The quickest way to change your cover photo
Open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right. Tap Edit profile, then tap the cover photo (the small square image below your profile picture). Choose Upload photo to pick a new image from your phone, or Remove photo if you want to delete the current one. Once you've selected your image, tap Done or Save depending on your device, and the change appears when ready on your profile.
The cover photo is different from your profile picture — it's the small square that sits just below your name and bio. It's visible only on your profile page, not in your feed or in messages. If you've never set one, the space will be blank or show a default icon.
Key Takeaways
- Your cover photo lives on your profile page below your profile picture and is visible only when someone visits your profile.
- You can upload any image from your phone's camera roll, or remove the cover photo entirely to leave the space blank.
- Changes to your cover photo appear right away — there's no waiting period or approval process.
- The cover photo is separate from your profile picture and does not affect how you appear in feeds, stories, or messages.
Where to find the cover photo on your profile
The cover photo sits in a small square directly below your profile picture and name. On most phones, it's about the size of a postage stamp. If you haven't set one yet, you'll see a blank space or a generic camera icon in that spot.
This space is different from your profile picture (the circular image at the top) and different from your story highlights (the circles with labels that sit below your bio). The cover photo is purely decorative — it doesn't affect your follower count, notifications, or how people find you.
How to upload a new cover photo from your phone
Tap Edit profile on your profile page. Scroll down until you see the cover photo square, then tap it. Instagram will ask whether you want to Upload photo or Remove photo. Choose Upload photo.
Your phone will open your camera roll or photo library. Select any image you want to use — there's no size requirement or aspect ratio Instagram enforces for cover photos. Once you've picked the image, tap Done (on iPhone) or the checkmark (on Android). The photo will appear in the cover photo space right away.
You can change your cover photo as often as you like. There's no limit to how many times you can swap it out, and no waiting period between changes.
Removing your cover photo
If you want to delete your current cover photo and leave the space blank, tap Edit profile, then tap the cover photo square. Choose Remove photo. The space will return to blank or show the default icon, and the change takes effect when ready.
Removing the cover photo doesn't affect anything else on your profile — your bio, follower count, posts, and stories all stay the same.
What image size and format works best
Instagram doesn't enforce a specific size or format for cover photos. You can use any image from your phone — a photo, a graphic, a screenshot, or a design you've made. The image will automatically fit into the small square space on your profile.
Since the cover photo is small, choose an image that looks good when shrunk down. Text or fine details may become hard to read. A solid color, a straightforward graphic, or a close-up photo usually works better than a busy or detailed image.
Troubleshooting cover photo problems
If you tap the cover photo square and nothing happens, make sure you're logged into the account you want to edit. You can only change the cover photo on your own profile, not on other people's profiles. If you're trying to edit someone else's profile, you'll see Follow or Message instead of Edit profile.
If the image won't upload, try closing Instagram completely and opening it again. Make sure your phone has enough storage space and that you have an internet connection. If the problem continues, try uploading a different image to see whether the issue is with that specific photo or with your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people see my cover photo in their feed or in messages?
No. Your cover photo appears only on your profile page when someone visits it. It doesn't show up in feeds, stories, direct messages, or anywhere else on Instagram.
What happens to my cover photo if I change my profile picture?
Your cover photo and profile picture are separate. Changing one doesn't affect the other. You can update them independently whenever you want.
Can I use a video as my cover photo?
No. Instagram cover photos must be still images. You can use photos, graphics, or screenshots, but not videos or animated files.
Is there a size limit for the cover photo file?
Instagram doesn't publish a specific file size limit for cover photos. Most phone photos and images work fine. If you're having trouble uploading, try a smaller or lower-resolution image.
Can my followers see when I change my cover photo?
No. Changing your cover photo doesn't trigger a notification, post, or story. Only people who visit your profile will see the new image.