Where Instagram stores your phone number and why you might change it

Instagram keeps a phone number on file for two reasons: to help you recover your account if you forget your password, and to let Instagram contact you about suspicious activity. When you change your actual phone number — whether you switched carriers, got a new device, or straightforward want to use a different number — you should update the one Instagram has. Otherwise, password recovery texts will go to a number you no longer own, and someone else could answer them.

You can change your phone number directly in the Instagram app or on the web. The process takes less than a minute and doesn't affect your account, followers, or posts. Instagram will send a confirmation code to your new number to make sure you actually own it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your phone number in Instagram settings under "Account" or "Personal Information," depending on whether you use the app or web version.
  • Instagram will text a confirmation code to your new number before the change takes effect, so you must have access to that number right away.
  • Changing your phone number does not delete your account, change your username, or affect your followers and posts.
  • If you no longer have access to your old number, you can skip the confirmation step and add a new number directly, though Instagram may ask for additional proof of identity.

How to change your phone number in the Instagram app

Open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and scroll down to find "Settings and privacy." Tap that option, then tap "Account information." You should see "Phone number" listed there. Tap it to edit.

Delete your old number and type in your new one. Make sure you enter it in the same format Instagram shows — usually with the country code and area code. Tap "Next" or "Save." Instagram will when ready send a six-digit code to that new number via text message. Open the text, copy the code, and paste it into the box Instagram shows you. Once you confirm the code, your new number is saved.

How to change your phone number on Instagram.com

Go to Instagram.com and log in. Click your profile icon in the top right, then click "Settings" from the dropdown menu. On the left side, click "Personal information." You'll see "Phone number" in the list. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit.

Clear the old number and type your new one. Click "Next." Instagram will send a confirmation code to your new number by text. Retrieve the code from your text messages and enter it in the box on the screen. Click "Confirm" and you're done.

What to do if you don't have access to your old phone number

If your old number is no longer active or you don't have the phone anymore, you can still add a new number. When you try to change your number in settings, Instagram may ask you to confirm your identity before letting you skip the old-number verification. You might need to provide your email address, take a photo of yourself, or answer security questions you set up when you created your account.

If Instagram asks for identity proof and you're not sure what to provide, look for a "Need help?" or "Can't confirm?" link on that screen. It will walk you through the options available to you. This process usually takes a few minutes longer than a normal number change, but it protects your account from someone else taking it over.

Why Instagram asks for a confirmation code

The confirmation code serves one purpose: to prove you actually own the phone number you're adding. Without it, someone could add a number they control to your account, lock you out, and take over. By requiring you to receive and enter the code, Instagram makes sure only you can change this recovery method.

Keep your phone nearby when you change your number. The code expires after a few minutes, so you need to retrieve it quickly. If the code doesn't arrive within a minute or two, check that you typed the number correctly and try again. If you still don't receive it, make sure your phone plan includes text messages and that you're not blocking messages from unknown numbers.

What happens after you change your number

Your account stays exactly the same. Your username, followers, posts, and messages don't change. The only thing that changes is which phone number Instagram uses to send you recovery codes and security alerts. If you ever forget your password, Instagram will text the new number you just added.

You can change your phone number as many times as you want. There's no limit to how often you update it, and doing so doesn't trigger any account review or lock your account. If you add a number by mistake, just go back to settings and change it again.

Adding a backup phone number for extra security

Instagram lets you add more than one phone number to your account. If you have a home phone, a work phone, or a family member's number you can access, you can add it as a backup. This way, if you lose access to your main number, you can still recover your account using the backup.

To add a second number, go back to "Phone number" in settings and look for an option to add another one. The process is the same: enter the number, confirm the code, and you're done. You can remove either number at any time by going back to settings and deleting it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my phone number log me out of Instagram?

No. Changing your phone number does not log you out, reset your password, or affect your login in any way. You stay logged in on all your devices. The phone number is only used for account recovery and security alerts.

What if I enter the wrong number by mistake?

If you realize you made a typo before confirming the code, go back and change it. If you already confirmed a wrong number, just go back to settings and change it again. There's no penalty for correcting it.

Can I change my phone number if I'm locked out of my account?

No, you need to be logged in to change your phone number in settings. If you're locked out, use the "Forgot password?" option on the login screen. Instagram will send a recovery code to the phone number currently on file. Once you regain access, you can update it.

Does Instagram keep my old phone number after I change it?

No. When you confirm your new number, Instagram replaces the old one. Your old number is no longer connected to your account. If someone gets that old number later, they won't be able to use it to access your Instagram account.

Can I use a landline or VoIP number instead of a cell phone?

Instagram requires a number that can receive text messages. Landlines and some VoIP services cannot receive SMS, so they won't work. You need a mobile number or a VoIP service that supports text messages, like Google Voice.