Instagram lets you change your birth date, but the rules depend on how old your account says you are right now

If you entered the wrong birth date when you created your Instagram account, you can update it in your account settings. The process takes about two minutes. However, Instagram limits how often you can change it — you can only modify your birth date once every 60 days. If your account currently shows you as under 18, Instagram has additional restrictions on what you can change and when.

The reason for these limits is that Instagram uses your age to enforce different rules. Accounts under 18 get stricter privacy settings by default, cannot use certain features like shopping tags, and see different advertising. If you're changing your age because you actually turned a year older, or because you made a typo when signing up, the process is straightforward. If you're trying to change your age to access features restricted to older users, understand that Instagram's system is designed to prevent exactly that.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your birth date in Instagram settings under "Personal Information," but only once every 60 days.
  • If your account currently shows you as under 18, you cannot change your age to 18 or older — you must wait until your actual birthday or contact Instagram support.
  • Changing your age affects which features you can use, what privacy settings explore to your account, and what ads you see.
  • Instagram can disable your account if it detects you provided false information about your age when you signed up.

How to update your birth date if you're 18 or older

Open Instagram on your phone or computer and go to your profile. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or the hamburger menu on desktop) and select "Settings and privacy." Then tap "Account information" and choose "Personal information." You'll see your current birth date listed there.

Tap on the birth date field to edit it. Instagram will ask you to confirm your new date. Once you submit the change, it takes effect when ready. You won't be able to change it again for 60 days, so double-check before you confirm. If you made a small error — like the wrong month or day — this is the time to fix it.

What happens if your account currently shows you as under 18

Instagram does not allow you to change your age from under 18 to 18 or older through the settings menu. If you created your account as a minor and entered your real birth date, you'll need to wait until your actual 18th birthday. Instagram's system will automatically update your age on that date.

If you entered the wrong birth date when you were under 18 and now want to correct it, you have two options. You can contact Instagram's support team through the app and explain the error. Go to Settings and privacy, then Help, then Report a problem, and describe that you entered an incorrect birth date as a minor. Instagram may ask you to verify your identity before making the change. Alternatively, you can wait until your actual 18th birthday, at which point the age restriction lifts and you can change your date yourself.

Why Instagram restricts age changes and what it means for your account

Instagram's 60-day limit and age-based restrictions exist because the platform is legally required to treat accounts differently based on age. In the United States and many other countries, there are laws about what data can be collected from minors, what ads they can see, and what features they can access. If Instagram allowed straightforward age changes, it would be straightforward for young users to bypass these protections.

The company also uses age information to detect fraud. If your account was created with a false birth date and Instagram's systems catch it later, your account can be disabled. This is especially true if the discrepancy is large — for example, if you created an account claiming to be 45 and later tried to change it to 16. Instagram's automated systems flag these as potential violations of their terms of service, which require you to be at least 13 years old and to provide accurate information.

Features and settings that change based on your age

Your age determines which features Instagram makes available to you. If your account shows you as under 18, you cannot use Instagram Shopping, cannot be tagged in shopping posts, and cannot access certain creator tools. Your account is also set to private by default, and you cannot receive messages from people you don't follow. Ads shown to you are restricted — Instagram will not show you ads for alcohol, gambling, or certain other products.

Once your account shows you as 18 or older, these restrictions lift. You can switch to a public account, use shopping features, and see a wider range of ads. You also gain access to more creator monetization tools if you plan to build an audience. These changes happen automatically when your age updates, whether that's through your birthday passing or through a manual change you make in settings.

What to do if you cannot change your age in settings

If you tap on your birth date and the field will not let you edit it, or if you get an error message, it usually means you've already changed your date within the last 60 days. Check when you last made a change — Instagram will tell you when you're may be able to access to change it again.

If the field is completely locked and you haven't changed it recently, or if you're trying to change from under 18 to 18 and the option isn't available, contact Instagram support. Open the app, go to Settings and privacy, then Help, then Report a problem. Describe your situation clearly — for example, "I entered the wrong birth date when I created my account and cannot change it now." Include your birth date and the date you want it to be. Instagram's support team typically responds within a few days, though response times vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my age multiple times if I keep waiting 60 days?

Yes. Instagram allows one change every 60 days. If you need to correct another error after your first change, you can do so after the 60-day window closes. However, if Instagram detects a pattern of repeated age changes, it may flag your account as suspicious.

What if I turned 18 but Instagram still shows me as 17?

Instagram should update your age automatically on your birthday. If it hasn't updated within a day or two, try logging out and back in, or uninstall and reinstall the app. If it still shows the wrong age after that, contact support and provide your real birth date and the date you turned 18.

Will changing my age affect my followers or posts?

Your followers and posts stay the same. Changing your age only affects which features you can use and what privacy settings explore going forward. Your follower count, likes, and comments are not deleted or hidden.

Can Instagram tell if I'm lying about my age?

Instagram uses automated systems to detect suspicious patterns, like accounts created with ages that don't match the person's activity or location data. The company also reviews reports from other users. If Instagram believes you provided false information, it can disable your account without warning.

Do I need to verify my identity to change my age?

Not for a routine change if your account is 18 or older. If you're contacting support because you cannot change your age yourself, Instagram may ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your ID or answering security questions about your account.