Change Your Email Address in Three Steps
To change the email address on your Instagram account, open the app or website, go to your profile settings, find the email field, and enter your new address. Instagram will send a confirmation link to that new email—you must click it within a set time to complete the change. The whole process takes about five minutes and does not affect your username, followers, or posts.
You can change your email as many times as you want. Instagram does not limit how often you update it, and the old email address stops being tied to your account the moment you confirm the new one.
Key Takeaways
- Open Instagram settings, tap or click "Account," then "Email," and type your new email address.
- Instagram sends a confirmation link to the new email—check your inbox and spam folder, then click the link within the time limit.
- Your username, password, and all account data stay the same; only the email address changes.
- If you do not confirm the new email within the time window, Instagram reverts to your old email and you must start over.
- Use a real, working email address you can access, because you will need it to reset your password or recover your account later.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the App
On your phone, open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu) in the top right, then tap "Settings and privacy." Tap "Account information," then tap "Email." You will see your current email address in a field.
Delete the old email and type your new one. Tap "Next" or "Save" (the button name varies by phone type). Instagram will display a message saying a confirmation link has been sent to your new email address. Do not close the app yet—keep it open or note the time, because you have a limited window to confirm.
Go to your email inbox and look for a message from Instagram. Check your spam or promotions folder if you do not see it in your main inbox. Open the email and click the confirmation link. Once you click it, your email address is officially changed on Instagram.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Website
Go to Instagram.com and log in. Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then click "Settings and privacy." Click "Account information" on the left side menu. Click the "Email" field.
Delete your current email and type the new one. Click "Change email" or the save button. Instagram sends a confirmation email to your new address. Open your email, find the message from Instagram, and click the confirmation link inside. Your email is now updated.
What Happens If You Do Not Confirm in Time
Instagram gives you a set amount of time to click the confirmation link—usually 24 to 48 hours, though the exact window is not published. If you do not click it before that time expires, Instagram automatically cancels the change and your account reverts to the old email address.
If this happens, you can start the process again. Go back to settings, enter your new email address, and wait for the new confirmation link. There is no penalty for trying multiple times, and you can attempt the change as often as you need to.
Why You Should Use a Current, Working Email
Your email address is how Instagram lets you back into your account if you forget your password. If you change it to an email you no longer use or cannot access, you will have a much harder time recovering your account if you get locked out. Before you change your email, make sure the new address is one you check regularly and can access right now.
If you change your email and then lose access to that new email address later, you can still recover your account using your username and phone number, or by answering security questions if Instagram asks. But having a working email on file makes recovery much faster.
Changing Your Email Does Not Change Your Password
Your password and your email are separate. Changing your email does not reset your password, and you do not need to enter your password during the email change process. You log in with your username or old email and your password—that stays the same.
If you want to change your password at the same time, you can do that in the same "Settings and privacy" menu. Look for "Password" in the Account information section. But the two changes are independent—you can do one without the other.
If You Cannot Find the Confirmation Email
Check your spam folder, promotions folder, and any other email filters you have set up. Instagram emails sometimes land there by mistake. Search your inbox for "Instagram" or "confirm" to see if the email arrived under a different subject line than you expected.
If you still cannot find it after checking all folders, wait a few minutes and try the email change process again. Request a new confirmation link and watch for the new email. If Instagram keeps not sending the email, the email address you entered may be invalid or already tied to another Instagram account. Double-check that you typed it correctly and that it is not already in use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my email on Instagram if I forgot my password?
No, you need to log in to change your email. If you forgot your password, reset it first using the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen. Instagram will send a reset link to your current email address. Once you log back in, you can change your email.
What if I change my email and then the new email account gets deleted?
You can still recover your Instagram account using your username, phone number, or security questions. It is harder than using email, but not impossible. To avoid this, do not change your email to a temporary or test address—use one you plan to keep.
Does changing my email affect my followers or my posts?
No. Your followers, posts, stories, messages, and all other account data stay exactly the same. Only the email address tied to your account changes. Your username does not change either.
Can I change my email back to the old one?
Yes. You can change your email as many times as you want. If you change it and then want to switch back, follow the same steps and enter your old email address. You will need to confirm it again with a link sent to that old email.
How long does the confirmation link stay active?
Instagram does not publish the exact time limit, but it is typically 24 to 48 hours. Click the confirmation link as soon as you see the email. If you wait more than a couple of days, it may expire and you will need to request a new one.