You can change your birth date on Instagram through your account settings, but Instagram limits how often you can make the change

Instagram stores your birth date in your profile settings and uses it to control what features you can access — ads you see, whether you can use certain tools, and age-restricted content. If you entered the wrong date when you created your account, or your circumstances have changed, you can update it. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way on the mobile app and on a computer.

The catch: Instagram only lets you change your birth date once every 60 days. If you changed it recently, you will have to wait until that window closes before you can change it again. There is no way around this limit, and contacting Instagram support will not speed it up.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your birth date by opening Instagram settings, going to Personal Information, and selecting Edit next to your date of birth.
  • Instagram enforces a 60-day waiting period between changes, so plan your update carefully if you know you will need to change it again.
  • If your account was created with a birth date that makes you under 13, you cannot change it to a date that makes you 13 or older — Instagram will lock that account.
  • Changing your birth date does not affect your username, followers, posts, or any other part of your account — only what features and ads you see.

How to change your birth date on the Instagram app

Open Instagram and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Tap Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll down and tap Personal Information. You will see your current birth date listed. Tap Edit next to Date of Birth.

A calendar picker will appear. Scroll through the months and years to find your correct birth date, then tap it to confirm. Instagram will show you the new date and ask you to confirm the change. Tap Save or Confirm, depending on what your version of the app shows. The change takes effect when ready.

How to change your birth date on Instagram.com

Go to Instagram.com and log into your account. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Settings. On the left side, click Edit Profile. Scroll down until you see Date of Birth. Click the date field to open a calendar or date entry box.

Enter your correct birth date using the format shown (usually Month/Day/Year in the United States). Click Save or Submit to confirm. The page will refresh and show your updated date. If you do not see the change appear right away, refresh the page in your browser.

What happens if your account was created with a birth date under 13

Instagram does not allow accounts for users under 13 years old. If your account was set up with a birth date that makes you under 13, Instagram will not let you change that date to make yourself 13 or older. The account becomes locked to that original date.

If this happened to you, you have two options: contact Instagram through the Help Center and explain that the original date was entered incorrectly, or create a new account with the correct birth date. Instagram support can sometimes unlock the date restriction if you can show that the original entry was a mistake, but there is no may provide. The process can take several weeks.

Why Instagram asks for your birth date

Instagram uses your birth date to determine what content and features you can access. Users under 18 see different ad categories than adults, and some tools — like the ability to go live or use certain creator features — are restricted by age. Your birth date also controls whether you can switch to a business account or use shopping features.

Instagram does not publicly display your birth date on your profile. Only you and Instagram can see it. However, the date you enter affects what you see when you use the app, so entering an accurate date means you will see features and ads that actually match your situation.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your birth date, Instagram will not let you change it again for 60 days. This limit applies even if you made a mistake in your most recent change. If you need to update it again, you will have to wait the full 60 days from your last change before Instagram will accept a new one.

There is no way to request an exception to this rule, and Instagram support cannot override it. If you think you might need to change your date again, take time to make sure the date you enter is correct before you confirm it.

What does not change when you update your birth date

Changing your birth date does not affect your username, password, followers, following list, posts, stories, direct messages, or any other content on your account. Your account history stays exactly the same. The only things that change are the features and ads you see going forward.

If you were previously blocked from using a feature because of your age, updating your birth date may unlock that feature. For example, if you changed your date to show you are now 18, you might gain access to features that were previously restricted. These changes take effect within a few minutes of your update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my birth date if I do not remember what I entered originally?

Yes. Go to your Personal Information settings and look at what date is currently listed. You can change it to whatever date you want, as long as you have not changed it in the last 60 days. Instagram does not require you to prove what you originally entered.

Will changing my birth date affect my ads or recommendations?

Yes. Instagram uses your birth date to decide what ads and content recommendations you see. If you change from a date that made you under 18 to one that makes you 18 or older, you will start seeing different ad categories. The change takes effect within a few minutes.

What if I entered my birth date wrong and now I cannot change it back?

If you are hitting the 60-day waiting period, you will have to wait until that period ends before you can change it again. If your account was created with a birth date under 13 and is now locked, contact Instagram through the Help Center with an explanation. They may be able to unlock it, but the process takes time and is not may provide.

Does Instagram verify that the birth date I enter is real?

No. Instagram does not ask for a government ID or any other proof of your birth date. It accepts whatever date you enter. The date is used only to control what features and ads you see, not to verify your identity.

Can I hide my birth date from other users?

Your birth date is never shown on your public profile. Only you and Instagram can see it. Other users cannot view it even if they visit your profile or look at your account information.