Change Your Phone Number Through Account Settings

To change the phone number linked to your Instagram account, open the Instagram app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select Settings and privacy. From there, go to Account center, then Personal information, and you'll see your phone number listed. Tap it to edit.

When you tap your phone number, Instagram will ask you to enter a new one. Type in your new phone number in the field provided, making sure to include the country code if you're in a different region. Instagram will then send a verification code to that new number via text message. Check your messages and enter the code into the app to confirm the change.

The entire process takes about two minutes. Your old phone number will be removed from your account once the new one is verified. If you don't receive the verification code within a few minutes, check that you typed the number correctly—a single digit off will prevent the text from arriving.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to your profile, tap the menu icon, then Settings and privacy > Account center > Personal information to find your phone number.
  • Instagram will send a verification code by text to your new phone number, and you must enter it to complete the change.
  • The old phone number is removed automatically once the new one is verified.
  • If you don't receive the verification code, double-check that you entered the new number correctly, including the country code.
  • You can change your phone number as many times as you need—there is no limit to how often you can update it.

What Happens If You No Longer Have Access to Your Old Number

If you've already switched to a new phone and no longer have the old number, you can still change it in your account settings. The old number doesn't need to be active—Instagram only requires that your new number receive the verification code. straightforward enter your new number and wait for the text.

However, if you're locked out of your account and can't reach the phone number currently linked to it, the process is different. You'll need to use your email address or username to recover your account instead. Instagram's account recovery tool will walk you through verifying your identity using your email or a backup email address you set up previously.

Using Your Phone Number for Two-Factor Authentication

Your phone number on Instagram serves two purposes: it helps you recover your account if you forget your password, and it can be used for two-factor authentication (2FA). Two-factor authentication adds an extra security layer by requiring a code sent to your phone whenever you log in from a new device.

If you enable two-factor authentication through SMS (text message), Instagram will send a code to the phone number on file each time you sign in from an unfamiliar location or device. When you change your phone number, make sure your new number can receive text messages, or you may have trouble logging in if you use 2FA. You can also switch to an authentication app like Google Authenticator instead of SMS codes if you prefer.

Changing Your Number on Desktop or Web Browser

If you're using Instagram on a computer, the steps are similar but the menu layout is slightly different. Log into your account on Instagram.com, click your profile picture in the top right corner, and select Settings. Then click Personal information in the left sidebar. You'll see your phone number listed—click on it to edit.

Enter your new phone number and Instagram will send a verification code to that number via text. Type the code into the box on your screen to confirm. The desktop version works just as quickly as the mobile app, and the change syncs across all your devices within seconds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Updating Your Number

The most frequent error is typing the phone number incorrectly. Make sure you include the country code (for example, +1 for the United States) if Instagram asks for it, and double-check each digit before submitting. A single wrong number means the verification code will go to someone else's phone, and you won't be able to complete the change.

Another common issue is not waiting long enough for the text message to arrive. Verification codes can take up to five minutes, especially if your phone's signal is weak or your carrier is slow. If you don't see the code after five minutes, try requesting it again—there's usually a "Resend code" button on the verification screen.

Don't change your phone number right before traveling internationally or switching carriers, as you may lose access to text messages during the transition. If possible, make the change when you're certain your new number is active and receiving texts.

What to Do If the Verification Code Doesn't Arrive

If you've waited five minutes and haven't received the code, first check that you entered the phone number correctly. Go back and verify each digit, including the country code. Then request the code again—Instagram will send a fresh one.

If codes still aren't arriving, your phone may not be receiving text messages properly. Check with your carrier to make sure SMS is enabled on your account. Some carriers block messages from automated services, or your plan may not include text messaging. You can also try switching to a different phone number if you have one available, or use your email address to recover your account instead if you're locked out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my phone number if I don't have the old phone anymore?

Yes. The old phone number doesn't need to be active—you only need your new number to receive the verification code. As long as you can access your Instagram account and your new phone can receive texts, you can make the change.

Will changing my phone number affect my two-factor authentication?

If you use SMS-based two-factor authentication, your new phone number will automatically be used for future login codes. Make sure your new number can receive text messages, or you may have trouble logging in. You can also switch to an authentication app instead if you prefer.

How long does it take for the phone number change to show up on my account?

The change is when ready once you enter the verification code. Your new number will be linked to your account when ready, and the old number will be removed.

What if I entered the wrong new phone number by mistake?

If you realize the error before entering the verification code, go back to your phone number settings and try again with the correct number. If you already confirmed a wrong number, you can change it again right away—there's no waiting period between changes.

Can I have multiple phone numbers linked to my Instagram account?

No. Instagram only allows one phone number per account. If you want to add a different number, you must replace the existing one.