Hello Reader technogigs, welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to check old IG usernames
Looking for an old Instagram username can be a real hassle. With millions of users on Instagram, finding an old username can often feel like a needle in a haystack search. Whether you’ve forgotten your old account’s username or you’re keen to keep an eye on a long-gone ex or friend, we’ve got you covered.
Knowing how to find old Instagram usernames is useful for a variety of reasons. In this article, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know to find old IG usernames. We’ll cover all of the methods you can use, their pros, and cons, and provide you with detailed instructions to help make your search a breeze.
In this article, we’ll answer all the questions you may have in mind about how to check old IG usernames such as the benefits and limitations of each method, how to search for a deactivated account, how to contact Instagram if you still can’t find an old username and much more.
Understanding the Strengths and Weaknesses of Different Methods
There are several methods you can use to find old Instagram usernames. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and some may work better for certain situations than others. Here are the most common techniques and how they stack up:
Method 1: Check the Username on Instagram
The first place to start your search is on the Instagram app or website. This method works well if the person you’re trying to find has an active account. Simply type their name in the search bar, and if they have a public account, their old usernames will show up in the search results. However, if they have a private account, this method may not work as well since you won’t be able to see their old usernames without being an approved follower.
Method 2: Use a Username Lookup Tool
Another popular way to find old Instagram usernames is to use a username lookup tool. There are several free online tools available that can help you find old usernames by entering the person’s name or handle. These tools can often find old usernames that the person may have deleted or changed.
Method 3: Search for Instagram Posts or Hashtags
If you’re looking for an old username but don’t know the person’s full name or handle, you can try searching for their posts or hashtags. This method works particularly well for finding usernames related to a specific hashtag or event. However, if the person hasn’t posted anything for a while or has made their Instagram account private, this method may not be as effective.
Method 4: Check Known Usernames on Websites
Another way to find old Instagram usernames is to check websites where the person may have used their username. For example, if the person was a member of a forum or has a blog, they may have used their IG username as their handle. You can search for the person’s name or the website on Google, and if their old username was associated with it, it might show up in the search results.
Method 5: Contact Instagram
If all else fails, contacting Instagram’s customer support team may help you locate an old username. While this option may take longer than other methods, they may be able to assist you in finding the account you’re looking for.
Check Old IG Usernames: A Step-by-step Guide
Now that you know the different methods available, we’ll provide you with detailed instructions on how to check old IG usernames using each of the methods outlined above.
Method 1: Check the Username on Instagram
Step 1:
Head to the Instagram app or website, and click on the search bar.
Step 2:
Type in the person’s name or handle and hit ‘search.’
Step 3:
If the person has a public account, their old usernames should appear in the search results. If they have a private account, you’ll need to submit a follow request before you can view their old usernames.
Method 2: Use a Username Lookup Tool
Step 1:
Visit a username lookup tool that is available, such as Namechk or Knowem.
Step 2:
Type the person’s name or handle into the search bar on the website.
Step 3:
The tool will scan the web and social media platforms for that username. You will be provided with a report that includes a list of all social media platforms on which you might find the username.
Method 3: Search for Instagram Posts or Hashtags
Step 1:
Find and consider a post on Instagram that mentions the username you’re looking for.
Step 2:
Tap on the username to visit their Instagram profile.
Step 3:
If the old username isn’t on their active profile, then consider reading some of their posts to determine if they’ve changed their username over time. Other users may comment or reference their old username as well.
Method 4: Check Known Usernames on Websites
Step 1:
Do a Google search of the website or forum that the person you’re looking for might have been a member of.
Step 2:
If the person’s old username was associated with the website or forum, it will likely appear in the results.
Step 3:
You can use archived web pages on the Wayback Machine to check usernames from websites that no longer exist.
Method 5: Contact Instagram
Step 1:
Go to Instagram’s help center and navigate to the ‘report a hacked account’ section.
Step 2:
Fill out the form indicating that the account has been hacked and provide them with any information you have about the old username and account details such as email or phone number.
Step 3:
Instagram’s customer support team will investigate the matter and get back to you with any information they have.
FAQs About Checking Old IG Usernames
1. Can I Check Old IG Usernames Without an Account?
No, you need to have an Instagram account to search for old usernames on the platform.
2. Can I Find an Old Instagram User if the Account Has Been Deleted?
If the account has been deleted, you may have difficulty finding old usernames, especially if the person has not used that username elsewhere or created a new Instagram account with that username. Your best bet in this scenario is to try using a username lookup tool or contacting Instagram’s customer support.
3. Can I Change My Instagram Username Back to My Old One?
Yes, you can change your Instagram username back to an old one if it’s available. Navigate to your profile settings, tap on your existing username, and you’ll be presented with the option to change it to an old or new username.
4. Can I Find Out Who My Old Instagram Follower Was?
If a follower has unfollowed you or deleted their account, there’s no way to find out who they were. Instagram doesn’t provide a way to view a list of followers who’ve since unfollowed your account.
5. Why Would Someone Change Their Instagram Username?
People change their usernames on Instagram for several reasons, including wanting to rebrand their online identity, leaving behind a past life, or avoiding unwanted attention from certain individuals.
6. Can I find someone’s old username if I didn’t follow them?
If their account is private, it may not be possible to locate their old username without requesting to follow them. If they have a public account, it’s worth a shot, but if they’ve changed their username multiple times, it may be difficult to track down an older username.
7. Is it okay to use a user’s old username if they’ve changed it?
It’s generally not a good practice to use somebody’s old username if they’ve changed it. Doing so may cause confusion and could potentially lead to misunderstandings or issues down the road. It’s always wise to update any saved contacts or bookmarks with their new username.
Conclusion
Searching for old Instagram usernames may seem like a daunting task, but there are several methods available to make it an easier process. Each technique has its strengths and weaknesses, which you should consider before deciding on a specific strategy. Instagram is still an effective way to check old IG usernames. We hope our comprehensive guide has provided you with everything you need to know about how to check old IG usernames and find the information you’re looking for.
Remember to take precautions while searching for usernames to protect both yourself and the person you’re searching for. Don’t hesitate to contact Instagram’s customer support if you’re still having trouble finding the account you’re looking for.
Happy searching!
Table:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Check the Username on Instagram | Easy to access and use | Doesn’t always work with private accounts |
| Use a Username Lookup Tool | Finds old usernames that the person may have deleted or changed | Not all username lookup tools are free |
| Search for Instagram Posts or Hashtags | Great for finding usernames related to a specific hashtag or event | Not helpful if the person hasn’t posted anything for a while |
| Check Known Usernames on Websites | Useful for finding old usernames used on websites or forums | May not be helpful if the person doesn’t use their old IG username outside of Instagram |
| Contact Instagram | Last resort effort, resulting in Instagram’s customer support team assisting in finding the account | Waiting times for response from the customer support team can be long |
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. We do not condone the use of information provided in this article for any illegal or malicious activities. We will not be held liable for any negative consequences that may arise from the misuse of the information provided in this guide.