Definition: What is Instagram Contact Information Change?
Changing your Instagram phone number or email address is the process of updating the contact information associated with your Instagram account. This includes your registered phone number and email address, which are used for account recovery, security verification, login, and receiving notifications.
Instagram allows you to change either your phone number or email address (or both) while preserving all your account data, including posts, stories, followers, following lists, messages, saved content, and account settings. The process requires verification of the new contact information to ensure account security.
You can change your phone number or email from the Instagram mobile app (Android or iPhone) or from the web version. The process is similar across all platforms, with slight variations in the interface.
Key Point: Instagram requires at least one contact method (phone number or email) to be active on your account. You cannot remove both phone and email simultaneously.
What: Understanding Instagram Contact Information
Instagram uses your phone number and email address for several purposes:
Account Recovery
Your phone number and email are used to recover your account if you forget your password or lose access. Instagram sends recovery codes to these contact methods.
Keep at least one contact method active and accessible for account recovery.
Two-Factor Authentication
If you have two-factor authentication enabled, your phone number receives verification codes for login attempts. This adds an extra layer of security to your account.
Changing your phone number requires updating 2FA settings if enabled.
Notifications
Instagram can send notifications to your email address about account activity, security alerts, and important updates. You can control notification preferences in settings.
Email notifications help you stay informed about account security.
Login Verification
When logging in from a new device, Instagram may send a verification code to your phone number or email to confirm it's you. This prevents unauthorized access.
Keep your contact information current to avoid login issues.
Important: Instagram requires at least one verified contact method (phone or email) on your account. You can have both, but you cannot remove the last remaining contact method.
When: When to Change Instagram Phone or Email
You should change your Instagram phone number or email in these situations:
Getting a New Phone Number
When you switch carriers, move to a new country, or get a new phone number, update Instagram to ensure you can receive verification codes and account recovery messages.
Email Address Changes
If you're changing your primary email address, closing an email account, or switching to a professional email, update Instagram to maintain account access and security.
Security Concerns
If your phone number or email has been compromised, shared publicly, or you're receiving suspicious verification codes, changing your contact information improves account security.
Losing Access to Contact Method
If you're losing access to your current phone number or email (e.g., closing an account, changing ISPs), update Instagram before losing access to prevent account lockout.
Best Practice: Update your Instagram contact information before you lose access to your current phone number or email. This prevents account recovery issues and ensures you can always access your account.
How To: Step-by-Step Guide to Change Instagram Phone or Email
Follow these steps to change your Instagram phone number or email address:
Change Instagram Phone Number
Open Instagram Settings
Open the Instagram app and tap your profile picture in the bottom right. Tap the three horizontal lines (☰) in the top right, then tap "Settings and privacy".
On web, click your profile picture > Settings.
Go to Personal Information
In Settings, scroll down and tap "Personal information" or "Account information". This section contains your phone number and email address.
You'll see options for phone number, email, and other personal details.
Select Phone Number
Tap on "Phone number". You'll see your current phone number (partially hidden) and an option to edit or change it.
If you don't see a phone number, you can add one here.
Enter New Phone Number
Tap "Edit" or "Change phone number" and enter your new phone number. Make sure to include the country code (e.g., +1 for US, +44 for UK). Double-check for accuracy.
The number format should include country code and area code.
Verify New Phone Number
Instagram will send a verification code via SMS to your new phone number. Enter this code when prompted. If you don't receive it, you can request a new code.
Make sure your new number can receive SMS messages.
Confirm the Change
After verification, confirm the phone number change. Your account will now use the new phone number for verification and recovery purposes.
If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you may need to update 2FA settings.
Change Instagram Email Address
Open Instagram Settings
Open Instagram and go to Settings > Personal information (same steps as phone number change).
The process is similar to changing your phone number.
Select Email
Tap on "Email". You'll see your current email address and an option to edit or change it.
If you don't see an email, you can add one here.
Enter New Email Address
Tap "Edit" or "Change email" and enter your new email address. Make sure the email is not already associated with another Instagram account.
You'll need access to this email to verify it.
Verify New Email
Instagram will send a verification code to your new email address. Check your inbox (and spam folder) and enter the code when prompted.
The code is usually valid for a limited time.
Confirm the Change
After verification, confirm the email change. Your account will now use the new email address for notifications and account recovery.
Make sure to check your new email for important Instagram notifications.
Pro Tip: After changing your phone number or email, update your two-factor authentication settings if enabled. Also, inform important contacts about your new contact information if needed.
Why: Why Update Instagram Contact Information
Keeping your Instagram contact information up to date is important for several reasons:
Account Security
Current contact information ensures you can receive security alerts, login verification codes, and account recovery messages. This prevents account lockout and unauthorized access.
Account Recovery
If you forget your password or lose access to your account, Instagram uses your phone number or email to send recovery codes. Outdated contact information can prevent account recovery.
Two-Factor Authentication
If you have 2FA enabled, your phone number receives verification codes. An outdated phone number means you won't receive codes, potentially locking you out of your account.
Important Notifications
Instagram sends important security alerts, account activity notifications, and policy updates to your email. An outdated email means you miss critical account information.
Security Warning: Never let your Instagram contact information become outdated. If you lose access to your phone number or email without updating Instagram, you may be unable to recover your account if you forget your password or lose access.
Updating Two-Factor Authentication After Number Change
If you have two-factor authentication enabled and change your phone number:
Update 2FA Settings
After changing your phone number, go to Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication and verify that your new phone number is listed. If not, update it to ensure you receive verification codes.
Instagram may automatically update 2FA when you change your phone number, but it's good to verify.
Backup Codes
If you use backup codes for 2FA, make sure you have them saved. These codes can be used to access your account if you can't receive SMS codes. Go to Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication > Backup codes.
Save backup codes in a secure location separate from your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove my phone number from Instagram?
You can remove your phone number only if you have an email address verified on your account. Instagram requires at least one contact method (phone or email) to be active for account recovery and security purposes.
What happens if I can't verify my new phone number or email?
If you can't verify your new contact information, the change won't be completed and your old contact information will remain active. Make sure you have access to your new phone number or email before attempting the change. Check spam folders for email verification codes.
Will my Instagram username change when I change my phone or email?
No, changing your phone number or email address does not change your Instagram username. Your username (@username) remains the same. Only your contact information for account recovery and verification is updated.
Can I use the same phone number or email on multiple Instagram accounts?
No, each phone number and email address can only be associated with one Instagram account at a time. If you try to use a phone number or email that's already linked to another account, you'll need to remove it from that account first.
How often can I change my Instagram phone number or email?
Instagram doesn't have a strict limit on how often you can change your contact information, but frequent changes may trigger additional security verification. It's best to change your contact information only when necessary to avoid account security flags.