You can change your birth date in Instagram settings, but the platform limits how often you can do it

Instagram lets you update your birth date through your account settings. The process takes about two minutes. However, Instagram restricts how many times you can change it — you can only modify your birth date once every 60 days. If you need to change it more frequently than that, you'll have to wait for the cooldown period to expire.

The birth date you provide is private by default. Instagram does not display it on your profile, and other users cannot see it. Instagram uses your birth date to enforce age restrictions on certain features and to show you age-appropriate content.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your birth date once every 60 days through your account settings on the Instagram app or website.
  • Your birth date is private and does not appear on your public profile or in search results.
  • If you entered an incorrect birth date when you created your account, you can update it at any time as long as you're not within the 60-day waiting period.
  • Instagram uses your birth date to restrict access to certain features and to comply with age-verification laws in different countries.

How to change your birth date on the Instagram app

Open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy.

From the Settings and privacy menu, tap Account information. You'll see a field labeled Date of birth. Tap on it to open the date picker. Select your birth month, day, and year, then tap Done or Confirm depending on your device. Instagram will save the change when ready.

How to change your birth date on Instagram's website

Go to Instagram.com and log into your account. Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then click Settings. On the left sidebar, click Personal information.

You'll see a field labeled Date of birth. Click on it and use the dropdown menus or date picker to select your correct birth month, day, and year. Click Save or Update. The change takes effect right away.

What happens if you've already changed your birth date recently

If you changed your birth date within the last 60 days, Instagram will not let you change it again. You'll see a message saying something like "You can change your date of birth again on [specific date]." The date shown is when the 60-day window closes.

This restriction applies whether you changed it on the app or the website — the cooldown period is tied to your account, not the device or platform you used. You'll have to wait until that date passes before you can make another change.

Why Instagram limits how often you can change your birth date

The 60-day restriction exists partly to prevent account abuse. Bad actors sometimes change birth dates to bypass age restrictions on features like ads, certain content filters, or age-gated promotions. The cooldown period makes it harder to rapidly cycle through different ages.

Instagram also uses birth dates to comply with laws in different countries. Many regions require social media platforms to verify that users meet minimum age requirements. The restriction helps Instagram maintain accurate age records for legal purposes.

What to do if you can't remember your birth date

If you don't remember the exact date you entered when you created your account, you can still change it now. Just enter your actual birth date. Instagram doesn't verify the information you provide — it relies on you to enter accurate data. Once you've updated it, you won't be able to change it again for 60 days.

If you're locked out of your account and can't access the settings menu, you may need to reset your password first. Go to Instagram.com, click Forgot password? on the login screen, and follow the steps to regain access to your account.

Age restrictions and features tied to your birth date

Instagram uses your birth date to control access to certain features. If your account is under 18, you cannot create or view certain types of content, and your account defaults to a more private setting. Some advertising features are also restricted based on age.

If you're under 13, Instagram's terms of service do not permit you to have an account at all. If you entered a birth date that makes you appear under 13, Instagram may restrict or disable your account. You would need to update your birth date to a date that makes you 13 or older to restore full access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my birth date more than once every 60 days?

No. Instagram enforces a 60-day cooldown between changes. If you try to change it before that period ends, you'll see a message telling you when you can change it next. You have to wait for that date to arrive.

Will other people see my birth date on my profile?

No. Your birth date is private and does not appear anywhere on your public profile. Other users cannot see it, and it does not show up in search results or when someone visits your profile.

What if I entered the wrong birth date when I created my account?

You can change it now through your account settings. Just go to Personal information or Account information and update the date. As long as you haven't changed it in the last 60 days, the change will go through when ready.

Can I delete my birth date instead of changing it?

No. Instagram requires a birth date on file for all accounts. You cannot leave the field blank or remove the date entirely. You must enter a valid birth month, day, and year.

Does Instagram verify the birth date I enter?

Instagram does not verify your birth date against government records or other documents. It relies on you to enter accurate information. However, if your account appears to belong to someone under 13, Instagram may restrict or disable it.