Creating a new Instagram account takes about five minutes

You can make a new Instagram account on your phone using the Instagram app, or on a computer using Instagram.com. Either way, you will need an email address or phone number, a password, and a username. Instagram will ask for your name and birthdate. The whole process is free and you can start using the account when ready after you finish signing up.

The fastest route is the mobile app if you have a smartphone. Open Instagram, tap "Create new account" at the bottom of the login screen, and follow the prompts. On a computer, go to Instagram.com, click "Create new account," and fill in the same information. Both paths lead to the same result — a working account ready to use.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an email address or phone number, a strong password, and a username that is not already taken on Instagram.
  • Instagram requires you to be at least 13 years old and will ask for your birthdate during signup.
  • Your username is public and permanent — choose something you are comfortable with other people seeing.
  • You can change your display name, profile picture, and bio anytime after you create the account, but your username is harder to change later.
  • Two-factor authentication adds a security layer by requiring a code from your phone when you log in from a new device.

What information Instagram requires during signup

Instagram asks for your email address or phone number first. Use whichever one you check regularly — Instagram will send password reset links and security alerts there. If you use an email address, make sure it is one you still have access to. If you use a phone number, Instagram will text you a confirmation code to verify it belongs to you.

Next, create a password. Instagram requires at least six characters, but a stronger password uses uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols mixed together — something like "BlueSky#2024Rain" is much harder to guess than "password123." Write it down somewhere safe if you think you might forget it. You will need this password every time you log in on a new device.

Then choose a username. This is the name people will see and use to find you — it appears in your profile URL and in search results. Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Instagram will tell you when ready if the username you want is already taken. You can change your username later, but only once every 14 days, so pick something you can live with for a while.

Your name, birthdate, and profile setup

Instagram asks for your full name, but this is separate from your username. Your name appears on your profile as your display name, and you can change it anytime without waiting. Many people use their real name here, but you can also use a nickname, a business name, or anything else. This is what your followers will see at the top of your profile.

You must provide your birthdate. Instagram uses this to enforce its 13-year-old minimum age requirement. Your birthdate is private — other users cannot see it on your profile. Instagram stores it to verify your age and to show you age-appropriate content and ads.

After you finish these steps, Instagram will show you a profile setup screen. You can add a profile picture, write a bio, and add a link to a website if you have one. You can skip all of this and fill it in later — nothing is locked in place. Many people add a profile picture right away so their account looks complete, but the bio and website link can wait until you know what you want to say.

Choosing a username that works for your situation

Your username is the most permanent part of your account. Think about what you want this account for before you choose. If it is for personal use and you want friends to find you, something close to your real name works well — like "sarah.martinez" or "sarahm1987." If it is for a business or creative work, you might want something that describes what you do, like "sarah_photography" or "sarahbakes."

Avoid usernames with personal information like your full birthdate, address, or phone number. These are public and visible to anyone on Instagram. Also avoid usernames that are very similar to your passwords or other accounts — if someone guesses one, you do not want them to guess the others.

If the username you want is taken, Instagram will suggest alternatives with numbers or underscores added. You can accept one of these suggestions, try a different variation yourself, or choose something completely different. Remember that you can only change your username once every 14 days, so take a moment to think about whether you like it before you move forward.

Setting up two-factor authentication right after signup

Two-factor authentication is a security feature that requires a second step when you log in from a device Instagram does not recognize. Instead of just entering your password, you will also need to enter a code that Instagram sends to your phone. This makes it much harder for someone else to access your account even if they somehow learn your password.

To turn on two-factor authentication, go to your profile, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), select "Settings and privacy," then "Security," then "Two-factor authentication." Instagram will ask whether you want to use an authentication app, SMS text messages, or both. Using your phone number for text messages is the simplest option for most people. You can set this up in about two minutes and it will protect your account from that point forward.

Instagram will ask you to save backup codes — a list of one-time codes you can use if you lose access to your phone. Write these down or take a screenshot and store it somewhere safe, separate from your phone. If you ever cannot receive text messages, these codes will let you back into your account.

What to do after your account is created

Once your account exists, you can start following people, posting photos or videos, and messaging friends. You do not have to do anything else right away. Many people add a profile picture and a short bio in the first few days so their account looks complete, but this is optional.

If you are creating this account to follow specific people or join specific communities, search for them now and follow their accounts. Instagram will start showing you content from the people you follow in your feed. The more accounts you follow, the more personalized your feed becomes.

Check your privacy settings if you care about who can see your posts. By default, your account is public, which means anyone on Instagram can see your posts, follow you, and message you. If you want only approved followers to see your posts, go to Settings and privacy, select "Account," and turn on "Private account." You can change this anytime.

Troubleshooting common signup problems

If Instagram says your email address is already in use, that email is connected to another Instagram account. You can either use a different email address for this new account, or recover the old account if you forgot the password. To recover an old account, go to the Instagram login page, tap "Need more help?", and follow the steps to reset your password.

If Instagram says your username is invalid, it probably contains characters that are not allowed. Usernames can only use letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Remove any spaces, hyphens, or special characters and try again. If Instagram says the username is taken, that exact username belongs to someone else. Try adding a number or underscore to make it unique.

If you do not receive a confirmation code by text message, check that you entered your phone number correctly. If the number is correct, wait a few minutes — text messages sometimes take time to arrive. You can also tap "Didn't get the code?" to request a new one. If texts still do not arrive, try using an email address instead of a phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create multiple Instagram accounts with the same email address?

No. Each Instagram account needs its own email address or phone number. If you want multiple accounts, use different email addresses for each one. You can add all of them to the Instagram app and switch between them without logging out and back in each time.

What if I want to change my username later?

You can change your username once every 14 days. Go to your profile, tap the menu icon, select "Settings and privacy," then "Account," then "Username." Type your new username and tap "Change username." Instagram will tell you if the new name is available. After you change it, you cannot change it again for 14 days.

Is my birthdate visible to other Instagram users?

No. Your birthdate is private and only Instagram can see it. Other users cannot view your birthdate on your profile or anywhere else on the app. Instagram uses it only to verify you meet the age requirement and to show you age-appropriate content.

Do I have to add a profile picture right away?

No. You can create an account and leave the profile picture blank. Many people add one within the first few days so their account looks complete, but it is not required. You can add or change your profile picture anytime by going to your profile and tapping the profile picture area.

What happens if I forget my password?

Go to the Instagram login page and tap "Forgot password?" Enter your username, email address, or phone number. Instagram will send a password reset link to your email or a code to your phone. Click the link or enter the code, then create a new password. Make sure your new password is different from the old one.