Swap Instagram Usernames in 2025

[yoshi105]

Is there any way you can swap usernames safely in 2025?

I understand that APIs are a lot more limited now, so bots aren't as rife as they used to be, but I just want to be absolutely sure.

I own both the usernames. My main one and the one I once swapped. The one I once swapped is a 6L username and both are linked to the same email, phone number and accounts center. I have 2FA as well so very secured.

I get two or three text messages a week saying to reset the password, so obviously someone's trying to get it off me, so there's that, but they won't get it without hacking my phone.

What are my options?

 

[ToyBox Marketing]

When you are referring to "swap usernames", are you referring to changing them using an API software? In that case, many agencies do use API software's to change names, however, you have to make sure to rotate the IP after each change.

 

[almost_awake]

Username swapping is still possible in 2025, but way more risky than it used to be. The window between release and claim is super tight now, and IG has been patching a lot of the older timing-based tricks.
Some things that still seem to help:

• Aged accounts with consistent activity tend to get higher trust during swaps
• Using two phones and accounts simultaneously (instead of same device) lowers collision risk
• Clean IPs and different device fingerprints on each side are a must
• Timing is everything — split-second delays = failure

Also, IG seems to monitor certain usernames more closely now — especially brandables, short handles, or anything tied to verified history.
Still doable, but don’t try it without test runs — and don’t risk a main account.

 

[yoshi105]

When you are referring to "swap usernames", are you referring to changing them using an API software? In that case, many agencies do use API software's to change names, however, you have to make sure to rotate the IP after each change.

I'm referring to both manually and using APIs. Given Instagram have upped their security I was wondering if this now levels out the playing field to the point where I could risk changing the name on the username I want swapped and not worry about a bot snipping it before I change it on my main account

 

[Manual Growth]

What is the need to swap the username in the first place?

 

[speedji]

I don't think a 6L is that rare. You shouldn't have an issue.

 

[PHOENIX AGENCY]

You can still safely swap usernames if you own both — just prepare on two devices, release the secondary username and instantly claim it on the main account, do it during low-traffic hours, and never use third-party tools to avoid bots sniping the name.

 

[KennyMudd]

I'm wondering what is the purpose of changing the username or swaping how can this help?

 

[yoshi105]

What is the need to swap the username in the first place?

I'm wondering what is the purpose of changing the username or swaping how can this help?

I have my main account which I've used for years and then a lesser used 6L account which is rare as it's a first name

If I change the username on the 6L one then there's no guarantee that I'll be able to claim it on my original one due to sniping

Also it's definitely not instantly available, it's somewhere between a few days and weeks for the username to become available so not like I'll be available 24/7 to check

I don't think a 6L is that rare. You shouldn't have an issue.

I get around 10-15 forgotton password texts/emails per week. Someone is definitely trying to hack me to get the account

 

[Best Agency]

Swapping usernames is risky, even in 2025 - especially with rare ones like 6L.
Since you own both, the safest method is:

1. Change one username to something random.
2. Wait 2-5 minutes.
3. Quickly assign the freed name to the other account.

 

[yoshi105]

Swapping usernames is risky, even in 2025 - especially with rare ones like 6L.
Since you own both, the safest method is:

1. Change one username to something random.
2. Wait 2-5 minutes.
3. Quickly assign the freed name to the other account.

I've waited 10 minutes before and it still is unavailable, I hear sometimes it's 14 days

You're right it is risky but hopefully Instagram have prevented bots by now

 

[babydoe]

anyone know the correct way to do this??

 

[Razentyler]

There is a high chance that some bot will auto take your username when you try to change so be careful about it, you might lose it very fast.

 

[savitaprasad]

Is there any way you can swap usernames safely in 2025?

I understand that APIs are a lot more limited now, so bots aren't as rife as they used to be, but I just want to be absolutely sure.

I own both the usernames. My main one and the one I once swapped. The one I once swapped is a 6L username and both are linked to the same email, phone number and accounts center. I have 2FA as well so very secured.

I get two or three text messages a week saying to reset the password, so obviously someone's trying to get it off me, so there's that, but they won't get it without hacking my phone.

What are my options?

Instagram does not provide option to swap usernames between two accounts.

 

[Roko]

Since you already securing the account with 2FA add strong long passwords with special characters

Better built another profile too

 

[yoshi105]

Thanks for all the comments guys, I'm still in the same situation really. Bots are likely to take the name if I decide to change it in the hopes to swap it out.

My only real option is to let everyone know on my current IG to start following the username I wanted swapped and close off the other one

 

[tabticker]

I will advice don't do this as is to risky from my point of view. It was risky before now is even more risky

 

[proxygo]

Swapping usernames is risky, even in 2025 - especially with rare ones like 6L.
Since you own both, the safest method is:

1. Change one username to something random.
2. Wait 2-5 minutes.
3. Quickly assign the freed name to the other account.

but does it still work ?