Why Can’t I Change My Instagram Username?

Usernames represent your online identity and brand and are unique to each individual. Your Instagram username can create a strong first impression of your profile for anyone, whether you’re a content creator, business owner, or casual IG user. However, you may want to change your username for several reasons, whether due to rebranding, privacy concerns, or simply wanting to start afresh.

While this shouldn’t be a problem, you might face some restrictions, including username unavailability, time limits between changes, and more. In this article, we will answer the question for why can’t I change my Instagram username by exploring the common reasons and how to resolve them.

7 Reasons You Can’t Change Your Instagram Username

Here are some common reasons why you can’t change your username and some solutions to guide you:

Instagram Username Policy

There are specific guidelines on usernames that every Instagram user must follow to ensure that they are appropriate and unique. Your Instagram handle cannot exceed 30 characters and must only contain letters, numbers, and periods; you can’t use symbols and punctuation marks except underscores.

Also, ensure your username is unique, as no two users can have the same username. Following these guidelines allows you to easily change your username without any restrictions.

Username Already Taken

A common issue faced by many when changing their username is finding out that their desired username has already been taken. This could mean that it is already in use by someone else or has been restricted by Instagram, whether for security reasons or being an inactive account.

If you find yourself in this situation and do not wish to alter the name, you can use our Handle Monitor Tool to track the username. Our tool helps you monitor Instagram handles around the clock and notifies you once they are available for use. This saves you time and effort and also helps you take quick action as soon as it’s up for grabs.

Recently Changed Username

To maintain account stability and security, Instagram limits how often anyone can change their username. The policy states that you can only change your username twice within 14 days, after which you have to wait before attempting to swap the name.

This is so that Instagram users don’t make it a habit to constantly change their usernames, which may be confusing for others and could also be for fraudulent activities. So, if you’re finding it difficult to change your username, you need to first confirm that you haven’t changed it in the last 14 days, and if you have, wait until the period has elapsed.

Technical Glitches

It’s also possible that you have met all the requirements and haven’t changed your username recently but still have issues with it. In this case, there’s a high possibility that you may be experiencing some technical issues, which may or may not be from your end. It might be from the Instagram app, browser, or temporary server errors.

To fix this, confirm that you have a stable internet connection. Then, go to your browser settings to clear the cache, restart the browser, or update and reinstall the app. If the problem persists, confirm with other users around you if they are experiencing similar problems, or check Instagram’s official channels for any server outage updates.

Account Verification Pending

If you’re working towards verifying your Instagram account, your access to certain features may be restricted, including being unable to change your username. Ideally, this verification process helps confirm the authenticity of an account, especially that of a public figure or brand.

As a result, you won’t be able to make certain alterations in your information to not tamper with the integrity of the process. It’s important to complete your account verification before changing your username. Also note that by changing your username, your account may once again be subject to review, which means you could lose the verified badge for a while.

Account Restrictions

More restrictions on your Instagram account can prevent you from changing your handle, ranging from security issues to violations of Instagram’s community guidelines. If Instagram notices any suspicious activity on your account, they may restrict it for the time being until they have successfully carried out their background checks.

If you notice that your account has been restricted, check your notifications for any update from Instagram, then tap on the link and follow the required steps, which may include verifying your identity, changing your password, or reviewing recent activity. Contact the Instagram support team to appeal the situation if that doesn’t work.

Pending Account Changes

Sometimes, pending changes to your account settings might be hindering you from changing your username. This may include updating your phone number or email address; if these updates are yet to be completed or verified, you may be unable to update your IG handle.

This helps guarantee that your account is authentic and secure. Go through all pending account updates and confirm that they are all completed so you aren’t restricted to any in-app feature.

Tips to Troubleshoot Instagram Username Change Issues

Here are some other things to check while changing your Instagram username:

Clear Cache and Data

If you are experiencing issues with changing your username while using a desktop, try clearing the browser cache and cookies to troubleshoot and resolve any technical issues. From your browser settings, navigate to “Privacy and Security” and select Clear/Delete Browsing Data, then clear both cache and cookies.

Update Instagram App

Always keep your Instagram app updated to avoid experiencing any glitches, some of which might have been resolved in the most recent update. Based on your device, you can visit either the App Store or Play Store and check for any Instagram App updates. Updating the app will keep things running smoothly and resolve username change issues.

Try Different Devices or Browsers

In some cases, your inability to make basic changes to your profile, including updating your username, might be a browser or device fault. If you’re having issues with the app despite keeping it up-to-date, try using a desktop computer and vice-versa. You can also try switching to a different browser to be sure the problem isn’t browser-specific.

Contact Support

If all troubleshooting options fail and you still can’t change your username, contact Instagram support for guidance on the next best steps. From your Instagram profile, tap on the menu icon, select “Settings,” then “Help,” followed by “Report a Problem.” You can then describe the persistent issue you’re experiencing and submit a request. You can also visit the Instagram Help Center to see if your question has been previously answered.

Conclusion

Changing your Instagram username should be straightforward, but if you’re ever faced with any issues hindering you from doing that, there’s a way out. We have explored some common reasons this may be happening, including solutions to tackle them. By applying these tips, you will be able to change your username without any hassle.