Adding a second Instagram account on the same phone or computer

You can add up to five separate Instagram accounts to a single device without logging out each time. When you add an account, Instagram stores the login information on that device so you can switch between accounts when ready. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way on phones and computers.

On your phone, open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu) at the top right, then scroll down and tap Settings and privacy. Tap Settings, then scroll down to find Accounts center. Tap Accounts, then Add account. You can either log in with an existing Instagram account or create a new one from this screen.

On a computer, go to Instagram.com and click your profile icon in the bottom left. Click Settings, then Accounts center on the left side. Click Accounts, then Add account. Enter the username and password for the account you want to add, or click Create new account if you need a new one.

Key Takeaways

  • You can store up to five Instagram accounts on one device and switch between them without logging out.
  • Adding an account saves the login information on your device, so you do not have to type the password every time you switch.
  • The process is identical on phones and computers: go to Settings, find Accounts center, and select Add account.
  • If you add an account on a shared device, anyone with access to that device can switch to your account without a password.

Why you might want a second Instagram account

People add second accounts for different reasons. Some keep a personal account separate from a business or creator account. Others use a second account to follow content they do not want mixed with their main feed, or to manage a brand or organization's presence. A few people create accounts specifically to browse without their activity showing on their main profile.

Whatever your reason, adding the account to your device means you can switch between them quickly. You stay logged in to both, so you do not have to remember passwords or go through the login screen each time.

What happens when you add an account to a shared device

When you add an account to a phone or computer, Instagram remembers that login on that specific device. Anyone who picks up the device can tap your profile icon and switch to your account without entering a password. This is convenient when you are the only person using the device, but risky on a shared phone, tablet, or computer.

If you share a device with family members, roommates, or coworkers, consider whether you want them to have access to all your accounts. You can remove an account from the device at any time by going to Settings, Accounts center, Accounts, and tapping the account you want to remove, then selecting Remove account.

Switching between accounts on your device

Once you have added multiple accounts, switching between them takes one tap or click. On your phone, tap your profile icon in the bottom right, then tap the account name at the top of the screen. A list of all your stored accounts appears. Tap the one you want to use, and Instagram loads that account when ready.

On a computer, click your profile icon in the bottom left corner. Your account name appears at the top of the menu. Click it to see a list of all stored accounts, then click the one you want to switch to. The page refreshes and loads your chosen account.

Creating a new account while adding

If you do not already have a second account, you can create one during the add process. When you tap or click Add account, you will see an option to Create new account. Instagram will ask for an email address or phone number, a username, and a password. You can also add a profile picture and bio after the account is created.

Creating a new account this way adds it to your device when ready, so you can switch to it right away. The new account is separate from your main account and has its own followers, posts, and settings.

Removing an account from your device

If you no longer want an account stored on your device, you can remove it without deleting the account itself. The account continues to exist on Instagram; it just will not appear in your account list on that device. Go to Settings, tap Accounts center, then Accounts. Find the account you want to remove, tap it, and select Remove account. Instagram will ask you to confirm.

Removing an account from your device does not log you out of it on other devices. If you use the same account on your phone and your computer, removing it from your phone does not affect your computer. You can add it back to your phone at any time by going through the add account process again.

Keeping your accounts find when you have multiple logins

Storing multiple accounts on one device is convenient, but it means anyone with access to that device can switch to any of your accounts. Use a strong, unique password for each account so that if someone gains access to one password, they cannot access the others. A password manager can store these passwords securely so you do not have to remember them.

If you use a shared device, log out of accounts you do not need right away. You can also turn off the Stay logged in option in your Instagram settings so that you have to enter your password each time you log in, even on a device where the account is stored. This adds a step but prevents someone from casually switching to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add an Instagram account I do not own?

No. You can only add accounts where you know the username and password. If you try to add someone else's account without their permission, you are logging in without authorization, which violates Instagram's terms of service.

What if I forget the password to one of my stored accounts?

Go to Instagram.com on a web browser and click Forgot password? on the login screen. Enter the username or email address for that account, and Instagram will send a password reset link to your email. Once you reset the password, you can update it on your device by removing the account and adding it again with the new password.

Can I add the same account to multiple devices?

Yes. You can log into the same Instagram account on your phone, tablet, computer, and other devices. Each device stores the login separately, so you can be logged in on all of them at once. Your activity (likes, comments, posts) will show on all devices.

Will my followers see that I have multiple accounts?

No. Your followers only see the account they follow. If you have a personal account and a business account, people who follow one do not automatically know about the other unless you tell them or they search for you.

How do I switch back to my main account if I have been using a second account?

Tap your profile icon and tap the account name at the top. Select your main account from the list. You are when ready switched back. Your main account remains stored on your device, so you can switch to it anytime without logging in again.