Change Your Phone Number Through Account Settings
To change the phone number linked to your Instagram account, open the Instagram app and tap the 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 phone number, Instagram will ask you to enter the new number you want to use. Type it in with the correct country code — for example, +1 for the United States. Instagram will then send a verification code to that new number via text message. Check your messages, enter the code into the app, and your phone number will update when ready.
The whole process takes about two minutes. You don't need to log out or restart the app. Your account stays active the entire time, and no one else can see your phone number unless you choose to make it public in your profile settings.
Key Takeaways
- Go to your profile, tap the menu icon, then Settings and privacy > Account center > Personal information to find your phone number.
- Instagram sends a verification code by text to your new number, which you must enter to confirm the change.
- The update takes effect when ready once you verify the code — you do not need to log out or restart the app.
- Your phone number is hidden from other users by default, but you can check your privacy settings if you want to keep it completely private.
- If you no longer have access to your old phone number, you may need to use a recovery email or backup codes instead.
What Happens If You Don't Have Access to Your Old Phone Number
If you're changing your phone number because you switched carriers or lost your old phone, you won't be able to receive the verification code on that old number. Instagram understands this — you can skip the verification step by using a recovery email instead.
When you go to change your phone number and Instagram asks you to verify, look for the option that says Can't access this phone? or Use another way to verify. Tap that, and Instagram will send a verification link to the email address on file with your account. Open that email, click the link, and your phone number will update without needing the text code.
Make sure the email address in your account is one you can actually access. If you've lost access to both your old phone number and your recovery email, you'll need to use your backup codes (if you saved them) or contact Instagram's support team through the app.
Using a Landline or Business Number Instead
Instagram accepts landline numbers and business phone lines, not just mobile phones. If you want to link a landline to your account, enter it exactly as it appears on your bill, including any extensions. Instagram will still send a verification code, but it will arrive as an automated call rather than a text message.
Answer the call and listen for the code, then enter it into the app. This works the same way as text verification — the number updates once you confirm. Landlines can be useful if you're setting up a business account or if you prefer not to use your personal mobile number.
Keep in mind that if your landline doesn't support incoming calls or if you miss the automated call, you won't receive the code. In that case, fall back to the email verification method described above.
Why Instagram Asks for a Phone Number
Instagram uses your phone number for two main reasons: account recovery and security. If you forget your password or someone tries to access your account without permission, Instagram can send you a code to your phone to verify it's really you. This is one of the fastest ways to regain access to a locked account.
The phone number also helps Instagram detect unusual activity. If someone logs in from a new location or device, Instagram may ask for a code sent to your phone to confirm the login is legitimate. This two-factor verification makes it much harder for hackers to take over your account, even if they have your password.
Your phone number is not shown on your profile by default. Other users cannot see it unless you choose to make it public in your privacy settings, which you can change at any time.
Removing Your Phone Number Entirely
If you don't want a phone number linked to your account at all, you can remove it. Go to Settings and privacy > Account center > Personal information, tap your phone number, and select Remove or Delete. Instagram will ask you to confirm, and the number will be unlinked from your account.
Removing your phone number does not delete your account or log you out. However, you lose the security benefit of two-factor verification via text. If you remove it, make sure you have a recovery email set up and that you remember your password, because those become your only backup ways to get back in if you're locked out.
You can add a phone number back at any time by following the same steps you used to change it. There's no limit to how many times you can add or remove a number.
Changing Your Number on Instagram.com (Desktop)
If you prefer to use a computer instead of the app, you can change your phone number on Instagram's website. Log in to Instagram.com, click your profile picture in the top right, and select Settings. Then click Personal information in the left menu, and you'll see your phone number listed.
Click on the phone number to edit it, enter your new number, and Instagram will send a verification code to that number via text. Enter the code on the website, and your number updates. The process is identical to the app version — it just happens on a larger screen.
You can start the change on your phone and finish it on your computer, or vice versa. Instagram syncs your account across all devices, so the update will show up everywhere once it's confirmed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is entering the phone number in the wrong format. If you're in the United States, make sure you include the +1 country code at the beginning. If you're in another country, look up your country code before you enter it. Instagram will usually catch a wrong format and ask you to re-enter it, but it's faster to get it right the first time.
Another mistake is closing the app or navigating away before you enter the verification code. Instagram sends the code to your phone, but you have a limited time to enter it — usually 10 to 15 minutes. If the code expires, you can request a new one, but it's easier to stay in the app until you've completed the whole process.
Don't assume your phone number is private. By default, it is — other users can't see it. But if you've ever made it public in your privacy settings and then changed your number, the old number might still be visible to others until Instagram's system fully updates. Check your privacy settings after you change your number to make sure it's set to private if you want it that way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Instagram to update my phone number?
The change takes effect when ready once you enter the verification code. You don't need to wait for an email confirmation or restart the app. Your account will show the new number right away, and Instagram's security systems will use it for two-factor verification on your next login from a new device.
Can I change my phone number if my account is hacked?
If someone else has access to your account, they can change your phone number and lock you out. If you suspect your account is hacked, use the "Forgot password?" option on the login screen to reset your password using your recovery email. Once you regain access, change your phone number and enable two-factor verification when ready.
What if I enter the wrong phone number by mistake?
Instagram will send the verification code to the number you entered. If it's wrong, you won't receive the code. Go back and tap "Can't access this phone?" to use your recovery email instead, then start over with the correct number. You can change it as many times as you need.
Does changing my phone number affect my followers or posts?
No. Your followers, posts, messages, and all other account content stay exactly the same. Changing your phone number only updates the contact information Instagram uses for account recovery and security — it doesn't touch anything else on your profile.
Can I use the same phone number for multiple Instagram accounts?
Instagram allows one phone number per account. If you try to add a number that's already linked to another account, Instagram will ask you to choose which account should keep it. The other account will lose the phone number. If you manage multiple accounts, use different phone numbers for each one, or use recovery emails instead.