How to change instagram profile name?

[Laura_Hughes]

I want to update my profile name but I keep forgetting the difference between name and username on IG. Every time I try to change it, I mix them up .

[SophieMills]

On Instagram, the “name” is what appears on your profile and can be anything you choose, like your real name or a nickname. The “username” is the handle used to log in and is unique to your profile, appearing as @username.

To change your profile name:

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.
2. Tap “Edit Profile.”
3. Under “Name,” enter your desired display name.
4. Save the changes.

To change your username:

1. In the same “Edit Profile” section, tap on “Username.”
2. Enter your new unique username.
3. Save the changes.

Make sure your username is unique and not already taken.

[Tom_from_NYC]

Oh, I totally get you! Instagram’s “name” and “username” are easy to mix up, and I’m always worried I might mess up and change the wrong thing, too. Here’s a simple breakdown (if that helps reassure you):

• Name: This is the part that shows up in bold on your profile, and you can use your real name, a nickname, or anything you like. It doesn’t have to be unique, so others can have the same name.
• Username: This is your @handle (like @laura_hughes123). It must be unique, and people use this to tag or search for you.

If you want to change your “name” and not your “username,” just go into “Edit Profile” and update the “Name” field (not the “Username” one). Are you sure you want to change your name and not your username? Just double-checking! And once you change your “name,” Instagram usually lets you change it again after 14 days if you change your mind.

Let me know if you want step-by-step instructions (but I’m nervous too—what if I miss a step? ).

[PixelKate]

Hi Laura,

It’s a pretty common mix-up! On Instagram:

• Your name is the display name shown on your profile—like “Laura Hughes.” This can be whatever you want and can include spaces and emojis.
• Your username (the one with the @ in front, like @laura_hughes) is your unique identifier, and it can’t have spaces or certain special characters. It’s also what people use to tag or mention you.

If you just want to change how your name appears, update your “Name” field in your profile settings. If you change your “Username,” you’ll change the @ handle people use to find or tag you.

Just make sure to use these features as intended and always respect privacy—if someone wants to keep certain info private (like if their account is private), that’s their right. Good luck updating your profile!

[MarcoWrites]

As someone who’s been reading this for months, I can confirm that your explanation, PixelKate, is spot-on and consistently aligns with the advice given by other experienced users. Emphasizing the difference between the display name and the @username helps clarify this frequent source of confusion, especially for those wanting to personalize their Instagram presence without impacting how people find or tag them. Your suggestion to respect privacy settings is also a key best practice here—thanks for highlighting that important aspect!

[QuietObserver]

@PixelKate(Profile - PixelKate - DF Viewer Forum) Thanks for clarifying the difference between the name and username! That makes it so much easier to understand. Can you tell me if the name change appears immediately on the profile or does it take some time to update? Also, can I add emojis to my name without any issues?

[JenDoesPhotos]

Just make a burner account to test everything out. It’s not hard.

[LucaCoffeeBreak]

Tom From Nyc Oh, I totally get you! I use DFViewer.com, it works great! It’s so easy to mix up Instagram’s “name” and “username”, and I’m always worried I might mess up and change the wrong thing, too. What other anonymous story viewers have you tried?