The fastest way to change your Instagram email

Open Instagram on your phone or go to Instagram.com on a computer. Tap or click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then select Settings and privacy. Choose Account center, then Personal information, then Email. Enter your new email address and tap Change email. Instagram will send a confirmation link to both your old and new email addresses — you must click the link in the new email to complete the change.

The whole process takes about two minutes if you have access to both email accounts. If you cannot access your old email, you will need to verify your identity through a different method, which takes longer and may require a photo ID.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your email through Settings and privacy > Account center > Personal information > Email, not through the main profile settings.
  • Instagram sends confirmation links to both your old and new email addresses, and you must click the new one to finish the change.
  • If you no longer have access to your old email, Instagram will ask you to verify your identity using your phone number or a government ID photo.
  • The change takes effect when ready after you confirm the new email, and you can log in with either the new email or your username.

What happens if you do not have access to your old email

If your old email account is closed, hacked, or you straightforward cannot access it, you cannot click the confirmation link Instagram sends there. When you try to change your email without confirming the old one, Instagram will ask you to verify your identity instead.

You can verify through your phone number (Instagram will send a code via text) or by uploading a photo of your government ID. The phone number method is faster — you receive the code within seconds. The ID method can take a few hours to a few days because Instagram reviews the photo manually.

Changing your email on the Instagram app versus the website

The steps are identical whether you use the phone app or a web browser. On the app, tap the menu icon in the bottom right. On the website, click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right. Both routes lead to the same Account center screen.

Some people find the website easier because the screen is larger and the buttons are easier to tap. Others prefer the app because they already have it open. There is no speed difference between the two.

Why Instagram asks for confirmation from both emails

Instagram sends confirmation links to both addresses as a security measure. If someone else had access to your account and tried to change your email to lock you out, you would still see the confirmation request at your real email and could stop it. This two-email system prevents account takeovers.

You must click the link in the new email address to prove you actually own it. If you do not click within a certain time (usually 24 hours), the change does not go through and you stay logged in with your old email.

What to do if you did not receive the confirmation email

Check your spam or junk folder first — confirmation emails sometimes land there by mistake. If it is not there, wait a few minutes and try again. Instagram sometimes delays sending the email by a few minutes, especially if the servers are busy.

If you still do not see it after 10 minutes, go back to Settings and privacy > Account center > Personal information > Email and request a new confirmation link. You can do this as many times as you need. If the email never arrives, you may need to verify your identity through phone or ID instead.

Logging in after you change your email

After the change is complete, you can log in using either your new email address or your username. Your old email no longer works for logging in. Instagram does not send you a notification that the change was successful — you only know it worked if you see the new email address in your account settings.

If you use Instagram on multiple devices, you may be logged out on some of them after changing your email. Log back in with your new email or username. This is normal and happens because Instagram refreshes your account security when you make changes.

Changing your email if you forgot your password

If you cannot remember your Instagram password, you cannot get into Settings to change your email. Instead, go to the Instagram login page and click Forgot password? Enter your username or email address. Instagram will send a password reset link to your current email. Click that link, create a new password, and log back in. Then follow the normal steps to change your email.

If you do not have access to your current email either, you will need to verify your identity through phone or ID before Instagram lets you reset your password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my email address on Instagram without confirming the old one?

No. Instagram requires confirmation from your new email address, but if you cannot access your old email, you can verify your identity using your phone number or a government ID photo instead. The phone method is faster.

Does changing my email affect my username or password?

No. Your username stays the same, and your password does not change unless you change it separately. You can still log in with your username even after you change your email.

How long does it take for the email change to go through?

It takes effect when ready after you click the confirmation link in your new email. You do not need to wait or restart the app.

What if I change my email by mistake and want to change it back?

You can change it back anytime by following the same steps. Go to Settings and privacy > Account center > Personal information > Email and enter your old email address. Instagram will send confirmation links to both addresses again.

Will my followers or messages disappear if I change my email?

No. Changing your email does not affect your followers, messages, posts, or any other part of your account. Only the email address you use to log in changes.