Instagram has added the option to add nicknames in DMs. This allows you to differentiate a conversation from other chats more easily. If you’d like to know how to give yourself or a friend a nickname on Instagram in Direct Messages, check this post for instructions.
Good to know: get up to speed on how to create and share your Instagram profile card.
Add or Edit a Nickname on Instagram
Instagram nicknames are exactly what they sound like – alternative names that can appear in chats with people on Instagram. Here’s how to set a nickname in a chat in Instagram DMs.
In the Instagram app, navigate to Direct. Open a chat with someone.
Note: you can’t set nicknames from the web version of Instagram on PC. You’ll have to do so from the mobile app.
At the top, press on the person’s account name (not profile picture.)
On the next screen, tap on Nicknames.
Depending on your privacy settings, you might be able only to change your own nickname. Tap your account name.
Type in the new nickname. You can add emoji to the new nickname if you want. Press Done to save the changes.
Now the other party should see the nickname you’ve set for yourself in their DMs instead of your standard account name.
If at some point you wish to change your nickname again, follow the same steps to do so. You can do this as many times as you want. Or you can press Update in the chat. This should appear next to the message that “You set a nickname to [nickname].”
Note that you can have a different nickname in different chats. For example, you might call yourself “Boo” in a chat with your partner, but may have your childhood nickname in a conversation with your mother.
Tip: did you know that you can see if someone’s Instagram username has changed? Here’s how.
Control Who Can Change Your Instagram Nickname
By default, Instagram only allows you to change your own nickname. That can fortunately be modified through the chat’s settings.
Open the chat in question and press on Nicknames. Select Change who can edit your nickname at the top.
Switch to the Everyone in this chat option. Now, the other person(s) should be able to change your nickname. If they enable the same option on their end, you will also be able to do the same.
If you don’t want anyone changing your nickname, select the Only me option.
Fix Instagram Nickname Feature Not Showing
In case you’re not seeing the nickname option on Instagram, don’t panic. Start by checking whether there are any new updates for the Instagram app. On Android, go to the Google Play Store. On iPhone, you’ll have to open the App Store.
Search for the Instagram app. If a new version of the app is available, you should see an Update button available. Tap on it to update the app.
Once the process is complete, open the app yet again and see if the feature appears.
Other possible fixes include uninstalling and reinstalling the app or rebooting your device.
If you still can’t see and you have an iPhone, tap your friend’s account name in the chat. Select the Something isn’t working option.
Instagram will ask you whether you would like to include complete logs and diagnostics. For this issue, it’s not necessary, so press Don’t include and continue.
Next, describe the issue as best you can and then press Submit. Hopefully, Instagram will get back to you soon with an explanation or a fix.
If the problem is that you can’t see your new nickname, check your Internet connection first and make sure it’s working. Then close the app and open it again. Check to see if the info has been updated.
FYI: check how you can check your username on Snapchat, Spotify, and more popular apps.
Rename a Group Chat
As it turns out, you can also rename a group chat on Instagram. When you do so, you’ll be able to see this name in DMs, instead of the list of account names of the participants.
Find and open a group chat in your Instagram DMs in the app. Press on the account names at the top.
On the next page, select Change name and image.
You can select a pictogram to represent your group or you can opt for a color or emoji. You can even upload something from your own library. Next, type the name of the group below. Press Done to save.
The changes should become visible immediately.
You can change a group’s name from the web version of Instagram as well. Open the group chat in question and click at the top on the account names participating in the convo.
A side menu should appear on the right. Click Change group name. Type the new name and press Save.
If you’re confused about what all the symbols mean in Instagram DMs, check our post that will explain each one to you. On the other hand, if you don’t like the idea of being added to groups on Instagram, you can take these precautions to prevent that from happening.
Image credit: DepositPhotos All screenshots by Alexandra Arici
