What you need before you start

To create an Instagram account, you need three things: an email address or phone number, a password you haven't used elsewhere, and a username. Instagram will ask for your full name, but you can change what displays publicly later. You do not need a credit card, a phone number if you use email, or any prior social media account.

If you already have a Facebook account, Instagram can pull your profile information from there to speed up setup — but this is optional. You can also create an account from scratch with just an email address.

The process takes about five minutes on a phone or computer. Instagram's app is free and available on iPhone, Android, and the web at instagram.com.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an email address or phone number, a strong password, and a username you want to be known by.
  • Your full name and email are not public by default — only your username and profile picture show to other users.
  • You can create an account on your phone using the Instagram app or on a computer using instagram.com.
  • Instagram will ask you to verify your email or phone number before you can fully use the account.
  • Your account starts private by default if you choose that setting, meaning only people you approve can see your posts.

Creating an account on your phone

Open the Instagram app and tap "Create new account" at the bottom of the login screen. Enter your email address or phone number in the first field. Instagram will send you a code to that email or number — check your inbox or text messages and enter the code when prompted.

Next, enter your full name as you want it stored in your account. This name is not your username and does not have to match what you want people to call you online. You can change it later in settings.

Create a password that is at least six characters long and different from passwords you use on other websites. Instagram will ask you to confirm it. Then choose your username — this is what people will type to find you, and it can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Instagram will tell you if the username is already taken.

Add a profile picture by taking a photo with your phone's camera or choosing one from your photos. You can skip this step and add a picture later. Tap "Next" and Instagram will ask if you want to follow suggested accounts — you can skip this too.

Creating an account on a computer

Go to instagram.com and click "Create a new account" below the login fields. You can sign up with your email, phone number, or Facebook account. If you use Facebook, Instagram will fill in your name and profile picture automatically.

If you use email or phone, enter it in the field provided. Instagram sends a verification code to that email or number — retrieve it and paste it into the confirmation screen. Then enter your full name, create a password, and choose your username using the same rules as the phone app.

You can add a profile picture by clicking the camera icon, but it is not required to finish setup. Once you click "Sign up," your account is created and you can start using Instagram when ready.

What happens after you create your account

Instagram will ask you to confirm your email address or phone number by entering a code. This step prevents someone else from creating an account with your contact information. Check your email inbox (including spam folders) or text messages for the code.

After verification, Instagram may ask you to add a profile picture and write a bio — a short description of who you are. Both are optional. You can fill them in now or skip them and add them later from your profile settings.

Your account starts in public mode, meaning anyone can see your posts and follow you without permission. If you want to control who sees your content, go to Settings, tap "Privacy," and turn on "Private account." Once you do, people must send you a follow request that you approve before they can see your posts.

Choosing a username you can live with

Your username is permanent and visible to everyone. You can change it later, but Instagram limits how often you can do this — typically once every 14 days. Choose something you are comfortable with for the long term.

Usernames can be 1 to 30 characters and can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. They cannot include spaces or special characters like hyphens or @ symbols. Instagram will not let you use a username that is already taken or one that violates their terms of service.

If the username you want is taken, try adding a number, a period, or an underscore. For example, if "sarah" is taken, you could try "sarah.2024" or "sarah_photos." Keep it straightforward — the easier it is to spell and remember, the easier it is for people to find you.

Privacy and safety settings to adjust right away

Once your account is created, take a few minutes to adjust your privacy settings. Go to Settings, tap "Privacy," and decide whether you want a public or private account. Public accounts let anyone follow you and see your posts in search results. Private accounts require you to approve each follower.

In the same Privacy section, you can control who can comment on your posts, who can message you, and whether your account appears in search results. You can also turn off activity status so people cannot see when you were last active on Instagram.

Go to Settings and tap "Safety" to block specific people, report accounts, or turn on "Restrict" for someone — this hides their comments and messages from you without them knowing. These tools let you control who can interact with you without being confrontational.

Troubleshooting common problems

If Instagram says your username is taken, it might be because someone else has it or because Instagram reserves certain usernames. Try a variation with a number, period, or underscore. If you cannot think of alternatives, you can always change your username later once you have created the account.

If you do not receive the verification code, check your spam or junk folder — it often ends up there. If it is not there, ask Instagram to send the code again. If you are using a phone number and do not receive a text, try using an email address instead.

If Instagram says you cannot create an account, you may have violated their terms of service in the past, or your email or phone number may already be linked to another account. If you forgot the password to an old account, use Instagram's "Forgot password?" link to reset it instead of creating a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username after I create my account?

Yes. Go to Settings, tap "Edit profile," and change your username. Instagram usually lets you change it once every 14 days, though this can vary. Your old username becomes available for someone else to use once you change it.

Do I have to use my real name on Instagram?

No. Your full name and email are private by default. Only your username and profile picture are visible to other users. You can enter any name you want in the full name field, and you can change it anytime in your profile settings.

What if I want to keep my account private from the start?

After you create your account, go to Settings, tap "Privacy," and turn on "Private account." From that point on, people must send you a follow request that you approve before they can see your posts or follow you.

Can I create multiple Instagram accounts?

Yes. You can create as many accounts as you want using different email addresses or phone numbers. Once you have created them, you can switch between accounts by tapping your profile picture and selecting "Switch accounts" from the menu.

What should I do if someone else created an account with my email address?

Use Instagram's "Forgot password?" link and enter your email address. Instagram will send you a password reset link. Click it to regain control of the account. If you cannot access the email, contact Instagram's support through the app or website to report the account.