Whenever you’re trying to use an Instagram username, but it says it’s not available, it can be annoying, especially when it’s the name of your brand or you’re trying to change your current name to something more brandable.
If a user is banned for inappropriate behavior, the username is not returned to the set of possible usernames. Deleted usernames also get included in this list. Or usernames that contain forbidden or inappropriate words.
This scenario is terrible because there is no way to know if the username you want is is banned. If that’s the case, the only solution is to choose a different username. Experiment with adding numbers, periods, abbreviations, or underscores.
Why Instagram Username is Not Available
The username you wish to take has been utilized before, and at the moment, is not linked to any account but cannot be utilized again due to the following reasons:
1. The account proprietor deactivated their account permanently.
2. The account is disabled temporarily by the owner.
3. Instagram has deleted the information due to Violating the terms of Instagram.
One of the reasons above is why a username you want to choose for your accounts is unavailable, but you cannot find I when you search Instagram.
Once a username is taken, if the account gets disabled or deleted for any reason, the username remains on the Instagram databases, and that’s why you cannot re-use it.
1. The Account Has Been Disabled
If you’re seeing the Instagram username not available error when trying to change usernames, there’s a chance that the username that you’re trying to change it to has been disabled. Just because the username isn’t available doesn’t mean it’s not being used. When this occurs, their account will no longer appear in search results or other users in their follow/following lists. This means that you won’t be able to find their account, but you also won’t be able to use the username that account is using.
When you attempt to visit a profile of a person who temporarily deactivated their account, you will encounter a “User not found” warning, which is similar to permanent account cancellation. In this situation, you’ll know that their account has been disabled which is why their username isn’t available.
2. Instagram Has Suspended the Account
If an Instagram account has been suspended, then you won’t be able to use the account’s username when trying to change your current username. Just because the username isn’t available doesn’t mean it’s not being used.
When this occurs, their account will no longer appear in search results. This means that you won’t be able to find their account, but you also won’t be able to use the username that account is using. The most frequent cause of an Instagram account getting deactivated is the owner’s failure to follow Community Guidelines.
However, various additional factors might result in a suspension, such as suspicious conduct, numerous devices, or a large number of complaints.
3. They Blocked You
If they blocked you, then this is another reason why you’ll see the Instagram username not available error when trying to change usernames. When someone blocks you on Instagram, their profile will no longer display in Instagram’s search results.
You may still see their profile in your recent searches, but you will see this error notice when you click on it. This is why you think that the username isn’t being used whilst being unavailable meanwhile the account is actually being used, but they’ve just blocked you.
4. Instagram Blocked the Username Since it’s Inappropriate
As expected, Instagram blocks possible usernames that one can consider inappropriate due to various reasons. It can be a cursing word, a word with a specific connotation, hate speech, or harassment, or it can be seen as lewd, violent, or hurtful. This means that the username will be unavailable when you’re trying to use it.
5. They’re Shadowbanned, So You Can’t Find Them
Although “Shadowban” is not an official Instagram word, we know that Instagram can deprioritize accounts on the platform. Posts may be hidden or limited, frequently without the user’s knowledge.
Using hashtags and the Explore page may render their content (or account) unfindable. In certain situations, the material may be removed. If they are shadowbanned, then this is another reason why you think their username isn’t being used when you’re trying to change your username.
It is in fact being used, but you just can’t find it. When someone is shadowbanned, their profile will no longer display in Instagram’s search results. You may still see their profile in your recent searches, in tags, and on your feed, but it’ll be hard to find them in search. This is why you think that the username isn’t being used whilst being unavailable meanwhile the account is actually being used, but they’re just shadowbanned.
What Can I Do If Instagram Says a Username is Unavailable But it Isn’t Being Used?
There’s a straightforward way to accomplish this. You either have to wait for the disabled or suspected account to come back and then ask them if you can have their username, or you’ll have to think of an alternative.
1. Directly DM the Nonactive Account.
If you get a response after sending a DM, you’ll need to decide what to do next.
- • Request that your client’s Instagram account be transferred to them.
- • If you have a copyright claim on the name, demand that the account be decided to hand over.
- • Provide a monetary reward for transferring the profile to your client.
2. Get in touch with Facebook Ad Support
Going through your Facebook Ad rep to resolve this issue has worked for many Social Media Managers. You should reach out to them to fix the unavailable username problem when trying to change your username. They might give you more information on why you’re unable to get the username.
4. Show Trademark Proof
Suppose your company has a trademark on the username, and somebody is using it. In this case, you can send a cease-and-desist letter describing the trademark law and requesting that the account be handed over, as well as providing Instagram with evidence of trademark ownership. NOTE: You may need the help of an attorney to resolve this issue.
5. Use A Similar Name
Choosing a similar username is the easiest way to get started on Instagram. It’s easy and practical to add an underscore or a number.
You may use letters, digits, periods, and underscores in your Instagram username. There is a lot of room for creativity here, so you can come up with a name that closely resembles the one you want. Imagination is needed, but the rest of the process should be easy.
6. Get A Trademark
The first step is to apply for a patent on the internet. Once you’ve secured a patent, you may notify Instagram about the dormant account. If you have the time and money, you may want to consider this alternative.
Many people have experienced success by requesting that Instagram switch their account to another person or service. Having a trademark on a name allows you to claim that your clients’ current accounts are ambiguous. Using copyright infringement to get your Instagram account is a viable option.
If you are the owner of a trademark or copyright and want to assert ownership of the domain name in question, there are procedures. This method may not work if the account is active and frequently used.
Obtaining a new trademark is time-consuming and costly, whereas getting copyright protection is quite simple. You have implicit copyright whenever you produce anything new; you may formally register your copyright claim to strengthen your legal position, but the claim is made by citing the work in question, not submitting a claim. As a result, you must be consistent in using the name and demonstrate the potential harm it may cause if someone else uses it.
You may, of course, file a copyright complaint with Instagram directly.
7. Add an Underscore
You can’t get in touch with the owner, the account has been dormant for days, yet it doesn’t seem to be violating Instagram’s rules of service. So, there’s no use in waiting for an Instagram cleanup to take effect.
But don’t worry! You may still acquire the username of your dreams without violating service rules. When an account owner is no longer active, you can’t use their username, but you may come up with a somewhat different one by adding an underscore.
As a result, you may have the Instagram name of your dreams, regardless of whether it’s important from a commercial perspective or whether it’s something more personal. When utilizing this approach, use no more than one underscore. Because underscores make it harder for anyone to predict how many got used unless you wish to stay relatively anonymous.
How to Find a Favorite Instagram Username
Verify out sites like when you’re brainstorming business names.
Before deciding on a company name, use Namechkr and Namechk!
Type your desired business name into the search bar to see if it is available and, if so, on which social media platforms. If the name you want isn’t accessible on any social media site, it’s likely that someone else already owns the URL; you’ll have to restart your search for a new business name.
Even if you think you’ve come up with the best name for your company and are convinced it’s clever, witty, marketable, and just right, if you can’t get the web URL or social manages to go with it, it’s useless!
If your client already has a business name and you need to incorporate Instagram into their social networking mix, check availability on Instagram.
If the Instagram login name your customer wishes is already taken, there are some things you can do to help them get their hands on it.
How To Claim an Inactive Instagram Username Without A Trademark?
To optimize their database, Instagram deleted fake or inactive Instagram accounts. If you don’t have the trademark, you’ll have to wait for a similar opportunity to grab the username you desire
If your Instagram profile has 5000 or more supporters, you can track the number of people who follow you. Suppose you lose a lot of followers in a day. In that case, it means Instagram has eliminated a lot of inactive or fictitious transactions from their directory – Make an immediate attempt to secure the username you desire.
If you cannot connect directly to the Instagram user you desire, you must proceed. The next thing is to look for a suitable alternative Instagram username.