You can create a second Instagram account using the same email, phone number, or a new one entirely
Instagram lets you add multiple accounts to a single app installation without logging out and back in each time. The fastest way is to create a new account directly from the app's settings menu, which takes about five minutes. You can also create a second account on the web at instagram.com, then add it to your phone app afterward. Either way, you'll need a username, password, and either an email address or phone number — you can reuse the email or phone from your first account, or use a new one.
The key difference between methods is speed and convenience. Creating from the app is quickest if you're already logged in. Creating on the web gives you more control over the username before you commit. Both result in the same thing: a separate account you can switch between without logging out.
Key Takeaways
- You can create a second account in the app by tapping your profile picture, scrolling to the bottom, and selecting "Create account," or on the web by going to instagram.com and clicking "Create new account."
- You can use the same email address or phone number for multiple Instagram accounts, or use a new one for each.
- After creating a second account, you can add it to your phone app and switch between accounts without logging out by tapping your username at the top of the feed.
- Instagram may ask you to verify your identity with a code sent to your email or phone, which typically arrives within a few minutes.
- If you forget the password to your second account, you can reset it using the email or phone number you registered with, even if that email or phone is also tied to your first account.
Creating a second account from the Instagram app
Open Instagram and tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner. Scroll all the way to the bottom of your profile screen and tap "Create account." Instagram will ask you to enter an email address or phone number, a full name, a username, and a password. You can use the same email or phone as your first account — Instagram allows this. If you use a new email or phone, make sure you have access to it, because Instagram will send a verification code you need to enter to finish setup.
After you enter your information, tap "Next" and Instagram will ask you to verify your identity. If you chose email, check your inbox (and spam folder) for a message from Instagram containing a six-digit code. Enter that code in the app. If you chose a phone number, you'll receive a text message with the code instead. Once you enter the code correctly, your second account is created and you're logged in to it.
To add this account to your app so you can switch between them, you're already done — it's automatically added. To switch to your first account, tap your username at the top of the feed (where it says your account name), and you'll see both accounts listed. Tap the one you want to use.
Creating a second account on the web
Go to instagram.com in a web browser and look for the link that says "Create new account" or "Sign up" near the login form. Click it. Instagram will ask for an email address or phone number, your full name, a username, and a password. Fill in each field. Again, you can use the same email or phone as your first account.
Click "Sign up" and Instagram will send a verification code to your email or phone. Enter it on the next screen. Once verified, your second account exists and is ready to use. You can then go to your phone, open the Instagram app, and add this account to it by tapping your profile picture, scrolling to "Accounts," and selecting "Add account." Enter the username and password you just created, and it will appear in your account switcher.
Using the same email or phone for multiple accounts
Instagram's system allows the same email address or phone number to be registered with more than one account. This is useful if you want to keep your accounts linked for recovery purposes — if you forget a password, you can reset it using that shared email or phone. However, Instagram will only let one account use that email or phone as the primary recovery method at any given time, so if you need to recover an older account, you may need to update its recovery email first.
If you prefer to keep your accounts completely separate, use a different email or phone for each one. You can always add a backup email or phone to any account later by going to Settings > Account > Email or Phone and adding a secondary recovery method.
Switching between your accounts
Once both accounts are added to your app, switching is simple. Tap your username at the top of your feed (it appears next to a small down arrow). A menu will drop down showing all accounts you've added to the app. Tap the one you want to use, and the app will switch to that account instantly. You stay logged in to both, so switching back is just as fast.
If you have more than two accounts, they all appear in this menu. You can add up to five accounts per phone app installation. If you need more than five, you'll need to log out of one, add another, and manage them by logging in and out — but most people don't need this many.
What to do if Instagram asks for verification
When you create a new account, Instagram often sends a verification code to confirm you own the email address or phone number you provided. This is a security step to prevent spam and fake accounts. The code arrives within a few minutes, usually faster by text than by email. If you don't see it, check your spam or junk folder, wait a few more minutes, or ask Instagram to send the code again by tapping "Didn't get the code?" on the verification screen.
If you're creating a second account and Instagram asks for additional verification — such as uploading a photo of your ID or answering security questions — it may be because the account looks suspicious to Instagram's systems. This happens more often if you're creating multiple accounts from the same device or network. Follow the prompts to verify, or contact Instagram Support if you get stuck.
Recovering access to a second account if you forget the password
If you forget the password to your second account, tap "Forgot password?" on the login screen. Instagram will ask whether you want to reset it using your email or phone number. Select whichever one you used when you created the account, and Instagram will send a reset link or code. Click the link or enter the code, then create a new password. This works the same way whether your second account shares an email with your first account or uses a separate one.
If you no longer have access to the email or phone number you registered with, you can try logging in with your username instead and selecting "Need more help?" Instagram may ask you to verify your identity another way, such as by uploading a photo or answering security questions. The process can take several days if Instagram needs to review your request manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same email for two Instagram accounts?
Yes. Instagram allows the same email address to be registered with multiple accounts. However, only one account can have that email as its primary recovery method at a time. If you need to recover an older account that shares the email, you may need to add a backup email to it first or use the phone number instead.
What happens if I create a second account but don't verify it?
Instagram requires verification before you can fully use a new account. If you don't enter the verification code within a certain time, Instagram may disable the account or ask you to verify again the next time you try to log in. Complete the verification step to avoid losing access.
Can I have more than two accounts on my phone?
Yes. You can add up to five accounts to the Instagram app on a single phone. If you need more than five, you'll have to log out of one account and log in to another, but you can switch back and forth between the five saved accounts instantly without logging out.
Do I need a different phone number for each account?
No. You can use the same phone number for multiple Instagram accounts, just like with email. Instagram will send verification codes to that number when you create or recover accounts, and you can enter whichever code applies to the account you're working with.
What if Instagram won't let me create a second account?
Instagram may block new account creation if it detects suspicious activity from your device or network, such as creating many accounts in a short time. Wait a few hours or a day, then try again. If the problem continues, try creating the account on the web instead of the app, or use a different network (like a different WiFi or mobile data). Contact Instagram Support if you still can't create an account.