Creating Your Account with Email or Phone

To start a new Instagram account, you need either an email address or a phone number. Open the Instagram app on your phone or go to instagram.com on a computer. Tap or click "Create new account" at the bottom of the login screen.

Instagram will ask whether you want to sign up with your email or phone number. Either works the same way — choose whichever you use more often and remember more easily. Type it in, then tap "Next". Instagram will send you a code (to your email inbox or as a text message). Enter that code on the screen that appears.

Next, you'll create a password. Make it at least six characters long and use a mix of numbers and letters if you can — this makes it harder for someone else to guess. Write it down somewhere safe, like a password manager or a notebook you keep at home. You'll need this password every time you log in on a new device.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create an Instagram account with an email address or phone number, and Instagram will send you a code to confirm it's really yours.
  • Your password should be at least six characters and include numbers and letters, and you should write it down in a safe place.
  • Your username is what other people see and type to find you — it can be different from your real name and you can change it later.
  • Adding a profile photo and a short bio helps other people recognize you and understand what your account is about.
  • You can set your account to private so only people you approve can see your posts, or keep it public so anyone can follow you.

Choosing Your Username and Display Name

After you confirm your code and set your password, Instagram asks for your name. This is your display name — what appears at the top of your profile. You can use your real name, a nickname, or anything else. You can change this anytime without losing your account.

Next comes your username. This is different from your display name. Your username is what people type after the @ symbol to find you — for example, @sarah.chen or @sarahchen2024. Usernames can only use letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. No spaces or special characters.

Choose a username you won't mind seeing in public, because anyone who finds your account will see it. You can change your username later, but Instagram limits how often you can do this (usually once every 14 days). If the username you want is already taken, Instagram will suggest alternatives. You can accept one of those or type a different one.

Adding a Profile Photo and Bio

Once your username is set, Instagram asks if you want to add a profile photo. This is optional, but people are more likely to follow you if they can see a face or a clear image. If you're using Instagram for personal reasons, use a photo of yourself. If it's for a business or hobby, use a logo or a clear picture related to what you do.

You can upload a photo from your phone's camera roll, or take a new photo right then. Instagram will let you crop and adjust it. If you don't want to add a photo now, you can skip this step and add one later by going to your profile and tapping "Edit profile".

Next, add a bio — a short description of who you are or what your account is about. You have 150 characters, which is roughly two sentences. For example: "Dog trainer in Portland" or "Sharing my garden experiments" or "Photographer — weddings and events". This helps people understand what they'll see if they follow you.

Deciding Between a Public and Private Account

Instagram asks whether you want your account to be public or private. A public account means anyone on Instagram can see your posts, follow you without your permission, and find you by searching your username. A private account means only people you approve can follow you and see your posts.

If you're using Instagram to share with friends and family you already know, private is usually safer. If you're using it for a hobby or business and want to reach new people, public works better. You can change this setting anytime by going to Settings, tapping "Privacy", and toggling "Private account" on or off.

Keep in mind that even on a private account, Instagram may show your profile to people searching for you, and your username is always visible. If you want to be harder to find, a private account with a username that doesn't include your real name gives you more control over who sees your posts.

Connecting Contacts and Following People

After you finish the setup steps, Instagram offers to find people you know. It does this by looking at your phone's contacts or by connecting to Facebook if you have an account there. You don't have to do this — you can skip it and search for people later.

If you choose to connect your contacts, Instagram will show you a list of people from your phone who already have Instagram accounts. You can follow any of them by tapping the button next to their name. This is optional — only follow people whose posts you actually want to see.

You can also search for specific people by tapping the search icon (a magnifying glass) at the bottom of the screen. Type someone's username or real name, and Instagram will show you matching accounts. Tap on an account to see their profile, and tap "Follow" if you want to see their posts in your feed.

Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is an extra security step that makes your account much harder for someone else to break into. When it's turned on, Instagram asks for a code (sent to your phone or generated by an app) every time you log in from a new device.

To turn it on, go to Settings, tap "Security", then tap "Two-factor authentication". Instagram will ask you to choose a method: receiving codes by text message, or using an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. Text message is simpler; an app is more find. Choose one and follow the steps to confirm.

This takes about two minutes to set up, and it's worth doing if you use Instagram for anything important — a business account, a hobby you care about, or an account connected to your email. If you ever forget your password, two-factor authentication also helps you prove the account is yours when you try to get back in.

What to Do After Your Account Is Created

Your new account is now ready to use. Before you start posting, spend a few days looking at other accounts in your interest area. Follow people whose posts you like, and notice what kinds of photos and captions get engagement. This helps you understand what works on Instagram.

When you're ready to post, tap the plus icon at the bottom of the screen. You can upload a photo or video from your camera roll, or take one right then. Add a caption (the text that goes with your post), and choose whether to share it with your followers or just close friends. You can also add hashtags — words that start with # — to help people find your post.

Remember that anything you post is visible to whoever can see your account (everyone if it's public, only approved followers if it's private). Think before you post, and don't share personal information like your home address or phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a fake name or nickname as my username?

Yes. Your username doesn't have to match your real name. Many people use nicknames, initials, or made-up names. Just remember that your username is public and permanent (though you can change it every 14 days), so choose something you won't regret.

What if someone else has the username I want?

If the username is taken, you'll need to choose a different one. You can add numbers, periods, or underscores to make it unique — for example, if sarah.chen is taken, try sarah.chen2024 or sarah_chen. Instagram will suggest alternatives when you try to claim a username.

Do I have to use my real phone number or email?

You need a real, working email or phone number to create your account, because Instagram sends you a confirmation code. After that, you can change the email or phone number linked to your account in Settings. You don't have to use your personal number — you can use a work email or a secondary phone number.

Can I delete my account and start over?

Yes. Go to Settings, tap "Help", then "Delete account". Instagram will ask you to confirm and will give you the option to read your photos first. After you delete it, you can create a new account with the same email or phone number, or a different one.

Is it safe to connect my Facebook account to Instagram?

Connecting Facebook makes login easier and helps you find friends, but it also links your accounts. If you're concerned about privacy, you can create an Instagram account with just an email and skip the Facebook connection. You can always add it later if you change your mind.