The fastest way to change your Instagram profile picture
Open Instagram on your phone or go to Instagram.com on a computer. Tap or click your profile icon in the bottom right corner (phone) or top right corner (web). Then tap "Edit profile" and select the circular profile picture at the top. You can choose a photo from your phone's camera roll, take a new photo, or remove the picture entirely. Save your changes and the new picture appears when ready.
The process takes about 30 seconds. Your new profile picture shows up to everyone following you and anyone who visits your profile, and it updates across all Instagram features like comments, messages, and story replies.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your profile picture from the Edit Profile section, which you reach by tapping your profile icon and selecting "Edit profile".
- Instagram accepts photos from your phone's camera roll, newly taken photos, or you can remove your picture entirely.
- The change takes effect when ready and appears everywhere on Instagram — in your profile, comments, messages, and stories.
- If you use a business or creator account, the process is identical to a personal account.
Where to find the Edit Profile button
On your phone, tap the profile icon at the bottom right of the screen. It looks like a person's silhouette. This takes you to your profile page. At the top, you will see your current profile picture, username, and bio. Below that is a button that says "Edit profile" — tap it.
On a computer, click your profile icon in the top right corner of the page. A menu drops down. Select "Edit profile" from the options. You will see the same profile editing page as on your phone.
Choosing or taking a new photo
Once you are in Edit Profile, tap the circular profile picture at the top of the page. A menu appears with three options: "Upload photo", "Take photo", or "Remove photo". Choose "Upload photo" to pick an existing image from your phone. Choose "Take photo" to use your phone's camera to snap a new picture right then. Choose "Remove photo" if you want to delete your current picture and show no profile image.
If you upload a photo, Instagram will show you a preview and let you zoom, move, and crop it before you save. You can adjust the frame so your face or the part you want is centered. Once you are happy with how it looks, tap "Save" or "Done" (the button name varies by phone type).
What image formats and sizes work best
Instagram accepts JPG, PNG, and GIF files. There is no strict file size limit, but Instagram compresses all images, so a photo larger than 1080 by 1080 pixels will be shrunk down. Your profile picture appears as a small circle on most screens, so a close-up photo of your face or a clear logo (if you run a business account) works better than a wide landscape photo where details disappear.
The image will be cropped into a circle, so avoid putting important details near the edges. Test how your photo looks by taking a screenshot of your profile after you upload it — you will see exactly what other people see.
Fixing problems with your new profile picture
If your new picture does not appear after you save, try closing and reopening the Instagram app. Sometimes the change takes a few minutes to sync across Instagram's servers. If you are on a computer, try refreshing the page or switching to the phone app.
If Instagram rejected your photo, it may contain nudity, violence, or hate speech that violates Instagram's community guidelines. Try a different image. If you believe your photo was rejected by mistake, you can report the issue through Instagram's help center, though Instagram does not always reverse these decisions.
Changing your picture on a business or creator account
The steps are exactly the same whether you run a personal, business, or creator account. Tap Edit Profile, select your profile picture, and choose a new image. Business and creator accounts show the same circular profile picture as personal accounts, and the change takes effect when ready across all account types.
If you switch your account type later (from personal to business, for example), your profile picture stays the same. You do not have to re-upload it.
Removing your profile picture
To delete your profile picture and show no image at all, go to Edit Profile, tap your profile picture, and select "Remove photo". Your profile will display a blank circle where your picture was. You can add a new picture anytime by following the same steps.
Some people remove their profile picture temporarily if they are taking a break from Instagram or want to change their look. There is no penalty for having no profile picture, though it may make your account look less active to people who do not know you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my profile picture on a computer instead of my phone?
Yes. Go to Instagram.com, click your profile icon in the top right, select "Edit profile", and click your profile picture. The process is the same as on a phone, though some buttons may be labeled slightly differently depending on your browser.
How often can I change my profile picture?
You can change it as many times as you want with no limit. There is no waiting period between changes. Some people change their picture daily, others keep the same one for years.
Will my followers be notified when I change my profile picture?
No. Your followers will see the new picture when they visit your profile or interact with your posts and comments, but Instagram does not send a notification about the change. Stories and posts you made with the old picture will not update to show the new one.
What if I accidentally deleted my profile picture?
You can upload a new one when ready by going back to Edit Profile and selecting "Upload photo". Instagram does not keep a backup of deleted pictures, so you will need to choose a different image from your phone or take a new one.
Can I use a video or GIF as my profile picture?
Instagram profile pictures must be still images. You cannot use a video or animated GIF. If you upload a GIF, Instagram will use only the first frame as a static image.