What you need to open an Instagram account
You can create an Instagram account using either the mobile app or a web browser, and the process takes about five minutes. You will need a working email address or phone number, a password you have not used elsewhere, and a username. Instagram does not charge money to create an account — it is free.
If you already have a Facebook account, you can use that to sign up faster, though it is not required. You can also use your phone number instead of an email address if you prefer. Either way, Instagram will ask you to add a profile picture and bio later, but you can skip those steps and fill them in anytime.
Key Takeaways
- You need an email address or phone number, a password, and a username to create an account — nothing else is required upfront.
- The fastest method is using the Instagram app on your phone, which takes about three minutes from start to finish.
- Instagram will ask you to verify your email or phone number by entering a code they send you — this step cannot be skipped.
- You can add a profile picture and write a bio after your account is created, so do not let those details slow you down.
- If you forget your password later, you can reset it using your email address or phone number.
Creating an account on the Instagram app
Open the Instagram app on your phone. If you do not have it installed, download it from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) first. When you open the app, you will see a login screen with two buttons: "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. Then tap "Next". Instagram will send a verification code to that email or phone number — check your email inbox or text messages for a message from Instagram. Copy the code and paste it into the app, then tap "Next" again.
Now create a password. Use something you have not used on other websites, and make it at least six characters long. Tap "Next". Instagram will ask for your full name — use your real name or whatever name you want people to see on your profile. This is not your username; you will create that next. Tap "Next".
Choose a username. This is the handle people will use to find you and tag you in posts — it appears with an @ symbol in front of it. Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. If the username you want is already taken, Instagram will tell you and suggest alternatives. Pick one and tap "Next". Your account is now created.
Creating an account on a web browser
Go to instagram.com in any web browser. Click the "Create account" link near the bottom of the login box. You will see a form asking for your email address or phone number. Type it in and click "Next".
Check your email or text messages for the verification code from Instagram. Copy the code into the box on the Instagram page and click "Next". Create a password, enter your full name, choose a username, and click "Sign up". The process is identical to the app version, just using your keyboard instead of tapping.
Using your Facebook account to sign up faster
If you already have a Facebook account, you can use it to create an Instagram account without typing an email address or password. On the Instagram login screen (app or web), look for a button that says "Log in with Facebook" or "Create account with Facebook". Tap or click it.
You will be taken to Facebook, where you will see a message asking if you want to connect your Instagram account to your Facebook account. Click "Continue". Facebook will send your name and email to Instagram automatically. You will still need to choose a username and verify your phone number or email, but you skip the password creation step.
This method is faster only if you already know your Facebook login. If you have to reset your Facebook password first, you are better off using your email address directly on Instagram.
What to do if verification is not working
If you do not receive the verification code within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes the email lands there by mistake. If you used a phone number and did not get a text, make sure your phone plan includes text messages and that you typed the number correctly.
If the code still does not arrive, try using the other method: if you entered an email address, go back and enter your phone number instead, or vice versa. If neither works, wait 24 hours and try again — Instagram sometimes temporarily blocks repeated verification attempts to prevent abuse.
If you are still stuck after 24 hours, go to instagram.com/accounts/login/help/ and follow the steps to recover your account. You will need to answer questions about your account or upload a photo of yourself with a handwritten note to prove you own it.
Setting up your profile after account creation
Once your account is created, Instagram will ask if you want to add a profile picture and write a bio. You can do this right away or skip it and come back later — both options are available. To add a profile picture, tap the camera icon and either take a new photo or choose one from your phone. To write a bio, tap the text box and type a short description of yourself.
After that, Instagram will suggest people to follow and ask if you want to connect your contacts. You can skip all of this. Your account is fully functional whether or not you complete these steps. You can edit your profile picture, bio, and other details anytime by going to your profile and tapping "Edit profile".
Changing your username or password later
To change your username after your account is created, go to your profile, tap "Edit profile", and change the username field. Instagram will tell you immediately if the new username is already taken. You can change your username as many times as you want, though Instagram may limit how often you can do it if you change it repeatedly in a short time.
To change your password, go to Settings, tap "Security", then tap "Password". Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Make sure your new password is different from your old one and that you have not used it on other websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a phone number to create an Instagram account?
No. You can use an email address instead. Instagram requires one or the other for verification, but not both. If you do not want to share your phone number, use your email address.
Can I create an Instagram account without a Facebook account?
Yes. You can create an account using only an email address or phone number. Connecting to Facebook is optional and only speeds up the process if you already have a Facebook account.
What if someone else already has the username I want?
You will need to choose a different username. Instagram will suggest alternatives when you try to claim a taken username. You can use numbers, periods, or underscores to create a variation — for example, if "jane" is taken, you might try "jane.smith" or "jane_2024".
Can I delete my account and create a new one with the same email?
Yes, but you have to wait 30 days after deleting your account before you can use that email address to create a new one. If you want to create a second account right away, use a different email address.
Is it safe to use my real phone number on Instagram?
Instagram keeps your phone number private by default — other users cannot see it on your profile. You can control who sees your email address and phone number in your privacy settings. If you are concerned about privacy, use an email address instead.