What you need to start an Instagram account

You can create an Instagram account in about five minutes using either the mobile app or a web browser. You will need an email address or phone number, a password you have not used elsewhere, and a username. Instagram does not charge money to sign up — the account itself is free.

The process is the same whether you use iPhone, Android, or a computer. If you already have a Facebook account, you can use those login details to speed things up, though you do not have to. Instagram is owned by Meta, the same company that owns Facebook, so linking them is optional.

Key Takeaways

  • You can sign up using an email address, phone number, or existing Facebook account, and the whole process takes about five minutes.
  • Your username is what other people see and type to find you — it is different from your display name and cannot contain spaces.
  • Instagram will ask for your birth date, which it uses to enforce age restrictions but does not display on your profile.
  • After you confirm your email or phone number, your account is active and you can start following people and posting immediately.

Step 1: Download the app or go to Instagram.com

On a phone, open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) and search for "Instagram". Tap the official Instagram app — it has a camera icon and is made by Meta Platforms, Inc. Tap "Get" or "Install", then open the app once it finishes.

On a computer, open a web browser and go to instagram.com. You will see the login screen with a button that says "Create new account" near the bottom. Click it.

Step 2: Enter your email or phone number

The app or website will ask you to sign up using an email address, phone number, or Facebook account. Type your email address or phone number in the field provided. If you use a phone number, Instagram will send you a text message with a confirmation code — keep your phone nearby.

If you have a Facebook account and want to use it instead, tap or click "Log in with Facebook" and follow the prompts. This links your Instagram account to your Facebook login, so you will use the same password for both. You can unlink them later in your Instagram settings if you change your mind.

Step 3: Create a username and password

Instagram will suggest a username based on your name or email. You can accept it or type a different one. Your username is what other people type or search to find you — it appears on your profile and in your posts. Usernames cannot have spaces, but they can have periods and underscores. If the username you want is taken, Instagram will suggest alternatives.

Next, create a password. Use something you have not used on other websites. A strong password has at least 8 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — for example, BlueSky#2024. Do not use your name, birthday, or the word "password". Write it down somewhere safe, like a password manager, so you do not forget it.

Step 4: Confirm your email or phone number

If you signed up with an email address, Instagram will send you an email with a confirmation link. Open your email, find the message from Instagram, and click the link. If you do not see it in your inbox, check your spam or junk folder.

If you signed up with a phone number, Instagram will send you a text message with a six-digit code. Type that code into the app or website when prompted. If the code does not arrive within a few minutes, tap "Resend code" to request a new one.

Step 5: Add your name and photo (optional but recommended)

After you confirm your email or phone, Instagram will ask for your full name and a profile picture. Your full name is what appears at the top of your profile — it does not have to be your real name, and you can change it anytime. This is different from your username.

For a profile picture, you can upload a photo from your phone or computer, take one with your camera right then, or skip this step for now. You can add or change your photo later. Once you finish, your account is active and ready to use.

What happens after you sign up

Instagram will show you a feed of posts from accounts it thinks you might like. You can search for friends and people you know using the search icon at the bottom of the app (or the magnifying glass icon on the website). When you find someone, tap their profile and then tap "Follow" to see their posts in your feed.

Your profile is private by default, which means only people you follow can see your posts. You can change this in your settings if you want strangers to see your posts. You can also turn off notifications, change your password, or link your account to Facebook anytime — all of these are in your settings, which you reach by tapping your profile picture and then the three horizontal lines (menu icon).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a fake name or nickname as my username?

Yes. Your username can be anything that is not already taken and does not violate Instagram's rules. It does not have to match your real name. Many people use nicknames, initials, or made-up words. You can change your username once every 14 days.

What if I forget my password?

On the login screen, tap "Forgot password?" and enter your email address or username. Instagram will send you a link to reset it. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or try using your phone number instead of your email address.

Do I have to give Instagram my real birth date?

Yes. Instagram requires a birth date to enforce age restrictions — you must be at least 13 years old to have an account. Your birth date does not appear on your public profile, but Instagram uses it to restrict certain features if you are under 18.

Can I sign up without an email address or phone number?

No. You must provide either an email address, a phone number, or a Facebook account to sign up. Instagram uses one of these to verify you are a real person and to let you recover your account if you forget your password.

Is it safe to link my Instagram account to Facebook?

Linking them means you use the same login for both accounts, which is convenient. It does not automatically share your Instagram posts to Facebook — you control what gets shared. You can unlink them anytime in your Instagram settings under "Accounts Center".