Change your phone number in Instagram settings

To change the phone number Instagram has on file for your account, open the Instagram app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select Settings and privacy. Choose Account center, then Personal information, then Contact information. You'll see your current phone number listed there. Tap it, delete the old number, and enter your new one. Instagram will send you a confirmation code by text to verify the new number before it's saved.

If you're using Instagram on a web browser instead of the app, the path is the same: click your profile picture in the top right, go to Settings, then Account center, then Personal information, then Contact information. The verification process works the same way—you'll receive a text with a code to confirm.

The phone number you add to Instagram serves two purposes: it helps you recover your account if you forget your password, and it lets Instagram send you security alerts if someone tries to log in from an unfamiliar device. Keeping it current matters because an outdated number means you won't receive those alerts or recovery codes.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your phone number by going to Settings and privacy > Account center > Personal information > Contact information and entering your new number.
  • Instagram will text a confirmation code to your new number before the change takes effect, so you need access to that phone to complete the update.
  • Your phone number is used for account recovery and security alerts, so updating it when you change phones prevents you from being locked out.
  • The process is the same whether you use the Instagram app or the web version, though the app is usually faster.
  • If you no longer have access to your old phone number, you may need to use a recovery email or other verification method instead.

What happens if you can't receive texts on your new number

If Instagram sends a confirmation code but you don't receive it, wait a few minutes—text delivery can be slow. If nothing arrives after five minutes, tap Didn't get a code? and Instagram will offer to send it again or use an alternative method.

If you genuinely cannot access the new phone number you're trying to add, you have two options. First, you can add a recovery email address instead of a phone number—this serves the same security purpose. Go back to Contact information and add or update your email. Second, if you're locked out entirely and can't access either a phone or email, you can use Instagram's account recovery form, which asks you to verify your identity through other means like a photo of your ID or answers to security questions.

Removing your phone number entirely

You don't have to keep a phone number on your Instagram account. If you want to remove it without replacing it with a new one, go to Settings and privacy > Account center > Personal information > Contact information, tap your phone number, and select Remove. Instagram will ask you to confirm.

Removing your phone number is safe as long as you have a recovery email address on file. Without either a phone or email, you risk being unable to recover your account if you forget your password or get hacked. Instagram strongly recommends keeping at least one recovery method active at all times.

Why Instagram asks for a phone number

Instagram collects phone numbers for two main reasons: account security and account recovery. If someone tries to log into your account from a new device or location, Instagram can send you a text alert so you know about it when ready. If you forget your password, Instagram can text you a code to reset it without needing to remember security questions or access your email.

Instagram also uses phone numbers to help prevent spam and fake accounts, though this happens behind the scenes and doesn't affect how you use your account. The number you provide is not displayed on your profile or shared with other users unless you choose to add it to your bio.

Changing your phone number when you get a new phone

When you switch to a new phone, you should update your Instagram phone number as soon as possible. The old number may be reassigned to someone else, and if they gain access to it, they could use it to reset your Instagram password and take over your account.

The safest approach is to update your number before you cancel your old phone service. This way you can receive the confirmation code on your old phone, then switch to your new phone afterward. If you've already cancelled the old number, use your recovery email instead—go to Contact information and add or update your email address, then use that for account recovery if needed.

Two-factor authentication and your phone number

Your Instagram phone number is different from two-factor authentication (2FA), though they work together. Your phone number is stored in your account settings and used for recovery. Two-factor authentication is an extra security layer that requires you to enter a code from an authenticator app or text message every time you log in from a new device.

If you set up 2FA using text messages, Instagram will send those codes to whatever phone number is currently on your account. If you change your phone number without updating 2FA, you won't receive those login codes on your new phone. After you update your phone number, check your 2FA settings to make sure they're still working. Go to Settings and privacy > Account center > Password and security > Two-factor authentication to review your settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to add a phone number to Instagram?

No, a phone number is optional. You can use a recovery email address instead. However, having at least one recovery method (phone or email) is important so you can regain access to your account if you forget your password or get locked out.

Can I use the same phone number for multiple Instagram accounts?

Yes, Instagram allows the same phone number on multiple accounts. However, if you're trying to add a number that's already linked to another account and Instagram suspects you're trying to evade a ban or create spam accounts, it may block the addition. For legitimate multiple accounts, this usually isn't a problem.

How long does it take for a phone number change to go through?

Once you enter your new number and confirm the code Instagram texts you, the change is when ready. You don't have to wait for anything to process—your account is updated as soon as you tap confirm.

What if someone else has my old phone number now?

Update your Instagram phone number when ready. If the new owner of your old number tries to use it to reset your Instagram password, they won't be able to because you've already changed it. This is why updating quickly after you cancel a phone line is important.

Can I change my phone number if I'm locked out of my account?

No, you need to be logged in to change your phone number. If you're locked out, use Instagram's account recovery form to regain access first. You can then update your phone number once you're back in your account.