Change your phone number in Instagram settings
To change the phone number Instagram has on file for your account, open the Instagram app and go to your profile. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right, then tap Settings and privacy. Select Account center, then Personal information. You'll see your current phone number listed — tap it to edit. Enter your new number and tap Save.
Instagram will send a confirmation code to your new number. Check your text messages for the code and enter it in the app to verify the change. Once verified, your account is linked to the new phone number. This process takes a few minutes and completes immediately after you confirm the code.
If you don't receive the confirmation code within a few minutes, check that you entered the number correctly, including the country code. You can request a new code and try again. If texts aren't arriving at all, make sure your phone plan includes SMS and that you haven't blocked Instagram's sender.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your phone number through Settings and privacy > Account center > Personal information, where you'll find your current number listed.
- Instagram sends a confirmation code by text to your new number, and you must enter it in the app to complete the change.
- The process takes a few minutes and your account switches to the new number immediately after verification.
- If you don't receive the confirmation code, verify you entered the correct number with country code and check that your phone receives text messages.
- You can request a new code if the first one doesn't arrive, or contact Instagram support if the number won't verify after multiple attempts.
Why Instagram asks for a phone number
Instagram uses your phone number for account security and recovery. If you forget your password or someone tries to access your account, Instagram can send a code to that number to verify it's really you. The number also helps Instagram confirm your identity if unusual activity happens on your account.
Your phone number is not displayed on your public profile unless you choose to share it. Instagram keeps it private and uses it only for account management and security purposes. You can remove your phone number entirely from your account if you prefer — go to the same Personal information section and delete it — though this makes account recovery slower if you lose access.
What to do if you can't receive texts
If your new phone doesn't receive text messages, you have a few options. First, check that your phone plan includes SMS texting and that you haven't accidentally blocked incoming messages from unknown numbers. Some carriers require you to activate texting on new plans, so contact your carrier if you're unsure.
If texting genuinely isn't available on your new number, you can use an alternative recovery method. Go back to the phone number change screen and look for an option to verify by email instead — Instagram will send a confirmation link to your email address on file. This takes slightly longer but works without texting.
If neither texts nor email verification works, you may need to contact Instagram support through the app. Go to Settings > Help > Report a problem and describe that you cannot verify a new phone number. Support can manually verify the change, though this process takes longer than the automatic method.
Changing your number when you no longer have the old phone
If you're switching to a new phone and no longer have access to your old number, you can still change it in Instagram settings. The confirmation code will be sent to your new number, not your old one, so you don't need the old phone to complete the change. Simply enter your new number and wait for the code to arrive on your new device.
The only situation where this becomes complicated is if you've forgotten your Instagram password and can't access the app at all. In that case, you'll need to recover your account first using your email address or username before you can change the phone number. Use the "Forgot password?" option on the login screen to start account recovery.
Updating your number on Instagram's website instead of the app
You can also change your phone number through Instagram's website on a computer or tablet. Go to instagram.com and log in, then click your profile picture in the top right corner. Select Settings, then Personal information. You'll see the same phone number field as in the app — click it to edit and enter your new number.
The verification process is identical on the website: Instagram sends a code by text to your new number, and you enter it to confirm. The website method is useful if you're having trouble with the app or if you prefer managing account settings on a larger screen. Both methods update the same account information, so it doesn't matter which one you use.
Removing your phone number entirely
If you don't want Instagram to have any phone number on file, you can delete it. Go to Settings and privacy > Account center > Personal information and tap your phone number. Instead of entering a new number, select the option to remove or delete it. Instagram will ask you to confirm — tap Remove and your number is deleted from the account.
Removing your phone number makes account recovery slower if you forget your password, because Instagram will have to send recovery codes to your email instead. You'll also lose the option to use two-factor authentication via text message, which is a security feature that sends a code to your phone when someone tries to log in. If security is important to you, it's usually better to keep a current phone number on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to change my phone number on Instagram?
The change completes in a few minutes once you enter the confirmation code. Instagram sends the code by text immediately after you submit your new number. If you receive and enter the code right away, the whole process takes less than five minutes.
Can I change my phone number if I'm locked out of my account?
No — you need to be logged in to change your phone number. If you're locked out, use the "Forgot password?" option on the login screen to recover your account first using your email address or username. Once you're back in, you can update your phone number.
Will changing my phone number affect my followers or posts?
No. Your phone number is private account information that only affects security and recovery. Changing it has no impact on your followers, posts, messages, or anything else visible on your profile.
What if I enter the wrong phone number by mistake?
You can start over. If you realize the mistake before entering the confirmation code, go back to Personal information and tap the phone number field again to edit it. Enter the correct number and request a new code. If you already entered an incorrect code, just request another code and make sure you have the right number this time.
Can I use a landline number instead of a mobile number?
Instagram requires a mobile number that can receive text messages. Landlines cannot receive SMS codes, so the verification will fail. You'll need to use a cell phone number or a service that forwards texts to your landline.