How To Obtain The Instagram Username You Want - Social Media Pro

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Updated: November 20, 2025

What Should You Do When the Instagram Username You Need Is Already Taken?

One of the first things you deal with when onboarding a new client is getting their Instagram presence set up the right way, and that starts with the username. Sometimes you get lucky and the name is wide open. Other times you type it in and… no. It is taken, inactive, or sitting on an account that has not posted in years.

The good news is that you still have options. Before you give up or start adding random characters, there are smart steps you can take to check availability across platforms, reach out to the current account owner, or work with Instagram to regain access to inactive handles. And if none of that works, you can still create a clean, professional alternative that keeps your client’s branding intact.

This article walks you through each approach so you can handle this with confidence and get your client set up on Instagram without unnecessary stress.

How To Search Online For a Preferred Instagram Username

For those starting from scratch – as in- starting a new business:

When tossing out possible business names, check out sites like

Namechkr and Namechk before deciding on a business name!

To use these sites, simply put your preferred business name in the search bar to see whether it is available and if so, on what social media platforms. If the name you want is not available on any social media platform, someone most likely also has the URL you want; you might need to restart your business name research.

Even if you have the best name in mind for your business, and you are convinced this name is clever, witty, marketable and just perfect when you can not get the web URL, or the social handles to go with it, that name is useless!

If your client already has an established business name, and you simply need to add Instagram to their social media line up, just go to Instagram to check availability.

If you find that the Instagram username your client wants is taken, there are ways you might be able to facilitate getting your ‘hands' on that preferred Instagram handle. Keep reading.

Getting Access To Any (In)active Instagram Username

Getting access to any (in)active Instagram account is not impossible but is not always a successful endeavor either.

We've compiled a list of actions people have taken to try to get access to (in)active Instagram accounts to get hold of that preferred username. Here is what might, or might not, work for you.

1) DM the (In)active Account Directly

This should be your first try. With an inactive account, there is a chance that the email address or account is monitored. Send a DM (and keep your fingers crossed for a reply).

If you do get a response after sending a DM, you will need to choose your next approach.

Depending on the situation at hand:

• Request the Instagram account to be transferred to your client
• Demand the account be handed over if you have a trademark on the name (see below)
• Offer a monetary compensation for the transfer of the account to your client

2) Appeal to Instagram for Access

You can appeal to Instagram for access to an inactive account. This action does not always bring success, but it's an avenue to try.

3) Contact Facebook Ad Support

What has worked for several of our fellow Social Media Managers is going through their Facebook Ad rep to get this type of issue resolved. If you have such a rep, we encourage you to connect with them to try to get this resolved.

4) Show Proof of Trademark

If the business has a trademark on the name and someone else is using it, you can send a ‘cease and desist' letter outlining the trademark infringement and ask for the account to be handed over and contact Instagram with proof of trademark ownership as well. NOTE: You might need the assistance of an attorney to get this resolved.

Options For When You Cannot Get the Instagram Username You Want

If you have no success with obtaining access to the Instagram username you want you will need to move on.

The next step is to find a suitable, alternate option for an Instagram username.

Here are a few creative ideas and examples using a fictional business name called “industrybusiness”.

• add an underscore somewhere in the name: industry_business or industrybusiness_
• add a location to the name: industrybusinesscity or cityindustrybusiness
• use abbreviation: indbusiness or industrybuss or ibcity
• shorten the whole name: indbuss
• add a conjunction to the name: andindustrybusiness
• add an adverb: theindustrybusiness or theindustrybusinesscity or the_industrybusiness
• replace a letter with a number: industrybusin3ss or 1ndustrybusiness
• use phonetic spelling: industreebusiness

You can play with the business name and see what most closely resembles the original name. The most important thing is to not linger too long on this but to pick something and start marketing on Instagram.

In the end, what's in a name?

FAQs about Instagram Usernames

What should I do first if the Instagram username I want is taken?

Start by checking whether the account is actually active. If it is inactive, try sending a direct message. There’s always a chance the account owner will respond or be open to a transfer.

Can Instagram give me access to a username from an inactive account?

Sometimes. You can submit a request to Instagram, but there are no guarantees. It is worth trying if the account shows signs of long-term inactivity.

What if the username I want is being used by someone who is not the trademark owner?

If your client owns the trademark, you can submit proof to Instagram or send a cease-and-desist letter. In trademark cases, you often have a stronger claim to the handle.

Is it okay to offer someone money for a username?

People do it, but it is not an official Instagram process. If you choose to negotiate, be professional and clear about expectations. Keep in mind that Instagram does not mediate these exchanges.

What are my best options if I absolutely cannot get the original username?

Create a clean alternative. Add a location, an underscore, a simple abbreviation, or a small variation that still matches the brand. Avoid long or confusing additions. Pick something consistent and move forward with marketing.

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