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. The fastest way is to use the Instagram app on your phone, though you can also go through a web browser on a computer.
Before you begin, decide whether you want to use your real name or a different username. Instagram lets you change your username later without losing your account, so you do not have to get this perfect on the first try. Your email address or phone number is what you use to log in; your username is what other people see and use to find you.
Key Takeaways
- read the Instagram app or open instagram.com in a browser, then tap or click "Create new account" at the bottom of the login screen.
- Enter your email address or phone number, then create a strong password that you do not use on other websites.
- Choose a username (you can change this later) and add your name so people know who you are.
- Confirm your account by entering a code Instagram sends to your email or phone, then you are ready to use Instagram.
- Turn on two-factor authentication in Settings to protect your account from being hacked, even if someone learns your password.
read the app or open the website
On your 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 made by Meta Platforms, Inc. Tap "Get" or "Install", then wait for it to read and open automatically.
If you are using a computer instead, open a web browser and go to instagram.com. You will see the login screen with a photo on the left and a white box on the right. At the bottom of the white box, you will see text that says "Do not have an account? Sign up". Click that link.
Enter your email or phone number
On the app, tap "Create new account" at the bottom of the login screen. On the website, click "Sign up" after clicking the link above. Either way, you will see a form asking for your email address or phone number. Type whichever one you want to use — this is how you will log in to Instagram from now on, so use something you check regularly.
Instagram will send a code to that email or phone number in the next step, so make sure you typed it correctly. If you use a work email, remember that you will need access to that email to recover your account if you forget your password later.
Create a password and choose your username
Instagram will ask you to create a password. Make it at least eight characters long and use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #). Do not use a password you have used on other websites, because if one website gets hacked, hackers will try that same password everywhere. A good approach is to use a phrase you remember — like "MyDog'sName2024!" — rather than trying to memorize a random string.
Next, you will choose a username. This is what appears on your profile and what people type to find you (like @yourname). Usernames can have letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but no spaces. If the username you want is taken, Instagram will suggest alternatives. You can change your username later in Settings, so if nothing feels right now, pick something temporary and change it once you have set up your account.
Add your name and confirm your account
Instagram will ask for your full name or the name you want to display on your profile. This is different from your username — it is what appears at the top of your profile page and in search results. You can use your real name, a nickname, or a business name. You can change this anytime, so do not worry about getting it exactly right.
After you enter your name, Instagram will send a six-digit code to the email address or phone number you provided. Check your email inbox (or text messages if you used a phone number) and enter that code into the box Instagram shows you. If you do not see the code within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes email providers filter Instagram's messages by mistake. Once you enter the code correctly, your account is created and you can start using Instagram.
Set up two-factor authentication to protect your account
Now that your account exists, add a security layer called two-factor authentication. This means that even if someone learns your password, they cannot log in without also having access to your phone or email. On the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then tap "Settings and privacy". Scroll down and tap "Security". On a computer, click your profile picture in the top right, click "Settings", then click "Security" on the left side.
Look for "Two-factor authentication" and tap or click it. Instagram will offer two options: authentication through an app (like Google Authenticator) or through text message. Text message is simpler if you are new to this — Instagram will send you a code by text whenever you log in from a new device. Choose whichever option feels easier, then follow the steps to turn it on. This takes two minutes and protects you from most account theft.
What to do after your account is created
Your account is now ready to use. You do not have to add a profile photo, write a bio, or follow anyone right away. Many people add a photo and a short bio (a sentence or two about who you are) before they start following others, but you can do this whenever you feel ready. To add a photo, tap your profile picture icon at the bottom right of the app, tap "Edit profile", then tap the circle at the top to upload a photo from your phone.
Start by following people or accounts you are interested in — friends, family, hobbies, news sources, or whatever matters to you. Instagram will show you posts from the accounts you follow in your feed. You can like posts by double-tapping them, comment by tapping the speech bubble, or send posts to friends by tapping the paper airplane icon. Take time to explore and get comfortable with how the app works before you post anything yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create an Instagram account without an email address or phone number?
No. Instagram requires either an email address or a phone number to create an account. This is how they verify you are a real person and how you recover your account if you forget your password. You can use any email address you have access to, including a work email or a free email from Gmail or Outlook.
What if the username I want is already taken?
Instagram will tell you the username is not available and suggest similar alternatives. You can try adding numbers or underscores (like john_smith_2024 instead of john_smith), or you can pick a different username now and change it later once you have set up your account. You can change your username once every 14 days.
Do I have to use my real name on Instagram?
No. Your name field can be anything — a nickname, a business name, or a made-up name. Your username is what people search for and see on your profile, and that can also be anything. Many people use their real name for safety and so friends can find them, but it is your choice.
Is it safe to create an Instagram account?
Instagram is generally safe if you use a strong password and turn on two-factor authentication. Do not share your password with anyone, and be careful about what personal information you post publicly. You can control who sees your posts and who can message you through your privacy settings.
Can I delete my Instagram account and create a new one?
Yes. You can deactivate your account (which hides it temporarily) or permanently delete it through Settings. If you delete it, you cannot use the same email address or phone number to create a new account for 30 days. After 30 days, you can create a fresh account with the same email address.