How to change your age on Instagram
You can change your age on Instagram through your account settings on the app or website. The process takes less than a minute: open Instagram, go to your profile, tap the menu icon, select Settings and privacy, then Account, then Personal information, and update your birthdate. Instagram will save the change when ready.
The age you set on Instagram controls what content you see, what features are available to you, and whether your account is marked as a business or creator account. If you entered the wrong birthdate when you created your account, or your age has changed since you signed up, you can correct it anytime. There is no limit to how many times you can change it.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your birthdate in Settings and privacy > Account > Personal information on both the Instagram app and website.
- Instagram uses your age to determine which features you can access, including some monetization tools and advertising options.
- If you are under 18, Instagram restricts who can message you and limits the ads you see.
- You do not need to verify your age with a document; Instagram takes the birthdate you enter at face value.
- Changing your age does not affect your followers, posts, or any other part of your account history.
Steps to change your age on the Instagram app
Open the Instagram app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right, then tap Settings and privacy. Select Account, then Personal information.
Tap Birthdate and enter the correct date using the calendar or by typing it in. Once you confirm the date, Instagram saves it automatically. You will return to the Personal information screen, where your new birthdate now appears. The change takes effect right away.
Steps to change your age on Instagram.com
Go to Instagram.com and log in to your account. Click your profile icon in the bottom left, then click Settings. Click Account in the left menu, then click Personal information.
Click on the Birthdate field and enter your correct date. Click outside the field or press Enter to save. The change is when ready, and you can close the settings page. Your age on Instagram is now updated.
What happens when you change your age
Changing your age affects which Instagram features become available to you. If you change your age to 18 or older, you may unlock features like certain monetization tools, the ability to run ads, and access to some creator features that Instagram restricts for younger users. If you change your age to under 18, Instagram will restrict direct messages from people you do not follow and limit the ads shown to you.
Your followers, posts, likes, and comments do not change. Your account history remains the same. Only the features and content restrictions tied to your age will shift. If you use Instagram for business or as a creator, changing your age might affect which monetization options are available, so check your may be able to access for those programs after you update your birthdate.
Why Instagram asks for your age
Instagram requires a birthdate to comply with laws that protect younger users online. In most countries, users under 13 cannot have an Instagram account at all. Users between 13 and 18 have additional protections: their accounts are private by default, they cannot be contacted by strangers, and they see fewer ads.
Instagram also uses age to determine which features you can access. Some monetization programs, like Instagram Reels bonuses and branded content tools, are only available to users 18 and older. Advertising tools and certain creator features also have age restrictions. Your birthdate is stored privately and is not visible to other users unless you choose to display it on your profile.
If you cannot find the birthdate setting
If you are using an older version of Instagram, the Personal information section might be in a different location. Try going to Settings > Account > Edit profile instead, where you may see a Birthdate field. If you still cannot find it, update your Instagram app to the latest version from your device's app store.
On the website, if the Personal information option does not appear, try logging out and logging back in, or use a different browser. If the setting remains unavailable, Instagram may be rolling out the update to your account gradually. Check back in a few days, or contact Instagram Support through the Help Center if the issue persists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my age on Instagram multiple times?
Yes, you can change your age as many times as you want. There is no limit or waiting period between changes. However, if you change your age frequently, Instagram may flag your account for review to make sure it is not being used to bypass age restrictions.
Do I need to prove my age with a document?
No. Instagram does not ask for a birth certificate, ID, or any other proof. It accepts whatever birthdate you enter. However, if Instagram suspects you are under 13 or are misrepresenting your age to access restricted features, it may disable your account.
What if I forgot my birthdate?
You can enter any date you believe is correct. If you are unsure, estimate your birth year and month, then adjust it later if needed. Instagram does not lock you into your first entry, so you can change it again whenever you remember the correct date.
Will changing my age affect my followers or posts?
No. Your followers, posts, likes, comments, and all other account content stay exactly the same. Only the features available to you and the restrictions on your account will change based on your new age.
Why did Instagram ask me to confirm my age recently?
Instagram periodically asks users to confirm or update their birthdate as part of its safety and compliance efforts. If you see this prompt, you can enter your correct birthdate or confirm the one already on file. Ignoring the prompt may eventually limit your account access.