Switch accounts directly from your profile menu
Instagram lets you switch between accounts you've already logged into without signing out and back in. Tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner (on mobile) or click your profile picture in the top right (on desktop), then tap or click "Switch accounts." A list of all accounts currently logged in on that device appears. Tap or click the account name you want to use, and Instagram loads that account's feed and settings immediately.
This method works only for accounts already stored on your device. If you've never logged into an account on this phone or computer, you'll need to sign in first before you can switch to it.
Key Takeaways
- The fastest way to switch accounts is through your profile menu—tap your picture, then "Switch accounts," then choose which account you want.
- You can keep multiple accounts logged in at once on the same device, so switching takes seconds instead of minutes.
- If you want to add a new account to your device, you must log in with that account's username and password first.
- Logging out of an account removes it from your device's stored list, so you'll have to sign in again the next time you want to use it.
Add a new account to your device
To switch to an account that isn't yet stored on your device, you need to log in first. On mobile, go to your profile, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll down, and tap "Log out." On desktop, click your profile picture, then "Log out." You'll return to the login screen.
Enter the username or email and password for the account you want to add. Once you're logged in, that account is now stored on your device and will appear in your "Switch accounts" list. You can repeat this process to add as many accounts as you want—Instagram allows multiple logins on a single device.
Remove an account from your device
If you want to stop seeing an account in your "Switch accounts" list, you must log out of it. Switch to that account first using the method above, then go to your profile menu and select "Log out." The account disappears from your device's stored list immediately.
Logging out does not delete the account or change its password. It only removes it from this device. You can log back in anytime using the same username and password.
Switch accounts on a computer or web browser
The process on desktop is nearly identical to mobile. Click your profile picture in the top right corner, then click "Switch accounts." A dropdown menu shows all accounts logged in on that browser. Click the account you want to use.
If you're using a shared computer, log out completely when you're done—don't just switch away from your account. This prevents someone else from clicking "Switch accounts" and accessing your profile without a password.
What happens when you switch accounts
When you switch to a different account, Instagram loads that account's feed, messages, notifications, and settings. Any changes you make—like posting, following someone, or updating your bio—apply only to the account you're currently using. Your other accounts remain unchanged.
If you receive a notification while using one account, switching to another account does not clear that notification. Each account has its own notification history and unread message count.
Switching between accounts on Instagram's mobile app versus the web
The mobile app stores multiple logins more reliably than most web browsers. If you use Instagram on both your phone and a computer, you may need to log in separately on each device—logging in on your phone doesn't automatically log you in on your browser.
Private browsing or incognito mode on a web browser does not store login information, so you'll have to sign in every time you visit Instagram. If you regularly switch between accounts on a computer, use a regular (non-private) browser window instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch accounts without logging out?
Yes. If both accounts are already logged in on your device, use the "Switch accounts" menu to jump between them instantly. You only need to log out if you want to remove an account from your device or if you're switching to an account that's never been logged in on that device before.
What if I forgot the password to one of my accounts?
You can still use the account if it's already logged in on your device—switching to it doesn't require a password. To log in on a different device or after logging out, use Instagram's password reset tool on the login screen. Enter your username or email, and Instagram sends a reset link to your email address.
Does switching accounts affect my followers or posts?
No. Switching accounts only changes which profile you're viewing and interacting from. Your followers, posts, and account settings stay exactly as they were. Each account is completely separate.
Can I switch accounts on Instagram's desktop website?
Yes. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select "Switch accounts" from the menu. The process is the same as on mobile, though you may need to log in separately on your browser if you haven't used that account on the web before.
What's the difference between switching accounts and logging out?
Switching accounts keeps both accounts logged in on your device and lets you jump between them instantly. Logging out removes an account from your device entirely, so you'll have to enter its password again the next time you want to use it. Use switching for accounts you use regularly, and log out for accounts you don't plan to use soon.