How to Legally Switch Instagram Usernames Between Two Accounts

Instagram's policy on usernames is quite clear: users are not allowed to switch usernames between two accounts within a 14-day period. This restriction ensures a fair and organized user experience for all, but it can be frustrating if you want to change things up.

Understanding Instagram's Username Regulations

Instagram's user guidelines state that a username can only be used once and cannot be transferred to another account, even if the accounts are owned by the same person. This rule is designed to prevent confusion and ensure the authenticity of usernames. If you try to switch usernames, the original username will remain blocked for 14 days, making it impossible to use during this period.

Legal Alternatives to Bypass the 14-Day Rule

While there isn't a direct way to bypass Instagram's restrictions, here are some legal alternatives that might help you switch usernames between two accounts:

Temporary Username Change

One approach is to temporarily change the username of each account to an unrelated, temporary name. For example, if you own accounts @johndoe and @janedoe, you could change @johndoe to @tempjohn and @janedoe to @tempjane. This will block your original username for 14 days, after which you can revert the changes and switch the usernames as needed.

Contact Instagram Support

If you have a compelling reason for needing to switch usernames immediately, you can reach out to Instagram support. Be prepared to explain your situation in detail. While there's no guarantee that Instagram will grant your request, it may be worth a try, especially if your account faces a critical issue.

Wait It Out

The simplest solution is to wait for the 14-day period to pass. During this time, your original usernames will be unavailable, but after the block ends, you can proceed with the switch. This guarantees that you won't encounter further issues with your accounts.

Use a Third Account

If you have access to a third Instagram account, you can use it to temporarily hold one of the usernames while you switch the other accounts. For example, if you want to switch @johndoe to @janedoe, you can use the third account (@thirdname) to hold @janedoe for the duration of the 14-day block.

Concrete Steps to Switch Usernames

To summarize, the process of switching usernames involves a few steps:

Change the username of one account to an unrelated temporary name. Change the username of the second account to the original name of the first account. Wait for the 14-day period to pass. Change the username back to the original temporary name of the first account. Finally, change the username of the second account to the original temporary name of the second account.

These steps will temporally block both original usernames, allowing you to switch them as needed.

Conclusion

While Instagram's 14-day rule can be restrictive, there are legal methods to switch usernames between two accounts. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition without violating Instagram's policies. Remember, it's always best to adhere to their guidelines to maintain the integrity and fairness of the platform.