What You Need Before You Start

Creating an Instagram account takes about five minutes and requires three things: a working email address or phone number, a password you have not used elsewhere, and a username. You do not need to upload a photo, write a bio, or follow anyone right away — you can do all of that later. Instagram will ask for your date of birth during setup, which it uses to set age-appropriate settings and to enforce its 13-year minimum age requirement.

If you already have a Facebook account, Instagram can pull your name and profile picture from it to save time, but this is optional. You can also create an Instagram account completely separate from Facebook, even if you have one.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an email address or phone number, a strong password, and a username to create an account — nothing else is required upfront.
  • Instagram requires you to be at least 13 years old and will ask for your date of birth during the signup process.
  • You can use your real name or a username that does not match your real identity, and you can change your username later without losing your account.
  • After you create your account, take time to review the privacy settings before you post or follow other accounts.
  • Two-factor authentication adds a security layer by requiring a code from your phone when you log in from a new device.

Step 1: read the App or Go to Instagram.com

On a phone, open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) and search for "Instagram". Tap the official Instagram app — it has a camera icon and is published by Meta Platforms, Inc. Tap "Get" or "Install", then "Open" once it finishes downloading.

On a computer, go to instagram.com in your web browser. Either method works equally well for creating your account. The mobile app is slightly faster on a phone, but the website works fine if you prefer to use a computer.

Step 2: Enter Your Email or Phone Number

On the app, tap "Create new account". On the website, tap "Create account" near the bottom of the login screen. Instagram will ask whether you want to sign up with an email address or a phone number. Choose whichever one you use regularly and can access right now — Instagram will send a confirmation code to it in the next step.

If you choose email, type the full address exactly as it appears in your email provider. If you choose a phone number, include the country code (for the United States, that is +1) followed by your 10-digit number. Instagram will not store this as your username — it is only for account recovery and notifications.

Step 3: Confirm Your Email or Phone Number

Instagram will send a six-digit code to the email address or phone number you entered. Check your email inbox (or spam folder if you do not see it) or look for a text message. Type the code into the field Instagram shows you. If the code does not arrive within a few minutes, tap "Didn't get the code?" to request a new one.

This step proves you own the email address or phone number. Instagram uses it to prevent someone else from creating an account pretending to be you.

Step 4: Create Your Password and Choose Your Username

Instagram will ask you to create a password. Use something you have not used on any other website or app — if another site gets hacked, a password thief could use the same password to break into your Instagram account. A strong password has at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #). Write it down in a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password rather than in a notebook or text file.

Next, choose a username. This is the name other people will see and use to find you — it does not have to be your real name. Usernames can contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but no spaces. Instagram will tell you if your first choice is already taken. You can change your username later without losing your account, so do not spend too long on this step.

Step 5: Add Your Name and Date of Birth

Instagram will ask for your full name (this can be your real name or any name you want to display) and your date of birth. The name you enter here is what appears on your profile — it does not have to match your username. You can change it anytime by going to Settings, then Account, then Edit Profile.

Your date of birth is required and must show you are at least 13 years old. Instagram uses this to enforce age restrictions on certain features and to show age-appropriate content. This information is not displayed on your profile unless you choose to make it public in your settings.

find Your Account when ready After Creating It

Before you post anything or follow other accounts, go to Settings (the three horizontal lines on the app, or the gear icon on the website). Tap "Security" or "Account Security" and turn on two-factor authentication. This means Instagram will ask for a code from your phone whenever you log in from a device it does not recognize. Even if someone steals your password, they cannot get into your account without that code.

While you are in Settings, check "Privacy and Safety". You can choose whether your account is public (anyone can see your posts and follow you) or private (you approve each follow request). For a new account, private is safer while you learn how the platform works. You can change this later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a fake name or username?

Yes. Your username and display name do not have to match your real identity. Many people use nicknames, initials, or completely made-up names on Instagram. Just remember that your username is permanent once you create it (though you can change it later), and other people will use it to find and mention you.

What if my email address or phone number is already linked to another Instagram account?

Instagram does not allow the same email or phone number on two accounts. If you see an error message saying the email is already in use, you either have an old account you forgot about, or someone else created an account with your email. If it is your old account, use the "Forgot password?" option to log back in. If you think someone else is using your email, tap "Need more help?" and report it to Instagram.

Do I have to add a profile picture right away?

No. You can create an account and leave the profile picture blank. Instagram will show a generic circle as your profile picture until you upload one. You can add a photo anytime by going to your profile, tapping "Edit Profile", and selecting a photo from your phone.

Can I delete my account if I change my mind?

Yes. Go to Settings, tap "Account", scroll down, and tap "Delete Account". Instagram will ask you to confirm and will give you the option to read your photos and data first. Once you confirm, your account and all your posts are permanently deleted after 30 days. During those 30 days, you can log back in to cancel the deletion.

Is Instagram free?

Yes. Creating an account and using Instagram is free. Instagram makes money from advertising, not from charging users. You may see ads in your feed and in Stories, but you will never be charged to use the basic features.