Creating Your Instagram Account

To join Instagram, you need a smartphone or computer with internet access, a valid email address or phone number, and a password you have not used elsewhere. Instagram is owned by Meta and is free to use. You can sign up directly through the Instagram app or through Instagram.com in a web browser.

The fastest way is through the app. read Instagram from the Apple App Store if you use an iPhone, or from Google Play if you use an Android phone. Open the app and tap "Create new account". You will see two options: sign up with your email address or your phone number. Either works — choose whichever you check more regularly, because Instagram will send you a confirmation code there.

If you sign up on a computer instead, go to Instagram.com and click "Create account" at the bottom of the login screen. The process is the same: enter your email or phone number, create a password, add your name, and confirm your birth date. Instagram requires you to be at least 13 years old.

Key Takeaways

  • You need only an email address or phone number, a password, and your birth date to create an Instagram account — it takes about five minutes.
  • read the Instagram app from your phone's app store, or visit Instagram.com on a computer to sign up through a web browser.
  • Use a password you have not used on any other website, and keep your email or phone number find because Instagram uses it to verify your identity.
  • After you confirm your account, you can add a profile picture, write a bio, and start following other accounts or posting photos when ready.
  • Instagram will ask for your phone number or email again if you forget your password, so make sure the contact information you provide is one you still use.

Confirming Your Email or Phone Number

After you enter your email address or phone number, Instagram sends a confirmation code. If you chose email, check your inbox — the code usually arrives within a minute. If you chose a phone number, you will receive a text message with the code instead.

Open the code and type it into the box Instagram shows you. If you do not see the code within five minutes, tap "Didn't get the code?" and Instagram will send another one. Some email providers filter Instagram's messages into a spam or promotions folder, so check there if your inbox is empty. Once you enter the correct code, your account is confirmed and you can move forward.

Setting Up Your Profile

After confirmation, Instagram asks you to add a profile picture and a username. Your username is the name people will use to find you — it appears with an @ symbol, like @yourname. Usernames can contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but no spaces. If the username you want is already taken, Instagram will suggest alternatives.

You do not have to add a profile picture right away — you can skip this step and add one later. If you do add a picture, use a clear photo of your face or a recognizable image. Tap the circle icon to upload a photo from your phone's camera roll, or take a new photo with your phone's camera.

Next, Instagram asks you to add a bio — a short description of who you are or what your account is about. This is optional and can be changed anytime. You have 150 characters, which is roughly two sentences. After this, Instagram suggests accounts to follow based on your interests. You can follow some now or skip this and find accounts later.

Choosing a Strong Password

Your Instagram password should be different from passwords you use on email, banking, or other important accounts. If someone guesses or steals one password, they should not be able to access multiple accounts. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or #.

Avoid passwords based on your name, birth date, or information visible on your profile. Do not use common words or straightforward patterns like "123456" or "password". If you struggle to remember a complex password, write it down in a notebook you keep at home, or use a password manager — a tool that stores passwords securely and fills them in for you.

Logging In on Other Devices

Once your account is created, you can log in on any phone, tablet, or computer. Open Instagram or go to Instagram.com, enter your username and password, and tap "Log in". If you are logging in from a new device, Instagram may ask you to confirm your identity by entering a code sent to your email or phone number. This is a security feature — it prevents someone else from accessing your account if they know your password.

You can stay logged in on multiple devices at once. For example, you might have Instagram open on your phone and your computer simultaneously. If you ever want to log out, go to your profile, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll down, and tap "Log out".

What to Do If You Forget Your Password

If you cannot remember your password, tap "Forgot password?" on the Instagram login screen. Instagram will ask whether you want a reset code sent to your email address or phone number — whichever you used when you created your account. Enter the code you receive, then create a new password.

If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number you signed up with, the process is more difficult. Instagram will ask you to verify your identity using your username and a photo of yourself holding your ID. This can take several days. To avoid this situation, update your email address or phone number in your account settings as soon as you change them in real life.

Privacy and Safety Settings to Review First

Before you start using Instagram, spend a few minutes on your privacy settings. Go to your profile, tap the menu icon, and select "Settings and privacy". Under "Privacy", you can choose whether your account is public or private. A public account means anyone can see your posts and follow you without permission. A private account means you must approve each person who wants to follow you.

You can also control who can message you, comment on your posts, and see your story — a feature that shows photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. These settings are in "Settings and privacy" under "Notifications" and "Messages". Turning off notifications from people you do not follow reduces unwanted contact. You can change any of these settings anytime, so do not worry about getting them perfect now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a phone number to create an Instagram account?

No. You can sign up with either an email address or a phone number. Use whichever you check more often, because Instagram sends a confirmation code there. You can add the other one later in your account settings if you want a backup way to recover your account.

Can I change my username after I create my account?

Yes. Go to your profile, tap the menu icon, select "Settings and privacy", then "Account", then "Username". You can change it as often as you want. If the new username you want is taken, you will have to choose something different.

What happens if someone else already has the email address I want to use?

Each email address can only be connected to one Instagram account. If the address is already in use, you will need to use a different email address, a phone number instead, or create a new email account. You cannot sign up with an email that is already attached to another Instagram account.

Is Instagram safe for children under 13?

Instagram requires users to be at least 13 years old. If you are setting up an account for a younger person, you will need to use a different platform. Instagram does offer a version called Instagram for Teens with additional privacy controls, but it is only for users aged 13 to 17.

Can I delete my account after I create it?

Yes. Go to your profile, tap the menu icon, select "Settings and privacy", then "Account", then "Delete account". Instagram will ask you to confirm and enter your password. You have 30 days to change your mind — after that, your account and all your posts are permanently deleted.