How to See My Old Usernames on Instagram: A Comprehensive Guide
Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms, with millions of users around the world. Over time, many users change their usernames for various reasons. If you’re someone who wants to look back at their old usernames on Instagram, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will guide you on how to find your previous usernames on Instagram, along with sharing 5 unique facts about the platform.
How to Find Your Old Usernames on Instagram:
1. Open the Instagram app: Launch the Instagram app on your mobile device and log in to your account.
2. Go to your profile: Tap on the profile icon, typically located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. Access settings: On your profile, find the three horizontal lines or the gear icon at the top right corner, depending on your device. Tap on it to access the settings.
4. Find account settings: Scroll down until you find the “Settings” option. Tap on it to proceed.
5. Access privacy and security: Within the settings menu, you will find various options. Look for “Privacy and Security” and tap on it.
6. View account data: Under the privacy and security settings, you will find an option called “Account Data.” Tap on it.
7. Request account info: Within the account data section, you will see an option labeled “Request Download.” Tap on it to request your Instagram data.
8. Confirm your request: Instagram will ask you to confirm your request by entering your email address. Make sure to enter an active email address that you have access to.
9. Wait for the email: Instagram will send you an email containing a link to download your account data. It may take a few minutes or hours to receive the email, so be patient.
10. Download your data: Once you receive the email, open it and click on the download link provided. This will allow you to download a ZIP file containing all your Instagram data.
11. Extract the ZIP file: After downloading the ZIP file, extract its contents using a file extraction tool on your device.
12. Open the JSON file: Look for a file named “account_information.json” within the extracted contents. Open it using any text editor or viewer.
13. Find your old usernames: Within the JSON file, search for the “username_change_history” section. Here, you will find a list of all your previous usernames, along with their respective time stamps.
5 Unique Facts about Instagram:
1. Instagram was initially called “Burbn”: Before its launch, Instagram was actually named “Burbn.” However, the founders decided to change the name to something more catchy and memorable, hence the birth of Instagram.
2. The first photo on Instagram was of a dog: The very first photo ever uploaded on Instagram was a picture of a fluffy dog taken by co-founder Kevin Systrom’s girlfriend. Little did they know that this humble beginning would lead to the massive platform we know today.
3. Instagram has over 1 billion active users: As of 2021, Instagram has surpassed the milestone of 1 billion active users worldwide. This makes it one of the most popular social media platforms globally.
4. Instagram Stories were inspired by Snapchat: In 2016, Instagram introduced the “Stories” feature, which allows users to share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. This feature was heavily inspired by Snapchat, which popularized the concept of temporary content.
5. The most-liked Instagram photo is an egg: In 2019, a simple picture of an egg became the most-liked photo on Instagram, surpassing Kylie Jenner’s record. The egg photo aimed to break the record and raise awareness about mental health, highlighting the power of viral trends on social media.
14 Common Questions about Instagram Usernames:
1. Can I change my Instagram username?
Yes, you can change your Instagram username. Simply go to your profile, access the settings, and choose the “Edit profile” option.
2. Can I see my old usernames on Instagram?
Yes, by following the steps mentioned earlier in this article, you can access your old usernames and view your username change history.
3. How many times can I change my Instagram username?
You can change your Instagram username as often as you like. However, keep in mind that constantly changing usernames may confuse your followers.
4. Will my followers be notified if I change my username?
No, your followers will not receive a notification when you change your username. However, your new username will appear in their feeds and notifications.
5. Can I reuse an old Instagram username?
Yes, you can reuse an old Instagram username if it is available for use. However, once someone else claims it, it becomes unavailable.
6. Can I change my username on Instagram without losing followers?
Yes, changing your username on Instagram does not affect your followers. They will still be able to find and follow your account.
7. How long does it take for an old username to become available again?
Once you change your username, it becomes immediately available for others to use. There is no specific waiting period.
8. Can I see other users’ old usernames on Instagram?
No, you can only view your own old usernames using the method described in this article. Instagram does not provide access to other users’ username change history.
9. Can I change my Instagram username on a computer?
Yes, you can change your Instagram username on a computer by accessing the Instagram website and following the same steps mentioned earlier.
10. Can I see my old Instagram usernames on the Instagram website?
Yes, you can request your Instagram account data and find your old usernames using the same method described earlier, whether on the app or the website.
11. Can I change my username back to a previously used one?
Yes, you can change your username back to a previously used one if it is available for use. However, keep in mind that someone else may have claimed it in the meantime.
12. Can I see my old usernames on Instagram Lite?
Yes, you can follow the same steps to request your account data and find your old usernames on Instagram Lite.
13. Can I find my old usernames on Instagram if I deleted my account?
No, once you delete your account, you lose access to your old usernames and all other account data.
14. Can I find my old usernames on Instagram if I was banned?
If your Instagram account was banned or deactivated, you may not be able to access your old usernames or any other account data. It is best to contact Instagram support for further assistance in such cases.
In conclusion, retrieving your old usernames on Instagram is a simple process that allows you to reminisce about your online identity evolution. By following the steps provided in this guide, you can easily access your username change history and cherish the memories associated with each username. Additionally, the unique facts about Instagram and the common questions answered in this article shed light on various aspects of this popular social media platform.
