Instagram lets you switch between multiple accounts on the same phone without logging out and back in each time

You can add up to five accounts to a single Instagram app. Once you add them, you can tap your profile picture to switch between accounts when ready — no need to remember passwords or go through login screens. This works on both iPhone and Android.

The process takes about two minutes. You'll need the username and password for the second account, or you can create a new account from within the app. After you add it, Instagram stores both accounts on your phone, encrypted by your device's security settings.

Key Takeaways

  • You can store up to five Instagram accounts in one app and switch between them by tapping your profile picture.
  • To add an existing account, you need its username and password; to create a new one, you need an email address or phone number.
  • Each account remains separate — followers, messages, and posts stay with the account they belong to.
  • If you forget a password, use Instagram's password reset tool before trying to add the account to your phone.
  • Removing an account from your phone does not delete it; it only logs it out of that device.

How to add an existing Instagram account to your phone

Open Instagram and tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap "Add account". Enter the username and password for the account you want to add, then tap "Log in".

Instagram will ask for permission to send you notifications and access your contacts. You can allow or skip these — they don't affect whether the account gets added. Once you confirm, the account appears in your profile menu. Tap your profile picture again to see both accounts listed at the top of the screen.

How to create a new Instagram account from the app

If you want a second account but don't have one yet, you can create it without leaving the app. Open Instagram, tap your profile picture, scroll down, and tap "Add account". Instead of entering a username and password, tap "Create new account".

Instagram will ask for your email address or phone number, your full name, and a username. You'll set a password and confirm your age. The new account gets added to your phone when ready. You can customize the profile picture, bio, and privacy settings right away by switching to that account and tapping "Edit profile".

Switching between accounts and what stays separate

Once you have multiple accounts added, tap your profile picture at the bottom right. You'll see all your accounts listed at the top of the screen. Tap the one you want to use. Everything switches — your feed, your followers, your direct messages, your saved posts, and your notifications all belong to that account only.

Each account has its own follower list, so someone who follows one of your accounts does not automatically follow the other. Each account has its own direct message inbox. Posts you make on one account don't appear on the other. Stories, Reels, and Lives are all separate too.

Privacy and security when using multiple accounts

When you add an account to your phone, Instagram stores the login information on your device. Your phone's operating system encrypts this data — meaning it's scrambled in a way that only your phone can read. If someone else picks up your phone and opens Instagram, they can see which accounts are added, but they cannot see the passwords.

However, they can tap an account and switch to it without entering a password, because your phone has already verified you once. If you share your phone with others or are concerned about this, you can remove accounts from your phone when you're not using them. Removing an account logs it out of that device only — it doesn't delete the account or change the password.

Removing an account from your phone

Open Instagram, tap your profile picture, and hold down on the account you want to remove. A menu appears with the option "Remove". Tap it, and Instagram asks you to confirm. The account is now logged out of your phone.

You can add it back anytime by entering the username and password again. Removing an account does not affect the account itself — your followers, posts, and messages all stay on Instagram. You're just logging out of that device.

What to do if you forget a password

If you want to add an account but can't remember the password, use Instagram's password reset tool before you try to add it. On the Instagram login screen, tap "Forgot password?" Enter the username or email address for that account. Instagram sends a reset link to the email address on file or a code to the phone number.

Follow the link or enter the code, create a new password, and save it somewhere you can find it. Then go back to "Add account" and enter the username and new password. If you don't have access to the email address or phone number on the account, you may not be able to reset the password — contact Instagram's support for help with that situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else see my passwords if they use my phone?

No. When you add an account to your phone, Instagram stores the password encrypted on your device. Someone else cannot see the password by looking at your phone settings. However, they can tap the account and switch to it without entering a password, because your phone has already verified you. If this concerns you, remove accounts from your phone when you're not using them.

What happens to my second account if I delete the Instagram app?

Deleting the app logs you out of all accounts on that phone, but the accounts themselves still exist on Instagram. When you reinstall the app, you can add them back by entering the username and password again. Your posts, followers, and messages are not affected.

Can I use the same email address for two Instagram accounts?

No. Instagram requires a different email address or phone number for each account. If you want a second account, use a different email address. You can use the same phone number for multiple accounts, but only one account can use it at a time.

Do my followers on one account see that I have a second account?

No. Your accounts are completely separate. Followers on one account cannot see the other account unless you tell them about it or they search for it by username. There is no automatic link between your accounts visible to other users.