How to Change Your Instagram Username Without Losing Followers

Changing your Instagram username doesn’t affect your followers, posts or messages. But a few details are worth handling carefully.

How to change it

1. Open your profile and tap Edit profile.
2. Tap Username and type your new handle.
3. Tap Done (or the checkmark) to save.

What happens next

• Followers stay. Your account is the same — only the name changes.
• Old tags break. Mentions of your old handle no longer link to you.
• Old links break. instagram.com/oldname stops working.
• Your old name may be held for a short time so you can switch back.

Before you switch

• Tell your audience in a story or post a few days ahead.
• Update links in your other social bios, website and email signature.
• Claim the new handle on other platforms at the same time.

After you switch

Consider creating a small placeholder account with your old handle that points to the new one, so old mentions still lead people to you.