How to set up a new Instagram account
Creating a new Instagram account takes about five minutes and requires only a phone number or email address, a password, and a username. You can start on the Instagram app (available for iPhone and Android) or on a web browser at instagram.com. The process is the same either way: Instagram walks you through choosing a username, adding a profile picture, and deciding whether to follow suggested accounts.
Before you start, decide what email or phone number you want to use. If you already have an Instagram account and want a second one, use a different email address — Instagram does not allow the same email on two active accounts at the same time. You can add a phone number later if you prefer, or skip it entirely.
Key Takeaways
- You need either an email address or a phone number, a password, and a username to create an account; a profile picture is optional but recommended.
- Each email address can only be connected to one active Instagram account, so use a different email if you want a second account.
- Your username is public and visible to everyone; your real name is optional and can be changed anytime without affecting your account.
- Instagram will suggest accounts to follow and ask for your date of birth, but you can skip both steps and add them later.
- Once your account exists, your profile information and activity are stored on Instagram's servers according to their data policy.
Creating an account on the Instagram app
Open the Instagram app on your phone and tap "Create new account" at the bottom of the login screen. Enter your email address or phone number in the field that appears. If you use a phone number, Instagram will send you a six-digit code by text message — enter that code to confirm. If you use an email, Instagram will send a confirmation link; tap the link in your email to move forward.
Next, create a password. Instagram requires at least six characters, and a mix of numbers and letters is stronger than a single type. Enter your full name or the name you want displayed on your profile — this is separate from your username and can be changed anytime. Then choose your username: this is the handle people will use to find and mention you, and it must be unique across all of Instagram. Usernames can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but no spaces.
After you set your username, Instagram will ask for your date of birth. This is required; Instagram uses it to enforce age restrictions on certain features. You can then add a profile picture by taking a photo with your phone's camera or uploading one from your phone's photo library. Tap "Skip" if you want to add a picture later.
Creating an account on a web browser
Go to instagram.com in any web browser and click "Create a new account" on the login page. You will see a form asking for your email address or phone number. Enter one or the other — not both — and click "Next." If you chose a phone number, Instagram sends a code by text; enter it and click "Next." If you chose email, check your inbox for a confirmation message and click the link inside.
Fill in your full name, create a password, and choose a username using the same rules as the app version. Instagram will ask your date of birth and whether you want to follow suggested accounts. You can skip the suggestions and add a profile picture later by going to your profile settings. The account is active as soon as you complete these steps.
Choosing a username that works for you
Your username is permanent once you create it, though you can change it later as many times as you want. Choose something you are comfortable with, because it appears on every post, comment, and message you send. If the username you want is already taken, Instagram will suggest alternatives with numbers or underscores added — for example, if "sarah.jones" is taken, it might suggest "sarah.jones.1" or "sarah_jones_1."
Keep in mind that your username is public and searchable. Anyone can find your account by typing your username into Instagram's search bar. Your full name, by contrast, is optional and visible only to people who visit your profile — it does not affect how people search for you.
What happens after you create your account
Once your account is created, Instagram stores your profile information — your username, full name, email address, phone number, date of birth, and any photos or videos you upload — on its servers. Instagram also tracks your activity: which accounts you follow, which posts you like, which accounts you message, and how long you spend on the app. This information is tied to your account and is subject to Instagram's data policy, which you can read in full in the app under Settings and Privacy.
You can control some of what Instagram collects by adjusting your privacy settings. For example, you can make your account private so only people you approve can see your posts, or you can limit who can message you. You cannot opt out of Instagram collecting activity data entirely — that is how the platform operates — but you can learn more about what is collected and how it is used by visiting Instagram's Help Center.
Adding information to your profile later
You do not have to complete your profile all at once. After you create your account, you can add or change almost anything by going to your profile and tapping "Edit profile." You can add a bio (a short description of yourself), a website link, a profile picture, and a profile video. You can also change your full name, username, email address, or phone number anytime without losing your account or your posts.
If you want to add a profile picture after creating your account, tap your profile icon at the bottom right of the app, then tap "Edit profile," then tap the profile picture area. You can upload a photo from your phone's library, take a new photo, or remove your picture entirely. The same process works on the web version: go to your profile, click "Edit profile," and click on the profile picture area.
Recovering access if you forget your password
If you create an account and later forget your password, go to the Instagram login page and click "Forgot password?" Enter your username, email address, or phone number — whichever you used to create the account. Instagram will send you a link by email or a code by text message. Click the link or enter the code, and you will be able to set a new password.
If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number you used to create the account, the recovery process is more difficult. Instagram may ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo of yourself or a government ID. Keep this in mind when you choose which email or phone number to use: make sure it is one you can access in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create an Instagram account without a phone number or email?
No. Instagram requires either a phone number or an email address to create an account. You cannot skip this step. You can add a phone number to an email-based account later, or add an email to a phone-based account, but at least one must be on file when you sign up.
What if the username I want is already taken?
Instagram will suggest similar usernames with numbers or underscores added. You can accept one of these suggestions or try a different username entirely. Usernames are not reserved — if someone is not using theirs, you cannot claim it, but if they delete their account, their username may become available after a period of time.
Can I have two Instagram accounts with the same email address?
No. Each email address can only be connected to one active Instagram account. If you want a second account, use a different email address or a phone number instead. You can switch between multiple accounts on the same app by going to Settings and tapping your username at the top.
Do I have to use my real name on Instagram?
No. Your full name field can contain anything you want — a nickname, a business name, or a made-up name. Only your username is required to be unique. Your full name is not searchable and does not affect how people find your account.
What information does Instagram collect when I create an account?
Instagram collects your email or phone number, password, full name, date of birth, username, and IP address. Once you start using the account, Instagram also tracks which accounts you follow, which posts you like, which people you message, and how long you spend on the app. You can read Instagram's full data policy in the app under Settings and Privacy.