Update Your Phone Number in Account Settings
To change the phone number linked to your Instagram account, open the app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select Settings and privacy. From there, go to Account center, then Personal information, and you'll see your phone number listed. Tap it to edit.
When you tap your current number, Instagram will show you the option to replace it with a new one. Type in your new phone number and tap Save. Instagram will send a confirmation code to that new number — you'll need to enter it to complete the change. This protects your account by making sure you actually own the phone number you're adding.
The whole process takes about two minutes. Your old number is removed when ready once the new one is confirmed, so you won't have two numbers linked at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- Go to Settings and privacy, then Account center, then Personal information to find your linked phone number.
- Instagram sends a confirmation code to your new number before the change takes effect, so you must have access to that phone to complete the update.
- Your old phone number is removed as soon as the new one is confirmed.
- If you no longer have access to your old phone number, you can remove it without adding a new one, though this makes account recovery harder if you forget your password.
- The phone number you add is used for account security and password recovery, not for Instagram messages or calls.
Why Instagram Asks for a Phone Number
Instagram uses your phone number for two main purposes: to help you recover your account if you forget your password, and to verify that you're the real owner of the account. When you try to log in from a new device or after a long time away, Instagram may ask you to confirm your identity using that phone number.
The phone number is not shared with other Instagram users and does not appear on your profile. It's stored privately in your account settings and only used by Instagram's security systems.
What to Do If You Don't Have Access to Your Old Phone
If you've switched phones and no longer have access to your old number, you can still change it. Go through the same steps — Settings and privacy, Account center, Personal information — and tap your current number. Instead of replacing it, select the option to remove it. You can then add your new number, and Instagram will send the confirmation code there.
If you want to remove your phone number without adding a new one, that's also allowed. However, this makes it harder to recover your account later if you forget your password, because Instagram will have no phone number on file. In that case, you'd need to use your email address or username to regain access instead.
If the Confirmation Code Doesn't Arrive
Sometimes the text message with your confirmation code is delayed or doesn't arrive at all. Wait a few minutes and check your messages again — carriers sometimes take time to deliver texts. If nothing arrives after five minutes, tap Didn't get the code? in the Instagram app and request a new one.
If you still don't receive a code, make sure your phone plan includes text messages and that you typed the number correctly. If the number is right but texts still aren't coming through, try requesting the code again or contact your phone carrier to check whether they're blocking messages from Instagram's number.
Changing Your Number on Instagram's Website
You can also change your phone number using a web browser instead of the app. Go to instagram.com and log in. Click your profile picture in the top right, then select Settings. Click Personal information and you'll see the same phone number field. The process is identical — enter your new number, wait for the confirmation code via text, and enter it to save the change.
Whether you use the app or the website, the change happens on the same account, so you only need to do it once.
What Happens to Two-Factor Authentication When You Change Your Number
If you've turned on two-factor authentication using text messages (also called SMS authentication), changing your phone number updates that setting automatically. Your new number will receive the security codes the next time you log in from an unrecognized device.
If you use an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Authy instead of text messages for two-factor authentication, changing your phone number won't affect it — those apps work independently of your phone number and will continue to generate codes as usual.
Removing Your Phone Number Entirely
If you don't want any phone number linked to your account, you can remove it without adding a replacement. Go to Settings and privacy, Account center, Personal information, tap your phone number, and select the option to remove it. Instagram will ask you to confirm, because this does make your account slightly less find.
Without a phone number on file, you'll need to use your email address or username to recover your account if you forget your password. Make sure you have access to the email address linked to your account before you remove your phone number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can other Instagram users see my phone number?
No. Your phone number is private and stored only in your account settings. It does not appear on your profile, in your bio, or anywhere else that other users can see. Only you and Instagram can see it.
Will changing my phone number log me out?
No. Changing your phone number does not log you out of Instagram or any other apps. You'll stay logged in on all your devices, and the new number will be ready to use the next time Instagram needs to verify your identity.
What if I change my number but don't update Instagram right away?
If you change your phone number in real life but don't update Instagram, the old number will still be linked to your account. If you try to log in from a new device, Instagram may send a confirmation code to that old number, which you won't receive. Update Instagram as soon as you get your new phone to avoid this problem.
Can I add multiple phone numbers to one Instagram account?
No. Instagram only allows one phone number per account. If you add a new number, it replaces the old one. You cannot have two phone numbers linked at the same time.
Do I need a phone number to use Instagram?
No. A phone number is optional. You can create and use an Instagram account with just an email address and password. Adding a phone number is recommended because it makes account recovery easier if you forget your password, but it's not required.