Social media platforms across the board are upping their game to combat internet scams. While awareness is still key in dodging a scam, you can rely on a few helpful features to check the legitimacy of any account that reaches out to you. For instance, Instagram lets users check how many times someone changed their username in the past. Multiple changes to the handle are always suspicious and hint towards a case of impersonation. Let’s take a look at how you can check someone’s username history on Instagram.
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Is it possible to check the usernames someone used in the past?
While Instagram lets you see how many times someone changed their username in the past, it does not give you a history of their usernames. Initially, the social media platform provided the date of change as well, but that information is kept under wraps now.
There is another caveat to tracking someone’s username history. If the profile is private and you don’t follow the user, you cannot view their account info. However, there is no way for public accounts to keep their username history private.
Instagram lets you view your username history as well. This option is tucked away in the ‘Your activity’ section in your profile section. Unlike public accounts, you can view your past usernames and when you changed them. Similarly, you can check your previous bios and the dates when you changed your password.
Check someone’s username history on Instagram
Step 1: Launch the Instagram app and go to a profile.
Step 2: Hit the ellipses in the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Tap on About this account.
Step 4: Tap on Former usernames.
Step 5: This is where you can see how many times the user changed their Instagram handle.
Bonus Tip: How to check your username history on Instagram
Step 1: Launch the Instagram app and tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Hit the hamburger menu in the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Tap on Your activity.
Step 4: Scroll down and tap on Account History.
Step 5: Scroll to the Username section to view your past handles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to change my username on Instagram?
Go to your Instagram profile, tap on ‘Edit profile’, and enter your new handle in the ‘Username’ section. If the username is available, hit the tick icon in the top right corner of the screen. Once you change your Instagram username, you cannot change it in the next 14 days.
Can I see my old username on Instagram?
Go to your profile, tap on the hamburger menu icon, select ‘Your activity’, hit ‘Account History’, and go to the ‘Username’ section to view your previous handles.
Can I find out someone’s previous username on Instagram?
While you cannot find out someone’s previous username on Instagram, you can check how many times they changed their handle since creating their account.
How to see if someone changed their username on Instagram?
Go to the user’s profile, hit the ellipses, tap on ‘About this account’, and select ‘Former usernames’ to see how many times they changed their Instagram handle.
Can I find an Instagram account using an old username?
No, you cannot find an Instagram account by using the person’s old username. You need their current handle to search for them on the platform.
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Final Thoughts
This is how you can check someone’s username history on Instagram. If the ‘Former usernames’ section does not appear on their profile info, it means they have never changed their handle. Instagram only allows you to view the username history of public accounts or accounts that you follow. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments!
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