Why you need an email on Instagram
Instagram requires an email address to create an account and to recover your password if you get locked out. Without one on file, you cannot reset your login if you forget your password or if someone else gains access to your account. The email you add becomes the main way Instagram contacts you about account security, password resets, and policy changes.
You can add an email when you first sign up, or add one later if your account was created with a phone number instead. You can also change the email address on an existing account at any time — this is useful if you no longer use the email you originally provided, or if you want to switch to a work email or a more secure one.
Key Takeaways
- You can add or change your email in Instagram's settings under "Account" — the process takes less than a minute and requires only your current password.
- Instagram sends a confirmation link to the new email address you enter; you must click that link to complete the change.
- If you no longer have access to your old email, you can remove it first and then add a new one, but you will need to know your Instagram password.
- The email address you add must not already be connected to another Instagram account.
Steps to add or change your email on the Instagram app
Open Instagram and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select "Settings and privacy." Tap "Account information" and then tap "Email." You will see the email currently on file, if one exists.
Tap the email field and type the new email address you want to use. Instagram will ask you to enter your password to confirm the change — type it in and tap "Next." Instagram then sends a confirmation link to the new email address. Open that email, click the confirmation link, and the change is complete. If you do not see the confirmation email within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder.
Steps to add or change your email on Instagram's website
Go to Instagram.com and log in to your account. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select "Settings" from the menu. On the left side, click "Account information" and then click "Email." You will see the email currently on file.
Click the email field, type the new email address, and click "Change email." Instagram will ask for your password — enter it and click "Next." A confirmation link is sent to the new email address. Open that email, click the link, and the change takes effect immediately.
What to do if you cannot access your old email
If the email on your account no longer works and you cannot receive the confirmation link, you can remove it first. Go to Settings and privacy > Account information > Email, and look for a "Remove" or "Delete" option next to the current email. Tap or click it, enter your password, and the email is removed from your account.
Once the old email is removed, you can add a new one using the same steps as above. Instagram will send the confirmation link to the new email address. If you cannot remember your Instagram password, you will need to reset it using a phone number or username recovery before you can make these changes.
Email addresses that Instagram will not accept
Instagram will reject an email address if it is already connected to another Instagram account. If you see an error message saying the email is already in use, that email belongs to a different account. You must use a different email address, or you can remove that email from the other account first (if you own it) and then add it to this one.
Instagram also will not accept certain types of email addresses that are no longer active or that are known to be temporary. If you are using a temporary email service, Instagram may block it. Use a permanent email address that you control and check regularly.
How to verify your email is working
After you add an email to your account, Instagram may send you a welcome message or a security notification to that address. Check your inbox (and spam folder) to make sure you receive messages from Instagram. If you do not receive any mail from Instagram within a day or two, the email address may not be set up correctly, or your email provider may be blocking Instagram's messages.
If you suspect a problem, go back to Settings and privacy > Account information > Email and verify that the address shown is spelled correctly. If it is not, repeat the steps to change it. If the address is correct but you still do not receive Instagram emails, contact your email provider to check whether Instagram's messages are being blocked.
What happens if you change your email
Changing your email does not affect your Instagram password, your followers, your posts, or anything else on your account. Only the email address on file changes. You will still log in with your username and password exactly as before. The new email is used only for password resets, security alerts, and other account notifications from Instagram.
If you change your email and then forget your password later, you will receive the password reset link at the new email address, not the old one. This is why it is important to make sure the new email is one you check regularly and can access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add more than one email to my Instagram account?
No. Instagram allows only one email address per account. If you want to use a different email, you must remove the current one and add the new one in its place. The change takes effect once you click the confirmation link in the new email.
What if I do not receive the confirmation email from Instagram?
Check your spam, junk, or promotions folder — Instagram emails sometimes end up there. If you still do not see it after 10 minutes, go back to Settings and privacy > Account information > Email and try adding the email again. Make sure you type it correctly. If the problem continues, the email address may be blocked by your email provider.
Can I change my email without knowing my password?
No. Instagram requires your password to change the email on your account. If you do not remember your password, you must reset it first using your username or phone number. Once you reset it, you can then change your email using the new password.
Will changing my email log me out of Instagram?
No. Changing your email does not log you out or affect your login. You stay logged in on all your devices. The email change is complete as soon as you click the confirmation link in the new email.
What if the email I want to use is already on another Instagram account I own?
Remove the email from the other account first, then add it to this one. Go to that account's Settings and privacy > Account information > Email, remove the email, and confirm. Then log into this account and add the email using the steps above.