You can create an Instagram account on your phone or computer in about five minutes using just an email address or phone number

Instagram lets you sign up with either an email address, a phone number, or a Facebook account. The process is the same whether you use the mobile app or a web browser — you enter your contact information, create a username and password, add a profile photo if you want, and you're done. Your account is live immediately, though you won't see it in search results or recommendations for a few hours.

The most common reason people create a second account is to keep a separate presence for business, a hobby, or a different audience. Instagram allows you to manage multiple accounts from the same phone or computer, which means you can switch between them without logging out and back in each time.

Key Takeaways

  • You need either an email address, a phone number, or a linked Facebook account to create an Instagram account.
  • The signup process takes about five minutes and you can do it on your phone using the app or on a computer using a web browser.
  • You can add a profile photo, bio, and website link after you create your account, but none of these are required to get your free guide.
  • Instagram lets you manage multiple accounts on the same device by adding them to your phone or computer, so you can switch between them without logging out.
  • Your new account will not appear in search results or recommendations for several hours after you create it.

Creating an account on your phone using the Instagram app

Open the Instagram app on your phone. If you don't have it installed, download it from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). Tap the "Create new account" button at the bottom of the login screen.

Enter your email address or phone number. Instagram will send you a code to verify that you own it — check your email inbox or text messages for a six-digit code and enter it into the app. If you don't see the code within a minute, check your spam or junk folder.

Create a username and password. Your username is what other people see and what you use to log in. It can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but no spaces. Your password should be at least six characters long. Tap "Next" when you're done.

Add your name, birthdate, and whether you want a business or personal account. You can change all of these later except your birthdate. Tap "Next" to finish. Instagram will ask if you want to add a profile photo and bio — you can skip both and add them later, or do it now.

Creating an account on a computer using a web browser

Go to instagram.com in any web browser and click "Create new account" near the bottom of the login page. Enter your email address or phone number, then click "Next." Instagram will send you a verification code — find it in your email or text messages and enter it on the website.

Create a username and password the same way you would on the app. Click "Next" and fill in your name and birthdate. Choose whether you want a personal or business account, then click "Sign up." You'll be taken to your new profile, where you can add a photo and bio if you want.

What to do after you create your account

Your account is ready to use immediately, but you should add a profile photo and a bio so people know who you are. Tap or click your profile icon at the bottom right of the screen, then tap "Edit profile." Upload a photo, write a short bio (up to 150 characters), and add a website link if you have one. None of these are required, but they make your account look complete.

If you're creating a business account, you can add contact buttons (email, phone, directions) to your profile. Tap "Edit profile," scroll down, and tap "Contact options" to turn these on. You can also link your Instagram account to a Facebook page if you have one, which makes it easier to manage both at once.

Adding a second account to your phone or computer

If you've already created one Instagram account and want to add another to the same device, you don't have to log out. On your phone, tap your profile icon, scroll down, and tap "Add account." Enter the email or phone number for your second account and follow the same verification steps. On a computer, click your profile icon at the top right, click "Settings," then click "Add account" and enter your login information.

Once you've added multiple accounts, you can switch between them by tapping your username at the top of your phone screen or clicking your profile icon on a computer. This saves you from having to log out and log back in every time you want to post to a different account. You can add up to five accounts per device.

Choosing between a personal and business account

A personal account is for friends and family. A business account gives you access to tools like insights (which show you how many people saw your posts), the ability to add contact buttons to your profile, and the option to run ads. You can switch between personal and business at any time by going to "Settings," tapping "Account type and tools," and choosing which one you want.

If you're not sure which to pick when you sign up, choose personal — you can change it later without losing anything. Business accounts are public by default, which means anyone can see your posts and follow you. Personal accounts can be set to private, so only people you approve can see your content.

Troubleshooting common signup problems

If you don't receive the verification code, check your spam or junk folder first. If it's not there, wait a few minutes and request a new code. If you're using a phone number instead of an email, make sure you entered it with the correct country code (for example, +1 for the United States).

If Instagram says your username is taken, try adding numbers or underscores to make it unique. Usernames are permanent once you create your account, so choose one you're happy with. If you get an error message saying you can't create an account, you may have reached Instagram's limit on new accounts from your device or network — wait 24 hours and try again.

If you're trying to create an account but Instagram keeps asking you to verify your identity, you may need to provide a photo of your ID. This usually happens if Instagram thinks your account might be fake. Follow the prompts to upload a clear photo of your ID and Instagram will review it within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Facebook account to create an Instagram account?

No. You can sign up with an email address or phone number. Linking a Facebook account is optional and only makes it easier to fill in your profile information automatically.

Can I change my username after I create my account?

Yes. Go to "Edit profile" and tap the username field to change it. You can change your username as many times as you want, but you can only change it once every 14 days.

What happens if I create an account but don't use it?

Instagram will not delete your account if you don't use it. Your account will stay active indefinitely. If you want to remove it, you have to delete it yourself through Settings.

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

No. Instagram requires either an email address, a phone number, or a linked Facebook account to create an account. You cannot sign up without at least one of these.

How long does it take for my new account to show up in search results?

Your account will not appear in search results or recommendations for several hours after you create it. This is normal. Once Instagram indexes your account, people will be able to find you by searching your username.