Change Your Email in Instagram Settings

To change your Instagram email, open the app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select Settings and privacy. Tap Account center, then Personal information, then Account ownership and control. Select the Instagram account you want to change, then tap Email. Enter your new email address and tap Next. Instagram will send a confirmation link to that new email — you must click it within 24 hours or the change will not go through.

If you are using Instagram on a web browser instead of the app, the path is the same: click your profile picture in the top right, select Settings, then follow the same steps through Account center. The confirmation email will arrive within a few minutes if your new email address is correct.

Key Takeaways

  • You must confirm your new email address by clicking a link Instagram sends within 24 hours, or the change will not save.
  • The email you use for Instagram is separate from the phone number or username you log in with — changing one does not affect the others.
  • If you no longer have access to your old email, you may need to use Account Recovery instead of the Settings path.
  • Instagram sends the confirmation link to your new email address, so make sure you can access it before you start the process.

What Happens to Your Old Email

Once you confirm your new email address, Instagram stops using the old one for your account. The old email address becomes available for someone else to use with their Instagram account. You will no longer receive password reset emails, login alerts, or account notifications at the old address — they will go to your new email instead.

If you want to keep the old email connected to Instagram for a different account you own, you can set it up on that account after the change is complete. Instagram does not let one email address be connected to two active accounts at the same time.

If You Cannot Access Your Old Email

If your old email no longer works or you do not have the password, you cannot use the Settings method. Instead, go to the Instagram login page and tap Need more help logging in? Then select Can't access your account? and follow the Account Recovery process. You will be asked to verify your identity using your phone number, a photo ID, or other methods Instagram offers.

Account Recovery can take several days because Instagram reviews your request manually. During that time, you should not try to change your email through Settings, as this can slow down the recovery process. Once your account is recovered, you can change the email address using the normal Settings method.

Confirming Your New Email Address

After you enter your new email and tap Next, Instagram sends a confirmation message to that address. Open your email inbox (check spam or promotions folders if you do not see it right away) and look for a message from Instagram. The message will contain a link or a code — click the link or enter the code in the Instagram app within 24 hours.

If you do not confirm within 24 hours, the change expires and you will need to start over. If you did not receive the confirmation email, check that you typed the new email address correctly. You can also ask Instagram to send the confirmation again by going back to the email change screen and tapping Resend.

Using a Different Email for Login

The email address you use to log into Instagram is not the same as the email address stored in your account settings. You can log in using your username, phone number, or any email address you have ever connected to the account — even old ones. Changing your account email in Settings does not change which addresses let you log in.

If you want to remove an old email from your login options, you will need to change the password associated with that email or remove it from your connected accounts. This is different from changing your primary account email. If you are unsure which email is your primary one, check Settings and privacy > Account center > Personal information to see what is currently listed.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If Instagram says your new email is already in use, that email is connected to another Instagram account. You will need to use a different email address, or remove that email from the other account first. You cannot use the same email for two active Instagram accounts at the same time.

If the confirmation link is not working, make sure you are clicking it on the same device where you started the email change. Some confirmation links expire if you try to use them on a different phone or computer. If the link still does not work after 24 hours, start the process again and request a new confirmation email.

If you see an error message saying "Something went wrong," wait a few minutes and try again. Instagram's servers sometimes have temporary issues. If the error keeps happening, try using a different browser or the Instagram app instead of the website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Instagram email on my phone?

Yes, you can change it using the Instagram app on your phone. Open your profile, tap the menu icon, go to Settings and privacy > Account center > Personal information > Account ownership and control, select your account, and tap Email. The process is the same as on a computer.

What if I forget to confirm my new email within 24 hours?

The change will not go through and your old email will stay on your account. You will need to start the process again and confirm the new email within 24 hours. Instagram will send you a new confirmation link if you request it.

Will changing my email affect my Instagram password?

No, your password stays the same. Changing your email only updates the address where Instagram sends you notifications and password reset links. You can still log in with your username or phone number as usual.

Can I change my email if my account is hacked?

If someone else has access to your account, you should use Account Recovery instead of the Settings method. Go to the login page, tap Need more help logging in, and follow the steps to regain control of your account before changing the email.