The basic connection: what it does and why you'd want it
Connecting Instagram to Facebook means linking the two accounts so they share the same login and settings. When you do this, you can post to both platforms at once, manage both accounts from one place, and see insights about your audience across both apps. Facebook owns Instagram, so the connection is built into both platforms — you don't need a third-party tool.
The connection is optional. You can use Instagram without linking it to Facebook, and you can use Facebook without linking it to Instagram. But if you run a business or post regularly to both, the connection saves time because you don't have to upload the same photo or video twice.
Key Takeaways
- You connect Instagram and Facebook through Instagram's settings, not through Facebook's app or website.
- Both accounts must use the same email address or phone number, or you'll need to change one to match the other first.
- Once connected, you can post to both platforms from Instagram, but you can also disconnect them at any time without losing either account.
- Connecting the accounts does not merge them — they remain separate, and each keeps its own followers, messages, and history.
Step-by-step: connecting on your phone
Open Instagram and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll down to find Accounts and passwords and tap it.
Tap Linked accounts or Connected accounts (the exact wording varies by phone and Instagram version). You should see Facebook listed as an option. Tap it, then tap Connect. Instagram will ask you to log into Facebook if you're not already logged in. Enter your Facebook email and password, then tap Continue. Instagram will ask for permission to access your Facebook account — tap Allow or Continue. Once you see a confirmation message, the accounts are linked.
Step-by-step: connecting on a computer
Go to instagram.com and log in. Click your profile picture in the bottom left, then click Settings. On the left side, click Accounts and passwords. Click Linked accounts. You should see Facebook listed — click it, then click Connect.
A Facebook login window will pop up. Enter your Facebook email and password, then click Continue. Facebook will ask for permission to share information with Instagram — click Allow or Continue. Once you see a confirmation screen, the connection is complete.
What happens after you connect: posting to both at once
After connecting, when you create a post in Instagram, you'll see a toggle or checkbox that says something like Also post to Facebook or Share to Facebook. If you turn this on before you post, Instagram will send the same photo or video to your Facebook page or profile at the same time. You can add different captions for each platform, or use the same caption for both.
Stories work the same way — you can choose to post a story to both Instagram and Facebook simultaneously. Reels (short videos) can also be shared to both platforms. Messages and direct chats do not cross over; those stay separate on each platform.
When the connection doesn't work: troubleshooting
If you tap Connect and nothing happens, or if you get an error message, the most common cause is that your Instagram account and Facebook account use different email addresses or phone numbers. Log out of both apps, then log back into Facebook and check what email or phone number is registered there. Then log into Instagram and go to Settings > Account and change the email or phone to match Facebook's.
If you're still stuck, try logging out of both apps completely, closing them, and trying again. If Instagram says your Facebook account is already connected to a different Instagram account, you'll need to disconnect it from that account first. Log into Facebook on a computer, go to Settings > Apps and websites, find Instagram, and click Remove. Then try connecting again from Instagram.
Disconnecting your accounts: how to unlink them
If you want to stop sharing posts between Instagram and Facebook, you can disconnect them without deleting either account. Open Instagram, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Accounts and passwords > Linked accounts. Tap Facebook, then tap Disconnect or Remove. Confirm when Instagram asks if you're sure.
Your Instagram account and Facebook account will both stay active and unchanged. Any posts you shared to both platforms while they were connected will remain on both platforms — disconnecting doesn't delete them. You can reconnect the accounts later if you change your mind.
Privacy and what Facebook can see
When you connect Instagram to Facebook, Facebook can see your Instagram profile information, the photos and videos you post, and your follower list. Facebook uses this information to show you ads and to suggest friends across both platforms. You cannot prevent Facebook from seeing this information once the accounts are connected — that's part of what the connection means.
If you're uncomfortable with Facebook having access to your Instagram data, you can keep the accounts separate by not connecting them. You can still use both apps; you'll just have to manage them independently. If you've already connected them and want to limit what Facebook sees, disconnecting is the only option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will connecting Instagram to Facebook merge my followers?
No. Your Instagram followers stay on Instagram, and your Facebook friends stay on Facebook. Connecting the accounts does not combine the two lists. However, Facebook may suggest that your Instagram followers add you on Facebook, and vice versa.
Can I post to Instagram without posting to Facebook at the same time?
Yes. Even after you connect the accounts, every post gives you the choice to share to Facebook or not. You can toggle it off for individual posts, so some posts go to both platforms and others go to Instagram only.
What if I have multiple Instagram accounts?
You can connect each Instagram account to a different Facebook account, or you can connect multiple Instagram accounts to the same Facebook account. The connection is done one account at a time through Instagram's settings.
Does connecting Instagram to Facebook cost money?
No. Connecting your accounts is free. Instagram and Facebook are both free to use, and linking them does not change that.
Can I connect Instagram to a Facebook business page instead of my personal profile?
Yes. When you tap Connect in Instagram's linked accounts settings, Facebook will ask which account or page you want to connect to. You can choose your personal profile, a business page you manage, or both.