Instagram lets you view your own past usernames inside Account history. For someone else’s account, Instagram typically does not show the exact old usernames publicly, but it may show how many times they changed their username in “About this account.”
Fast answer
- To see your past usernames: Profile → Menu (☰) → Your activity → Account history → look for username changes (and filter if available).
- To check someone else’s username change info: Their profile → ⋯ (three dots) → About this account → Former usernames (usually shows a count, not the actual old handles).
Pick your situation
- You want to see your own old usernames
- You want to check someone else’s past usernames
- “Account history” or “About this account” is missing
- Your username changed and you didn’t do it
Part 1: How to see your past usernames on Instagram
Method 1 (best): Use Account history in “Your activity”
- Open Instagram and go to your Profile (bottom-right).
- Tap the Menu (☰) in the top-right.
- Tap Your activity.
- Tap Account history.
- Scroll to find username changes (and use filters if Instagram shows them).
This is the only built-in place where Instagram is meant to show your account changes in a timeline you can review.
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Quick tips that help
- Screenshot the list if you need a record.
- If you’re trying to remember an exact handle, look for the date you changed it, then match it with your posts/DMs from that time.
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Method 2 (optional): Download your Instagram information
If you want a longer record (or you’re cleaning up your accounts), Instagram also lets you review/export your information. This can be useful if you want a backup outside the app.
Part 2: Can you see someone else’s past usernames?
What you can see on other profiles (usually)
Instagram’s “About this account” feature can show username change info, but it generally shows the number of changes, not the specific previous usernames.
How to check (if the option appears)
- Open the person’s Instagram profile
- Tap the ⋯ (three dots)
- Tap About this account
- Tap Former usernames
If you only see something like “changed X times,” that’s normal based on Instagram’s own description of the feature.
If you need to find an account that changed usernames
Since old handles usually aren’t public, try these practical options:
- Search their full name, bio keywords, or mutual friends
- Check your DMs, old comments, tags, or story mentions (their profile link often still opens)
- Look through your Following list if you previously followed them
Part 3: Fixes for missing menus + security checks
“Account history” is missing on my Instagram
Instagram sometimes changes menu layouts. Start with the simplest fixes:
- Update Instagram, restart your phone, then check again
- Try the path: Profile → Menu (☰) → Your activity → Account history
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“About this account” isn’t showing on someone’s profile
That can happen. Not every profile surfaces the same public info all the time. Even when it does, it may only show the count of username changes.
My username changed and I didn’t do it
Treat that like an account security issue:
- Change your password immediately
- Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Check Login activity and log out of devices you don’t recognize (Instagram supports viewing logged-in sessions in-app)
FAQs
Can I see my old Instagram usernames?
Yes. Use Your activity → Account history to view changes you made to your account, including username changes.
Can I see someone else’s old Instagram usernames?
Usually, no. Instagram generally shows only the number of username changes, not the exact previous usernames, via “About this account.”
Why can’t I find Account history on Instagram?
Instagram moves settings around. Update the app and follow the path: Profile → Menu (☰) → Your activity → Account history.
Can I change my Instagram username back to an old one?
In most cases, Instagram says you can change your username back to a previously used name.
Can I hide how many times I changed my username?
Instagram describes “Former username count” as something people may see in “About this account,” and it doesn’t indicate there’s a toggle to hide it.
Sources
- Instagram Help Center: Account history and viewing changes (Instagram Help Center)
- Instagram Help Center: About this account and “former username count” behavior (Instagram Help Center)
