Add a new email to your Instagram account in three steps
You can add a second email address to your Instagram account, or replace your current one, through the settings menu on your phone or computer. Instagram lets you keep one primary email at a time, but you can change which one that is whenever you need to. The process takes about two minutes and doesn't require you to log out or create a new account.
The steps are slightly different depending on whether you're using the Instagram app on your phone or the website on a computer, but both routes lead to the same result: a verified email address tied to your account.
Key Takeaways
- You can add or change your email through Settings > Account > Email on the Instagram app, or through Settings > Account > Email on the website.
- Instagram sends a confirmation link to the new email address, and you must click it within 24 hours to complete the change.
- You can only have one primary email address on your account at a time, but you can switch between different emails by repeating this process.
- If you forget your password, Instagram uses your email address to send you a reset link, so keeping it current helps you regain access if you're locked out.
How to change your email on the Instagram app
Open Instagram and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll down and tap Account, then tap Email.
Type the new email address into the field. Instagram will show you the email address currently linked to your account above the input box. Tap Next at the bottom of the screen. Instagram sends a confirmation email to the address you just entered — check your inbox (and spam folder) for a message from Instagram with the subject line "Confirm your email address on Instagram."
Click the confirmation link in that email within 24 hours. The link takes you back to Instagram and completes the change. If you don't confirm within 24 hours, you'll need to start over and enter the email address again.
How to change your email on the Instagram website
Go to Instagram.com and log in. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Settings and privacy from the dropdown menu. Click Settings. On the left sidebar, click Account, then click Email.
Type the new email address into the field. Click Next. Instagram sends a confirmation email to the address you entered. Open that email, click the confirmation link, and the change is complete. Like the app, you have 24 hours to confirm.
What happens if you don't confirm the new email
If the confirmation link expires (after 24 hours), your email address stays the same. You can try again by going back to Settings > Account > Email and entering the new address a second time. Instagram will send a fresh confirmation email.
If you entered the wrong email address by mistake, you don't need to wait for the link to expire. Just go back to Settings > Account > Email and enter the correct address instead. The old confirmation link becomes invalid as soon as you request a new one.
Why Instagram needs your email address
Instagram uses your email address as a backup way to log in and as the primary method to reset your password if you forget it. If someone gains access to your account, Instagram can also send you a security alert to that email address. Keeping your email current and checking it regularly helps you catch unauthorized access quickly.
Your email address is also how Instagram contacts you about account changes, suspicious activity, or policy violations. If your email is outdated and someone reports your account or Instagram detects unusual behavior, you won't receive the notification.
Switching between multiple email addresses
You can only have one primary email on your Instagram account at any given time. If you want to use a different email, you repeat the process: go to Settings > Account > Email, enter the new address, and confirm it. The old email is replaced.
If you're switching because you no longer have access to your old email (for example, you left a job and lost your work email), you can still change it as long as you can still log into Instagram. If you can't log in and can't access the old email either, you'll need to use Instagram's account recovery process, which asks you to verify your identity through other means like a phone number or photo ID.
Troubleshooting email confirmation problems
If you don't see the confirmation email, check your spam or junk folder first — confirmation emails sometimes get filtered there. If it's not there, wait a few minutes and check again, as the email can take a few moments to arrive.
If you still don't see it after 10 minutes, go back to Settings > Account > Email and request a new confirmation email. You can do this as many times as you need. If you're having trouble accessing the email account itself (for example, you forgot the password to that email), you'll need to reset that email account's password through the email provider before you can confirm the change on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one email address on Instagram?
No, Instagram only allows one primary email address per account. You can change which email is linked to your account, but you cannot keep multiple emails active at the same time. If you need to switch between emails, you change the primary one through Settings.
What if I confirm the email but then change my mind?
You can change your email address as many times as you want. Just go back to Settings > Account > Email and enter a different address. The previous email is replaced once you confirm the new one.
Will changing my email affect my password or login?
No. Your password stays the same. You can still log in with your username or phone number. The email change only affects which address Instagram uses to send you password reset links and security alerts.
What if the confirmation link doesn't work?
The link expires after 24 hours. If it doesn't work, go back to Settings > Account > Email and enter the email address again to receive a new confirmation link. Make sure you're clicking the link in the same browser or device where you're logged into Instagram.
Can I use a business email or alias?
Yes, you can use any email address you have access to and can receive messages at. Instagram doesn't restrict the type of email — it can be a personal account, work account, or alias, as long as you can open it to confirm the link.