We all have that dream username, don’t we? The one that Instagram told us “this username is already taken”.
But I didn’t stand back! I searched on IG to see who it is that has taken my dream username. And guess what? It was an inactive account, and not for a month or two, for years!!
So I thought, this account is inactive and the username is basically useless, so why can’t I have it?
That’s where I started searching “how to get an Instagram username from an inactive account?” Well, the results are ready, if you want to know, make sure to read the whole blog!
How to get a dead instagram account name
On this matter, I have 4 solutions for you:
Reach Out to the Account Owner
The first step is to try to negotiate with the account owner. Try these ways:
Send a Direct Message
Start a chat by sending a nice and friendly message to the account that hasn’t been used for a while. Say you’re interested in getting that username and explain why.
Keep your message short, polite, and not pushy. Remember, the person who owns the account might not be using it much.
Leave a Public Comment or Mention:
If you can’t send a private message because of privacy settings, try commenting on one of their posts or mentioning them in your own post.
Be polite and say why you want the username. If you can, share your contact details.
Send an Email (if there’s an email address):
find out who owns the Instagram account. If the account has an email address in the profile, you could send a nice email.
Explain why you want the username and share your contact info. Keep it clear and friendly for a possible chat later on.
Trademark or Copyright Claim
If you really want a username on Instagram and someone else has it, you might have a stronger case if you own a trademark or copyright related to that name. These are legal protections for names and creative works. Here’s what you can do:
1. What’s a Trademark or Copyright?
A trademark is like a special tag for your brand or business, and a copyright protects creative stuff like art, music, or writing.
If you have one of these for the name you want on Instagram, it could help your case.
2. Check if You Have a Trademark or Copyright
If you own a business or have something creative, check if you have a trademark or copyright for the name.
You can file for a trademark online. It’s a process where you officially register your name or logo to prevent others from using it without your permission.
You might need to talk to a legal expert for this part.
3. Secure Your Patent
Once you have the trademark, it’s like having a patent for your name. This means you legally own and protect that name.
Read more: How to Make a Fake Instagram Chat (For Fun)
4. Contact Instagram with Proof
If you have a trademark or copyright, reach out to Instagram’s support. Explain your situation and provide proof of your trademark or copyright. Having legal protection can make your request more convincing.
5. Follow Instagram’s Rules
Remember, Instagram has rules, and they might not always give you the username even if you have a trademark or copyright. Be patient and follow Instagram’s instructions carefully.
Wait for Instagram purges
An Instagram purge is when the platform clears out inactive or unused accounts to free up usernames.
Keep an eye on Instagram to see if they announce or conduct any username purges. Sometimes, Instagram releases inactive usernames during these purges.
Keep in mind that there’s no set schedule for these purges, and there’s no guarantee your desired username will become available.
Read more: does instagram delete inactive accounts?
Contact Instagram Support
If you’re eager to get a specific Instagram username from an inactive account, reaching out to Instagram support is a direct way to seek assistance. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Visit Instagram Help Center: Go to Instagram’s Help Center at https://help.instagram.com/ .
2. Find the Right Section: Look for a section related to account issues or reporting a problem.
3. Explain Your Situation: Clearly explain your situation in a polite manner. Let them know you’re interested in obtaining an inactive username and why it’s important to you.
4. Provide Necessary Details: Include details such as the username you’re interested in, your account information, and any other relevant information.
5. Be Patient: After submitting your request, be patient. Instagram support might take some time to review and respond to your inquiry.
6. Follow Instructions: If Instagram support requests additional information or provides instructions, make sure to follow them promptly.
7. Respect Policies: Remember to respect Instagram’s policies and guidelines throughout the communication.
8. Document Your Efforts: Keep a record of your interactions with Instagram support, including any reference numbers or details provided.
9. Understand Limitations: Be aware that Instagram may not always be able to fulfill such requests due to their privacy and security policies.
FAQs
Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions on this matter:
Can I buy an inactive account’s username from Instagram?
No, Instagram doesn’t let you buy or sell usernames. It’s against the rules.
How to get someone’s username on Instagram?
Try talking to the account owner through messages or comments. If that doesn’t work, you can explore legal options or ask Instagram for help.
Can you get an inactive Instagram username?
You might get it by talking nicely to the account owner or using legal ways. Waiting for Instagram to clean up inactive accounts or asking for help might also work. But it takes time, and there’s no guarantee.
Final Thoughts
It’s been a bit like a treasure hunt, right? I’ve tried reaching out to inactive accounts, waiting for Instagram to do its cleanup, and even thought about getting all legal with trademarks. And, well, I can’t say it was a walk in the park.
Getting the username I wanted turned out to be quite a puzzle. Some doors closed, and others, well, they opened just a crack. I sent messages, waited patiently, and even explored legal stuff – all in the name of trying to get that perfect handle. Instagram itself suggests that if a username is claimed, try to choose another one.
But here’s the deal – Instagram has its rules, and they play it safe with people’s privacy and all. Sometimes, you win; sometimes, you learn.
So, here’s the takeaway: be patient, be respectful, and maybe try a creative twist on your desired username, that’s what I did.
