You can create another Instagram account using the same email, phone number, or a different one entirely

Instagram lets you add a second account directly within the app without logging out or deleting your first one. You can switch between accounts when ready, and both accounts stay active at the same time. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way on iPhone, Android, and the web version of Instagram.

The main decision is whether to use the same email address or phone number for both accounts, or create a separate login for each one. Using the same contact information is simpler if you want to manage both accounts from one place. Using different contact information keeps the accounts more separate, which matters if you want different people to have access to each one.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create a second account within Instagram's app without logging out of your first account.
  • Both accounts can use the same email address or phone number, or you can use different contact information for each one.
  • Once you create the second account, you can switch between them by tapping your profile picture and selecting the account you want to use.
  • Your second account starts with zero followers and no posts, and Instagram treats it as a completely separate profile.
  • If you forget the password to your second account, you can recover it using the email address or phone number you used to create it.

Creating a second account from the app

Open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu) in the top right corner, then scroll down and tap Settings and privacy. Tap Account, then scroll down to find Add account. Tap it.

You will see two options: Create new account or Log in to existing account. Choose Create new account. Enter a phone number or email address — this can be the same one you used for your first account, or a different one. Instagram will send you a code to verify that you own that email or phone number. Enter the code, then create a username and password for the new account.

After you finish, Instagram will ask you to add a profile picture and bio, but you can skip these steps. Your second account is now created and ready to use. You will automatically be logged into the new account, and your first account is still active in the background.

Switching between your two accounts

Once you have created a second account, switching between them is straightforward. Tap your profile picture at the bottom right of the screen. At the top of the menu that appears, you will see your username. Tap it, and a list of all your accounts will appear. Tap the account you want to use, and Instagram will switch to that account when ready.

You can have up to five accounts linked to the same app, so if you create a third or fourth account later, you can switch between all of them the same way. The account you are currently using will have a checkmark next to its name in the list.

Using the same email or phone for both accounts

Instagram allows you to use the same email address or phone number for multiple accounts. This is useful if you want to manage both accounts from one email inbox — password reset codes and notifications will all arrive at the same place.

The downside is that anyone who knows your email address can see that you have multiple Instagram accounts associated with it. If you want to keep your accounts completely private from each other, use a different email address or phone number for each one. You can create a free email address in Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo in about two minutes if you need a separate login.

What happens to your first account

Creating a second account does not affect your first account in any way. Your followers, posts, messages, and settings all stay exactly as they were. You can log back into your first account at any time by switching accounts in the app, or by logging in on a web browser or different device.

Instagram does not limit how often you can switch between accounts. You can post to one account, switch to the other, post there, and switch back — all without logging out or losing any information.

Creating a second account on the web

If you prefer to create your second account on a computer, go to instagram.com and click Create new account at the bottom of the login screen. Enter your email address or phone number, create a username and password, and follow the verification steps. Once your account is created, you can log into it on the Instagram app by tapping Log in to existing account instead of Create new account.

The web version works the same way as the app, but you cannot switch between accounts as easily on the website. You will need to log out and log back in each time you want to use a different account. Most people find it easier to manage multiple accounts using the app, where you can switch with one tap.

Recovering access to your second account

If you forget the password to your second account, go to the Instagram login screen and tap Forgot password? Enter the username, email address, or phone number associated with that account. Instagram will send you a code or a password reset link to the email or phone number you used to create it. Follow the link or enter the code to create a new password.

If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number you used to create the account, you can contact Instagram through the app. Go to Settings and privacy, tap Help, then Help requests, and describe your situation. Instagram's support team can help you regain access if you can verify that you own the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same password for both accounts?

Yes, you can use the same password for both accounts, but it is not recommended. If someone learns that password, they can access both accounts. Using different passwords for each account keeps them more find, even if they use the same email address.

Will my followers see that I have a second account?

No. Your second account is completely separate from your first one. Your followers on your first account will not see your second account unless you tell them about it or they find it by searching. The two accounts have different usernames, follower lists, and posts.

Can I merge two Instagram accounts together?

No, Instagram does not have a built-in way to merge accounts. If you want to combine your followers and posts, you would need to manually copy your posts to one account and ask your followers to follow the account you want to keep. Then you can delete the other account.

What if I want to delete my second account?

Go to Settings and privacy, tap Account, then scroll down and tap Delete account. Instagram will ask you to confirm and will give you the option to read your photos and data before deletion. Once you delete the account, it cannot be recovered.

Can I create a second account with a different name or identity?

Yes. Your second account can have a completely different username, profile picture, and bio from your first account. Instagram does not require your accounts to be connected or to use your real name. However, Instagram's terms of service do not allow you to use accounts to impersonate someone else or to mislead people about who you are.