a stable internet connection. Hence, you cannot fulfill your tasks. For example, placing a new username on Instagram.

Let’s show you the workarounds for the above-mentioned issues and resolve the Instagram username updating problem.

Fixes for – Why Can’t You Change Instagram Username

If you can’t change the Instagram username because you’ve changed the username twice in 14 days, you can revert back to the old username within this time period. You can also choose a username that’s very close to the one you want, using punctuation.

You might not like the username and want to change it. But if you cannot alter the username for different reasons, then you might think about creating a new account. But if you’re already following the accounts you want to, and have important old posts or tags, then it’ll be frustrating to set up a new account again.

But the good news is that alternative ways exist to change the username. I’m listing the alternative methods that’ll help you deal with the Unable to Change your Instagram Username issue.

So, read the methods thoroughly to avoid any inconveniences.

Here are the workarounds for the Can’t Change Username on the Instagram issue:

1. Choose a Similar Username

You need to be aware of the fact that all Instagram usernames should be unique. If the usernames aren’t unique, then it’ll be difficult to identify the different profiles.

That’s why Instagram won’t let you to change the username if it finds that such a username is already in use. You’ll see a pop-up and a red exclamation with the message “username not available”. It’s one of the most common errors on Instagram.

Unless you created the Instagram account year ago, you’ll see most common usernames are already taken.

Since Instagram allows using punctuation in the username, you can make the username as close as possible to the username you want.

Even if the desired username is already taken, you can always find a similar username using subtle changes with the help of punctuation. Choose something easier to remember.

It’s not hard to find usernames on Instagram that are quite similar.

Also, make sure the name you are trying to submit doesn’t exceed 30 characters. If so, then Instagram will refuse it. Try another username that’s shorter.

2. Wait for 14 days Before Changing

The next common reason people face the issue is trying to change the username more than twice within 14 days.

According to Instagram policy, if you’ve already changed your Instagram username two times recently, you cannot modify it again in 14 days, starting from the day you’ve changed it.

So, there is no way of changing your username again in these 14 days. In Instagram’s latest policy update, they introduced this rule to avoid confusion and imposter among users.

However, if you have chosen the wrong username by mistake and need to urgently undo it, you can do so which I’ve described in the following section.

3. Revert Back to the Old Username

In case you’ve changed your Instagram username a couple of times and now badly need to get rid of the current username, you can go back to the old username.

In a recent policy update, Instagram has kept the option to revert back to the old username within 14 days of the change. Instagram will keep the old username locked for you to get it back for 14 days before making it available to Instagram users.

After 14 days have passed by, if you do not reclaim the previous username, other users will be able to use the old username as it’s made available by Instagram. The old username will be available to those who are creating a new account or changing the username.

Then if someone took the name, you will not be able to claim it and need to go for a new one.

4. Request Instagram to Bypass the 14-day Wait

It is possible that you have a serious situation that requires an exemption from the 14-day wait. In that case, contact Instagram if they have the option to grant you an exemption and let you change your username for the third time.

Follow the steps to change your Instagram username without waiting 14 days:

• Open Instagram on your browser and sign in.
• Go to your profile and click on the gear icon.
• Select Report a problem.
• Explain why you need to change your username without delay. Something like your siblings changed the username, or you have a small business that will get in serious trouble.
• Click Send report.

Now, wait for their reply and do as their email says.

How to Change Username On Instagram

Changing the Instagram account username is a straightforward task, assuming you’ve already thought of the new name.

As Instagram is a mobile focus platform, let’s now first take a look at the method of changing the username on mobile devices.

Change Instagram Username on Mobile App

• Login to your Instagram account with the proper credentials.
• Tap on your photo from the bottom–right corner.
• Press the Edit Profile option.
• Click on the Username section.
• Change your Username and tap on the blue right sign from the top–right corner.

After completing the Procedure the username of your profile will be changed. Now let’s see how you can change the username in case you are using it on your PC browser.

Change Instagram Username on Desktop

• Open your browser.
• Go to Instagram’s official website.
• Log in using your credential.
• Click your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen.
• Select Settings.
• Click on Edit Profile beside your username.
• Enter your new username inside the Username field.
• Click Submit to preserve the change.

Now, get back to your profile, and you’ll see your new username there. So, let’s say you change your Instagram account, now what happens after changing your username?

Once you finally tap on the clicked on submit button or tap on the tickmark your username will change immediately unless your account has a massive amount of followers.

As every username of an Instagram account is unique, therefore once you changed the username the previous name will be freed up for someone else to grab.

Besides, when you change the username the URL of your account will be changed, hence if you give the account URL previously to anyone they won’t find your account now.

Moreover, changing the username won’t make any effect on your followers but drastic changes can raise confusion among your followers.

FAQ

How to Find Your Instagram Username?

To locate your Instagram account from a PC or mobile – login to your account > tap/click on your profile icon. Now while you are in the profile you will find the Username at the very top. Click/tap on the section and change it to your liking.

Why can’t you change your name on Instagram for 14 days?

You can’t change your name on Instagram for 14 days because of the latest change in Instagram guidelines which states you cannot add a new username within 14 days after changing it twice.

How do you force a name change on Instagram?

You can not force a name change on Instagram if you’ve changed your Instagram username already in the past 14-days. If you didn’t change it in the past 14-days, go to your profile > tap Edit Profile > type your username > tap Done to save it.

How can you change your Instagram name more than once in 14 days?

To change your Instagram name more than once in 14 days, go to your profile > tap Edit Profile > type your username > tap Done. But you cannot change your Instagram username more than twice in 14 days.

Why is a username not available on Instagram?

A username is not available on Instagram means that the user either changed their username or has blocked you on Instagram. Also, if the user has deleted or disabled their account or the account has been suspended, Instagram will show you that they are not available once you search for them.

Conclusion

I’ve listed every reason behind your inability to update the username of your Instagram account. This issue occurs most of the time if you’ve set a new username in the past 14 days, or have to wait for 14 days to modify your username again once you’ve changed it.

Go through the whole post to see other issues and fixes behind your inability to change your Instagram username.

If you have any further queries, feel free to comment below. Our social media experts will get to you right away.