What connecting Instagram to Facebook actually does
When you connect Instagram to Facebook, you link the two accounts so they share the same login and settings. This means you can use your Facebook password to log into Instagram, manage both accounts from one place, and share posts to Facebook directly from Instagram without copying and pasting. The accounts stay separate — your Instagram followers don't automatically become Facebook friends — but the technical connection makes posting and account management faster.
You need a Facebook account and an Instagram account to start. If you don't have both yet, create them first. The connection process takes about five minutes and happens entirely in the Instagram app or on Instagram's website.
Key Takeaways
- Connecting Instagram to Facebook lets you log into Instagram with your Facebook password and share posts to Facebook without leaving Instagram.
- You must have both a Facebook account and an Instagram account before you can link them together.
- The connection happens in Instagram's settings under "Accounts" or "Linked Accounts," depending on whether you use the app or website.
- After linking, you can choose which posts go to Facebook — sharing is not automatic.
- If you change your Facebook password, your Instagram login will update automatically.
Connecting on the Instagram app for iPhone or Android
Open Instagram and tap the menu icon — three horizontal lines — in the bottom right corner. Tap "Settings and privacy," then tap "Settings." Scroll down and tap "Accounts and password," then tap "Linked accounts."
Tap "Facebook." Instagram will ask you to log into Facebook if you are not already logged in. Enter your Facebook email or phone number and password. When Facebook asks for permission, tap "Continue as [Your Name]" to allow the connection. Instagram will confirm that your accounts are now linked.
If you see a message saying the accounts are already linked, someone else may have connected them. Tap "Unlink account" first, then follow the steps above to link them yourself.
Connecting on Instagram's website
Go to instagram.com and log in with your Instagram username and password. Click your profile picture in the top right, then click "Settings." Click "Accounts and password" in the left menu, then click "Linked accounts."
Click "Facebook." A Facebook login window will open. Enter your Facebook email or phone number and password. When Facebook asks for permission, click "Continue as [Your Name]." Instagram will show a confirmation that your accounts are linked.
The website method works the same way as the app, but some people find it easier to see all the options on a larger screen.
Sharing Instagram posts to Facebook after linking
Once your accounts are linked, you can send posts to Facebook without opening Facebook. When you create a new post in Instagram, before you tap "Share," scroll down and look for "Share to Facebook." Toggle it on if you want this post to go to Facebook. If you leave it off, only Instagram followers will see the post.
The post will appear on your Facebook timeline or page, depending on which account you chose to link. You can write a different caption for Facebook if you want — Instagram lets you edit the text before the post goes live on Facebook.
Linking does not automatically share old posts. Only new posts you create after linking will have the option to share to Facebook.
What to do if the connection fails
If Instagram says "Something went wrong" when you try to link, make sure you are using the correct Facebook password. If you recently changed your Facebook password, use the new one. Wait a few minutes and try again — sometimes the connection is slow.
If the problem continues, log out of Instagram completely, close the app, and restart your phone. Then open Instagram and try linking again. If you still see an error, check that your Facebook account is not restricted or locked. You can log into Facebook directly at facebook.com to confirm it is working.
If your Facebook account uses two-factor authentication (a code sent to your phone or email when you log in), have your phone or email ready when you link. Facebook will ask for the code during the connection process.
Unlinking your accounts if you change your mind
You can unlink Instagram and Facebook at any time. Open Instagram, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Accounts and password > Linked accounts, and tap "Facebook." Tap "Unlink account" and confirm. Your Instagram login will still work — you will just use your Instagram password instead of your Facebook password from that point on.
Unlinking does not delete any posts or change what is already on Facebook. Posts you shared to Facebook before unlinking stay there. You just lose the ability to share new Instagram posts to Facebook without doing it manually.
What happens to your login after linking
After you link your accounts, you can log into Instagram using either your Instagram username and password or your Facebook email and password. Both methods work. If you change your Facebook password, your Instagram login updates automatically — you do not have to do anything.
If you forget your Instagram password, you can still log in with Facebook. If you forget your Facebook password, you can reset it at facebook.com, and then use the new password to log into Instagram.
Your Instagram password does not change when you link to Facebook. You can still use it to log in if you want to, even after linking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Instagram followers see my Facebook posts?
No. Linking your accounts does not connect your followers. When you share an Instagram post to Facebook, only your Facebook friends see it. Your Instagram followers do not automatically become Facebook friends, and vice versa.
Can I link Instagram to a Facebook Page instead of my personal account?
Yes. When you link, Instagram asks which Facebook account you want to connect to — your personal profile or a Page you manage. Choose the one you want, and posts will share to that account. You can change which account you are linked to in Linked accounts settings.
What if I have multiple Instagram accounts?
You can link each Instagram account to Facebook separately, but each one must connect to a different Facebook account or Page. You cannot link two Instagram accounts to the same Facebook account. Switch between your Instagram accounts and link each one individually.
Does linking Instagram to Facebook cost money?
No. Linking your accounts is free. There are no fees or charges for connecting Instagram to Facebook or for sharing posts between them.
Can I share Instagram Stories to Facebook?
No. The link only works for regular Instagram posts and Reels. Stories cannot be shared to Facebook through the linked accounts feature. You would have to download the Story and upload it to Facebook manually if you want it there.