What you need before you start
To create an Instagram account, you need an email address or phone number, a password you haven't used elsewhere, and a username. Instagram will ask for your full name, but you can use a nickname or business name instead — what matters is the username, which is what people search for and see when they find you. You can change your username later, so don't worry if you're not sure about it right now.
You'll also need to be at least 13 years old. Instagram doesn't verify your age during signup, but the platform's terms of service require it. If you're creating an account for someone else, that's the legal minimum they need to meet.
Have your phone or computer ready with internet access. The process takes about five minutes on either device.
Key Takeaways
- You can sign up using an email address, phone number, or existing Facebook account, and you'll need a unique username that other people can search for.
- Instagram will ask for your full name, but this is separate from your username and can be anything — you can change it anytime.
- The signup process on a phone or computer is nearly identical, though the phone app is usually faster because it can auto-fill some information.
- After you create your account, Instagram may ask you to add a profile picture and follow some suggested accounts before you can start posting.
- Your account is private by default if you're under 18, meaning only people you approve can see your posts.
Creating an account on your phone
Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android phone. If you don't have it yet, search for "Instagram" in the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) and install it. When you open the app for the first time, you'll see a login screen with options at the bottom.
Tap "Create new account." Instagram will ask you to enter your email address or phone number. Type whichever one you want to use — this is how you'll log in later, not what other people see. Next, enter your full name. This appears on your profile, but you can change it anytime, so don't stress about getting it perfect.
Instagram will suggest a username based on your name. You can accept it or tap the username field to create your own. Usernames can contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but no spaces. Once you've chosen one, Instagram will tell you if it's already taken — if it is, try adding a number or underscore. Tap "Next" when you're happy with it.
Create a password that's different from passwords you use on other websites. Instagram will ask you to confirm it by typing it again. Then tap "Sign up" and Instagram will send a confirmation code to your email or phone number. Check your email inbox or text messages, find the code, and enter it in the app. Your account is now created.
Creating an account on a computer
Go to instagram.com in your web browser. You'll see the Instagram login page with a link that says "Create a new account" or a similar option. Click it. A window will pop up asking for your email address or phone number, your full name, and a password.
Fill in each field the same way you would on your phone: email or phone number (your login), full name (what shows on your profile), and a strong password. Click "Next." Instagram will then ask you to create a username. The same rules apply — letters, numbers, periods, and underscores only, no spaces. If your first choice is taken, add a number or underscore and try again.
Click "Sign up." Instagram will send a confirmation code to your email or phone. Open your email or text messages, copy the code, and paste it into the box on the Instagram website. Your account is created, and you can now log in.
What happens after you sign up
Once your account is created, Instagram may ask you to add a profile picture. You can skip this step if you want, or tap "Upload photo" to choose an image from your phone or computer. This picture appears next to your username when people visit your profile.
Instagram will also suggest accounts to follow — usually popular creators or accounts related to your interests. You don't have to follow any of them. You can skip this step and follow people later, or browse the suggestions and tap "Follow" on any you like.
After that, you're ready to use Instagram. Your account is set up, and you can start exploring, following people, or posting photos and videos. If you're under 18, your account is private by default, which means only people you approve can see your posts. You can change this in your settings later if you want.
Choosing between email and phone number
When you sign up, Instagram lets you use either an email address or a phone number as your login. Email is usually easier because you're less likely to change it, and you can recover your account if you forget your password by using email recovery. Phone numbers change more often, which can make account recovery harder.
If you use a phone number, make sure it's one you'll keep for a while. If you later change your phone number and forget your password, recovering your account becomes more difficult. Email is the safer choice for most people.
Setting up your profile after signup
Your account is now live, but your profile is mostly empty. To add more information, tap your profile icon at the bottom right of the app (or click your profile picture on the website), then tap "Edit profile." Here you can add a bio — a short description of who you are or what your account is about — and a website link if you have one.
You can also change your profile picture, add a name that's different from your username, and set whether your account is public or private. Public accounts mean anyone can see your posts; private accounts mean only people you approve can follow you and see what you post. You can switch between these settings anytime.
Troubleshooting common signup problems
If Instagram says your username is already taken, try adding numbers to the end or using underscores. Usernames like "sarah" are almost always taken, but "sarah_2024" or "sarah.design" usually aren't. You can also change your username later, so don't spend too long on this step during signup.
If you don't receive the confirmation code, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes email providers filter Instagram's messages. If it's not there, go back to the signup screen and ask Instagram to send the code again. If you're using a phone number, make sure you entered it correctly, including the country code if you're outside the United States.
If you see an error saying "This email is already registered," someone else has already created an account with that email address. Use a different email address, or try the "Forgot password?" option to recover an account you may have created before and forgotten about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Facebook account to sign up for Instagram?
Yes. During signup, you can choose to sign up with your Facebook account instead of entering an email or phone number. Instagram will pull your name and profile picture from Facebook automatically. You'll still need to create a username and password for Instagram.
Do I have to use my real name as my username?
No. Your username is separate from your full name. Your username is what people search for and see publicly; your full name is just on your profile. You can use a nickname, business name, or anything else as your username, and change it anytime in your settings.
What if I want to delete my account after I create it?
You can deactivate your account (which hides it temporarily) or permanently delete it. Both options are in your settings under "Account." Deactivation is reversible if you change your mind; deletion is permanent after 30 days.
Is my account private when I first create it?
If you're under 18, yes — your account starts as private, and only people you approve can follow you. If you're 18 or older, your account starts as public. You can change this in your settings anytime by going to "Privacy" and toggling "Private account."
Can I have more than one Instagram account?
Yes. You can create multiple accounts using different email addresses or phone numbers. Once you've created them, you can switch between accounts by tapping your profile picture and selecting "Switch accounts" at the bottom of the menu.