Creating an Instagram account takes about five minutes and requires only an email address or phone number
You can create a new Instagram account directly through the Instagram app on your phone, through the Instagram website on a computer, or through Facebook if you already have an account there. The fastest route is usually the app if you have a smartphone, since Instagram will walk you through each step in order. No matter which method you choose, you will need either a working email address or a phone number that receives text messages, plus a username you want to use.
Instagram will ask you to verify your identity before your account becomes fully active — this usually means confirming an email or entering a code texted to your phone. After that, your account is ready to use immediately.
Key Takeaways
- You need either an email address or a phone number to create an account, plus a username and password you choose yourself.
- The Instagram app on your phone is the most straightforward method, but you can also sign up through Instagram.com on a computer or through an existing Facebook account.
- Instagram will send you a confirmation code by email or text message, and you must enter this code before your account is fully active.
- After you confirm your identity, you can immediately add a profile picture, write a bio, and start following other accounts.
Creating an account through the Instagram app
Open the Instagram app on your phone. If you do not have it installed, go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android), search for "Instagram," and tap the official app by Meta Platforms, Inc. Once the app is open, you will see a login screen with two options at the bottom: "Create new account" and "Log in."
Tap "Create new account." Instagram will ask you to enter either your email address or phone number. Type whichever one you want to use — this is how Instagram will send you a confirmation code. Then tap "Next." Instagram will ask for your full name (this does not have to be your real name, but it is what appears on your profile). Type whatever name you want and tap "Next."
Instagram will ask you to create a username. This is the handle people will use to find and mention you — it appears with an @ symbol in front of it. Choose something you want to keep, because changing it later is possible but takes extra steps. Usernames can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but no spaces. Tap "Next" once you have entered a username you like.
Create a password. Instagram requires at least six characters, and a mix of letters and numbers makes it harder for someone else to guess. Type your password twice to confirm it matches, then tap "Next." Instagram will ask for your birthdate — this is required and cannot be changed later, so enter it accurately. Tap "Next."
Instagram will send a confirmation code to the email address or phone number you entered at the start. Check your email inbox or text messages for a message from Instagram. The code is usually a six-digit number. Open the Instagram app again, and you will see a screen asking you to enter this code. Type it in and tap "Next." Your account is now active.
Creating an account through Instagram.com on a computer
Go to Instagram.com in your web browser. You will see the login page with a link that says "Create a new account" or a similar option. Click this link. Instagram will open a window asking for your email address or phone number, your full name, a username, and a password. Fill in each field the same way you would on the app — email or phone number, the name you want on your profile, a username with no spaces, and a password at least six characters long.
Click the button to continue. Instagram will ask for your birthdate and send a confirmation code to your email or phone. Check for the code, return to the browser window, and enter it. Your account will be created and you can start using it right away.
Creating an account through Facebook
If you already have a Facebook account, you can use it to create an Instagram account without entering an email address or phone number separately. Open the Instagram app or go to Instagram.com, and look for a button or link that says "Log in with Facebook" or "Create account with Facebook." Tap or click it, and Instagram will ask you to log into your Facebook account if you are not already logged in.
Once you log in with Facebook, Instagram will pull your name from your Facebook profile and ask you to choose a username and password for Instagram. The rest of the process is the same — Instagram will send a confirmation code and ask you to verify it. This method is faster if you use Facebook regularly, but you can always create a separate Instagram account with an email address instead if you prefer.
What to do after your account is confirmed
Once you enter the confirmation code and your account becomes active, Instagram will ask you to add a profile picture. You can take a photo with your phone's camera, choose one from your phone's photo library, or skip this step and add a picture later. Next, Instagram will ask you to write a bio — a short description of who you are or what your account is about. This is optional and you can change it anytime.
After that, Instagram will suggest accounts to follow based on your interests. You can follow some, follow none, or come back to this later. Your account is fully set up and ready to use. You can now post photos or videos, follow other accounts, like posts, and send direct messages.
Fixing common problems during account creation
If you do not receive a confirmation code by email, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes email providers filter Instagram messages by mistake. If the code is not there either, go back to the Instagram app or website and look for an option to "Resend code" or "Send code again." Instagram will send a new code to the same email address or phone number.
If the username you want is already taken, Instagram will tell you this when you try to create the account. You will need to choose a different username. Try adding numbers, periods, or underscores to a variation of the name you wanted — for example, if "sarah.photography" is taken, you might try "sarah.photography.2024" or "sarah_photography_."
If you see an error message saying your email address or phone number is already associated with an account, it means you have already created an Instagram account with that contact information. Try logging in with that email or phone number instead of creating a new account. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen to reset it.
Keeping your new account secure
Once your account is created, add a strong password that you do not use on other websites. If someone guesses your Instagram password, they can post from your account, see your direct messages, and change your profile information. A strong password includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — for example, "BlueSky#2024Rain" is stronger than "password123."
Turn on two-factor authentication if Instagram offers it. This means that even if someone learns your password, they cannot log in without a code sent to your phone or email. You can find this setting in your account settings under "Security." You can also choose which email address or phone number Instagram uses to contact you if there is suspicious activity on your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create multiple Instagram accounts with the same email address?
No. Each Instagram account requires its own email address or phone number. If you want to create a second account, you will need a different email address or phone number to verify it. However, once both accounts are created, you can switch between them in the Instagram app without logging out and logging back in each time.
What if I want to change my username after I create my account?
You can change your username anytime by going to your profile, tapping "Edit profile," and changing the username field. Instagram allows you to change it as often as you want, though there may be a short delay between changes. Your old username becomes available for someone else to use once you change it.
Do I have to use my real name on Instagram?
No. The name field on your profile can be anything you choose — it does not have to match your government ID or real name. Many people use nicknames, business names, or creative names instead. Your username is what people use to find you, so that is the more important choice.
Can I create an Instagram account without a phone number or email?
No. Instagram requires either an email address or a phone number that receives text messages to verify your identity. This is a security measure to prevent spam accounts and abuse. You must have at least one of these to create an account.
How long does it take for my account to be fully active?
Your account is active as soon as you enter the confirmation code, which usually arrives within a few minutes. In rare cases, the code may take up to 15 minutes to arrive. Once you confirm it, you can start using your account immediately — there is no waiting period.