You can create an Instagram account in about five minutes using your email, phone number, or Facebook account

Instagram lets you sign up three ways: with an email address, a phone number, or an existing Facebook account. The process is the same whether you use a phone or computer — you download the app or go to instagram.com, tap or click "Create new account," and follow the prompts. You'll need to choose a username, add a profile photo if you want one, and confirm your identity. Most accounts are ready to use immediately, though Instagram may ask you to verify your email or phone number before you can post.

The fastest route is usually signing up with Facebook if you already have an account there, because Instagram skips the verification step. If you're starting fresh with just an email or phone number, set aside a few minutes to check your email or texts — Instagram sends a confirmation code you have to enter to finish.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create an account using an email address, phone number, or Facebook account, and the process takes about five minutes on any device.
  • Instagram will ask you to verify your email address or phone number by entering a code they send you, unless you sign up through Facebook.
  • Your username is what other people see and use to find you — you can change it later if you want, but you'll need to wait a few weeks between changes.
  • You don't have to add a profile photo or bio to create an account, but doing so helps people recognize you and makes your account look active.

Creating an account on your phone using the Instagram app

Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android phone. If you don't have it yet, search for "Instagram" in the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) and tap "Get" or "Install." Once the app opens, you'll see a login screen with a link at the bottom that says "Create new account" — tap that link.

Instagram will ask you to choose how you want to sign up. Tap "Use email or phone number" if you want to create an account from scratch, or tap "Log in with Facebook" if you have a Facebook account. If you choose email or phone, enter your information and tap "Next." Instagram sends a confirmation code to your email inbox or as a text message — check your email or texts, copy the code, and paste it into the app. Then create a password, add your name, and choose a username.

Your username is permanent for at least two weeks after you create it, so choose something you're comfortable with. It can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but no spaces. Once you've entered everything, tap "Sign up" and your account is live.

Creating an account on a computer or web browser

Go to instagram.com in any web browser. You'll see a login page with a link that says "Create new account" — click that link. A window will pop up asking how you want to sign up. Click "Use email or phone number" or "Log in with Facebook," depending on which method you prefer.

If you use email or phone, type in your information and click "Next." Instagram sends a confirmation code to your email or phone — retrieve it and paste it into the box on the screen. Then create a password, enter your name, and pick a username. Click "Sign up" when you're done, and your account is ready.

One difference on the web: Instagram may ask you to confirm you're not a bot by solving a simple puzzle or clicking boxes with specific objects in them. This is normal and takes less than a minute.

Choosing a username that works for you

Your username is how people find and mention you on Instagram — it's different from your name, which is just for display. Usernames can be 1 to 30 characters long and can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. You cannot use spaces or most special characters. Instagram checks whether the username you want is already taken and tells you immediately if it is.

Think about whether you want your username to match your real name, a nickname, or something creative. If you're using Instagram for business or personal branding, a username close to your actual name makes you easier to find. If you're creating a private account for friends, you can be more playful. Remember that you can't change your username for at least two weeks after you create it, and Instagram limits how often you can change it after that — so pick something you'll be happy with for a while.

If the username you want is taken, Instagram suggests similar alternatives. You can also try adding numbers or underscores to make it unique — for example, if "sarah.jones" is taken, you might try "sarah.jones23" or "sarah_jones_official."

Adding a profile photo and bio

After you create your account, Instagram takes you to a screen where you can add a profile photo and write a short bio. Neither is required to use Instagram, but both help other people recognize you and understand what your account is about. You can add or change these anytime by going to your profile and tapping "Edit profile."

To add a profile photo, tap the camera icon or the blank profile circle. Instagram lets you take a new photo with your phone's camera or choose one from your phone's photo library. Crop and adjust it if you want, then tap "Use" or "Done." For a bio, tap the bio field and type up to 150 characters about yourself — this might be your job, your interests, a funny phrase, or a link to your website.

If you're not ready to add these now, you can skip this step and come back to it later. Your account works the same way with or without a photo and bio.

What to do if Instagram asks you to verify your identity

Sometimes Instagram asks new accounts to verify their identity before they can post or message. This usually means uploading a photo of yourself holding your ID, or taking a selfie that Instagram compares to your ID photo. Instagram does this to prevent fake accounts and spam.

If you see a verification request, follow the on-screen instructions. Take a clear photo of your ID (driver's license, passport, or national ID card) and a selfie of yourself. Make sure your face is visible and the ID is readable. Instagram reviews these photos and usually responds within a few days. If you're verified, you can post and message right away. If Instagram needs more information, they'll let you know what to do next.

This step is not common for most new accounts, but it's more likely if Instagram thinks your account might be spam or if you're signing up from a country with stricter rules.

Troubleshooting common problems when creating an account

The username you want is taken: Instagram shows you this immediately. Try adding numbers, underscores, or periods to make it unique. You can also check if the account using that username is active — if it hasn't posted in years, you might try a slightly different version.

You didn't receive the confirmation code: Check your spam or junk folder — confirmation emails sometimes end up there. If you still don't see it, go back and ask Instagram to send the code again. If you're using a phone number, make sure you entered it correctly, including the country code if you're outside the United States.

Instagram says your password is too weak: Instagram requires passwords to be at least 6 characters long and recommends mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Try something like "BlueSky2024!" instead of just "password."

You're stuck on the verification screen: Make sure you're using a strong internet connection — Instagram sometimes times out on slow networks. Close the app completely and open it again, or try on a computer if you were using your phone.

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 a second account, use a different email address. Once you've created both accounts, you can switch between them in the app without logging out — just tap your profile picture and select "Switch accounts."

Do I have to use my real name on Instagram?

No. Your name field (different from your username) can be anything you want — a nickname, a business name, or a made-up name. Only your username and profile photo are visible to everyone by default. Your name is visible to people who visit your profile, but you can change it anytime.

What if I forget my password right after creating my account?

Go to the Instagram login page and tap "Forgot password?" Enter your username or email address, and Instagram sends you a link to reset it. Click the link in your email and create a new password. This works the same way whether you just created the account or have had it for years.

Can I create an Instagram account without a phone number or email?

No. Instagram requires either an email address, a phone number, or a Facebook account to create an account. You can't sign up with just a username and password. If you don't have an email address, you can create one for free at Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo in a few minutes.

How long does it take for a new Instagram account to be fully active?

Your account is ready to use immediately after you sign up, but Instagram may ask you to verify your email or phone number before you can post. Verification usually takes a few minutes — just enter the code Instagram sends you. In rare cases, Instagram may ask for identity verification, which can take a few days.