You can change your birthday in Instagram settings, but only if you haven't changed it recently
Instagram lets you update your birthday through your account settings. The process takes about two minutes. However, Instagram limits how often you can change it — you can only update your birthday once every 60 days. If you've already changed it recently, you'll see a message telling you when you can change it again.
The birthday you enter is visible only to you and Instagram. Other people cannot see it on your profile, though Instagram may use it to send you birthday notifications and show you age-appropriate content.
Key Takeaways
- Open Instagram, go to Settings and Privacy, then Account, then Personal Information to find your birthday field.
- Instagram only lets you change your birthday once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need to update it.
- Your birthday is private — followers cannot see it on your profile.
- If you cannot change your birthday because of the 60-day limit, you'll see the exact date when you can change it again.
Steps to change your birthday on the Instagram app
Start by opening Instagram on your phone and tapping your profile icon in the bottom right corner. This takes you to your profile page.
Next, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy. Then tap Account. Look for Personal Information and tap it. You'll see your birthday field here.
Tap on the birthday field to open the date picker. Select your birth month, day, and year. Once you've entered the correct date, tap Done or Save (the button name varies by phone). Instagram will confirm the change immediately.
How to change your birthday on Instagram's website
If you're using a computer, go to Instagram.com and log in. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Settings.
On the left side, click Personal Information. You'll see your birthday field on this page. Click on it to edit. Enter your correct birth date and click Save. The change takes effect right away.
What to do if you see a message about the 60-day waiting period
If you've changed your birthday within the last 60 days, Instagram will show you a message saying you cannot change it again yet. The message will tell you the exact date when you'll be able to update it.
This limit exists to prevent account abuse. You cannot bypass it or contact Instagram to remove it — you simply have to wait until the 60 days have passed. Mark the date on your calendar if you need to remember when you can change it again.
Why Instagram asks for your birthday
Instagram requires a birthday when you create an account because of laws protecting minors online. The age you enter determines what content Instagram shows you and what features you can use. For example, users under 18 see different ad categories than adults.
Your birthday also helps Instagram send you birthday notifications and reminders. Some features, like certain advertising options, are only available to users 18 and older, so Instagram uses your birthday to enforce these rules.
Common mistakes when changing your birthday
The most common mistake is entering the wrong year. Double-check that you've selected the correct birth year before saving — an off-by-one error will change your age on Instagram's records.
Another mistake is forgetting that you've already changed your birthday recently. If you try to change it and see the 60-day message, you cannot proceed. You'll need to wait until the waiting period expires. Do not try to change it again immediately — Instagram will not let you.
Some people also confuse their birthday with their username or display name. Your birthday is separate from both of these. Changing your birthday does not change how your profile appears to other people.
What happens if you entered the wrong birthday when you signed up
If you created your account with an incorrect birthday, you can fix it using the same steps above. However, if you've already changed your birthday once in the last 60 days, you'll have to wait for the cooldown period to end before you can change it again.
If your account was created with a birthday that makes you appear younger than you actually are, and you need to change it urgently for a feature that requires you to be 18 or older, you may need to contact Instagram's support team. They can sometimes override the 60-day limit in specific situations, though they do not always grant these requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can other people see my birthday on Instagram?
No. Your birthday is private and visible only to you. Instagram does not display it on your profile or share it with your followers. Other users cannot see when your birthday is.
What if I entered a fake birthday when I created my account?
You can change it to your real birthday using the steps above. Keep in mind that if you've already changed it once in the last 60 days, you'll need to wait for the cooldown period to end. If you need to change it sooner, contact Instagram support and explain the situation.
Does changing my birthday affect my account in any other way?
Changing your birthday only affects age-related features and content. It does not change your username, profile picture, bio, or any other visible information. Your followers will not be notified of the change.
Why does Instagram have a 60-day waiting period for birthday changes?
The limit prevents people from repeatedly changing their age to bypass age restrictions on certain features. It also reduces account abuse and fraud. You cannot remove or shorten this waiting period.
What if I forgot my birthday and need to recover my account?
If you cannot remember the birthday you used to create your account, you can still recover it using your email or phone number. You do not need to know your birthday to reset your password. Follow Instagram's account recovery process, and you can regain access without entering your birthday.