Where to Find Your Birthday Setting on Instagram
Your birthday on Instagram lives in your profile settings, not in your bio or public profile information. Open Instagram on your phone or computer, tap or click your profile icon in the bottom right corner, then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines). Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Account information. Your birthday field appears here, along with your email, phone number, and other account details.
If you are using Instagram on a computer, the path is the same: profile icon, menu, Settings and privacy, then Account information. The layout looks slightly different on desktop, but the birthday field is in the same section as your other personal details.
Key Takeaways
- Your birthday is stored in Account information under Settings and privacy, not in your public profile.
- You can change your birthday as many times as you want, but Instagram limits how often you can change the year to once every 60 days.
- Your birthday is private by default — Instagram does not show it on your profile or to other users unless you choose to share it.
- If you cannot find the birthday field, make sure you are logged into the account you want to edit and that you have the latest version of the Instagram app.
The Steps to Update Your Birthday
Once you are in Account information, look for the Birthday field. Tap or click on it to open the date picker. Select your month, day, and year using the dropdown menus or calendar that appears. Some phones show a scrollable wheel; others show a calendar. Either way, the process is the same: choose the date and confirm.
After you select your new birthday, tap Done or Save (the button name varies slightly by device). Instagram will save the change when ready. You do not need to do anything else — the update takes effect right away.
The 60-Day Rule for Changing Your Birth Year
Instagram allows you to change the month and day of your birthday whenever you want, but the birth year has a restriction. You can only change the year once every 60 days. If you try to change it before 60 days have passed since your last year change, Instagram will show an error message telling you when you can change it again.
This rule exists to prevent account takeovers — if someone gains unauthorized access to your account, they cannot quickly change your age to lock you out. The 60-day window resets each time you make a change to the year, so plan ahead if you need to correct a birth year mistake.
Privacy: Who Can See Your Birthday
Your birthday is private by default. Instagram does not display it on your public profile, and other users cannot see it unless you choose to share it. The only people who can see your birthday are Instagram staff (if you contact support) and you, when you log into your account.
If you want to celebrate your birthday on Instagram, you can mention it in your bio or in a post — but the birthday field itself remains hidden. Some users add their birthday to their bio as text (for example, "Birthday: March 15") if they want followers to know, but this is optional and separate from the birthday field in settings.
What to Do If You Cannot Find the Birthday Field
If the birthday field is missing or grayed out, check that you are logged into the correct account. Some accounts, especially business or creator accounts, may have slightly different settings layouts. Make sure you are viewing your own profile settings, not someone else's account.
If the field still does not appear, update your Instagram app to the latest version. Older versions sometimes hide or move settings. On iPhone, open the App Store and check for updates; on Android, open Google Play and search for Instagram. After updating, close the app completely and reopen it, then try again.
Why Instagram Asks for Your Birthday
Instagram requires a birthday when you create an account because the platform is not available to users under 13 years old. Your birthday is used to verify your age and to comply with laws that protect children online. Instagram also uses your birthday to send you a birthday notification and to show you age-appropriate content and ads.
You cannot delete your birthday once it is set — you can only change it. If you entered the wrong date when you signed up, you can correct it using the steps above. If your account was created with an incorrect age, changing the birthday now will update your account going forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hide my birthday from Instagram completely?
No, you cannot remove your birthday from your account. Instagram requires a birthday to keep your account active and to verify your age. However, your birthday is private and does not appear on your profile or to other users, so only you and Instagram can see it.
What happens if I change my birthday to make myself younger or older?
Instagram will accept the change and update your account when ready. The platform does not verify your birthday against government records, so you can change it to any date. However, changing your age may affect the ads and content you see, since Instagram targets based on age groups.
How long does it take for a birthday change to show up?
Birthday changes take effect when ready. You do not need to wait or refresh your account. If you changed your birthday and want to see it reflected in your settings, close the app and reopen it, but the change is already saved.
Can I change my birthday on Instagram if I use Facebook to log in?
Yes, you can still change your birthday in Instagram settings even if you log in through Facebook. The birthday field in Instagram Account information is separate from your Facebook birthday. Changing one does not change the other.
What if I forgot my birthday and cannot change it?
If you do not remember the birthday you entered when you created your account, you can still change it. Go to Account information and tap the birthday field — it will show the date currently on file. You can then change it to the correct date. If you are locked out of your account, contact Instagram support through the Help Center.