How the Instagram username checker works
Type the name you want. The tool checks it in two steps.
- Format. As you type, it checks the name against Instagram's rules: up to 30 characters, using only letters, numbers, periods and underscores.
- Is it taken? When you tap Check username, it looks up the name on Instagram. If a public or private account uses it, you see that account and its follower count.
You get one of three answers. Taken means an account uses the name today. No account found means no active account uses it right now. Not valid means Instagram would not accept the name as typed.
"No account found" is not the same as "available"
This part trips people up, so here it is plainly. A name with no account can still be blocked for you.
- Deactivated accounts keep their name. The profile hides while the owner is away, but the name stays with the account.
- Suspended and disabled accounts may hold a name too. You will not see them, but the name may not be released.
- A name someone just changed away from may not open up right away.
So the checker says "may be free", not "yours". The final test takes ten seconds. Open Instagram, go to your profile, tap Edit profile, and type the name into the username field. If Instagram accepts it, it is yours.
Instagram username rules
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Length | 1 to 30 characters |
| Allowed | Letters, numbers, periods (.) and underscores (_) |
| Not allowed | Spaces, dashes, emoji and other symbols |
| Capital letters | Usernames are not case sensitive, so JaneDoe and janedoe are the same name |
| Unique | Only one account can use a name at a time |
Your username and your name are two different things. The username is your @handle and your profile link. The name is the bold text on your profile, and it can have spaces and emoji. Our guide to what an Instagram handle is shows where each one appears.
What to do if the username is taken
Instagram's own advice is to choose an available version of the name. It suggests adding periods, numbers, underscores or abbreviations. A few ways that still look clean:
- Add a period between words: jane.bakes
- Add what you do: janebakes.nyc or jane.makes.cakes
- Add a short word in front: hey.jane, its.jane, the.jane.doe
- Use an underscore, but only one: jane_doe reads better than __jane__doe__
Skip random number strings like jane83749. They are hard to remember and look like spam accounts. Check each new idea in the tool above before you get attached to it.
How to change your username on Instagram
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap Edit profile.
- Tap your username and type the new one.
- Tap Done or the check mark to save.
You can also change it in Accounts Center, under Profiles. Instagram lists both ways on its profile help page. Three things to know before you switch:
- Your profile link changes with your username. Update it in your bio links, business cards and other apps. See what your Instagram URL is.
- Instagram says your followers may be notified of the change.
- If your account reaches a lot of people, the change may be reviewed first.
You can usually switch back to an old name later, as long as nobody else took it in the meantime.
How to pick a good Instagram username
- Say it out loud. If you have to spell it for people, it is too hard.
- Keep it short. Under 15 characters is easy to type and fits in comments and tags.
- Match your other apps. The same name on Instagram and TikTok helps people find you. Try it in our TikTok username checker too.
- Think a few years ahead. A name tied to your age or school year gets old fast.
Once the name is set, the free Instagram follower count checker shows your live follower number, and our guide on getting more followers on Instagram covers what to post next.