Are you staring at your phone right now, wondering how to change that pesky phone number on your account? Maybe you’ve just got a new phone number, or you’re trying to tighten up your privacy.
Perhaps you’re traveling and need to use a local number for a while. Whatever your reason, you’re probably feeling a bit frustrated, right? Instagram doesn’t exactly make it obvious where to go or what to do.
Changing your phone number on Instagram is actually pretty simple once you know the steps. And guess what? You’re about to learn those steps right now.
In this guide, we’re going to walk you through the process, nice and easy. We’ll show you exactly where to tap, what to look for, and how to make sure your account stays secure.
Why might you need to change your phone number?
You’re probably looking to change your phone number on Instagram, right? But have you thought about why? Let’s chat about some common reasons why folks like you might need to make this change.
1. Got a new phone number? This is probably the most common reason. Maybe you switched carriers to get a better deal, or perhaps you moved to a new area and had to change your number. It happens to the best of us!
2. Concerned about privacy? In today’s digital world, it’s totally understandable if you want to use a different number for your social media accounts. You’re taking control of your online presence, and that’s great.
3. Old number no longer working? Life happens, and sometimes we lose access to our old numbers. If that’s the case, updating your Instagram is a smart move to keep your account secure.
4. Traveling abroad? If you’re using a local SIM card while traveling, you might want to update your Instagram with that temporary number. It can make things a lot easier, especially if you need to receive verification codes.
Whatever your reason, Instagram’s got you covered. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to make this change.
How to change your phone number on Instagram
Alright, let’s get down to business! You’re ready to update your phone number, so I’ll walk you through it step by step. It’s easier than you might think, and I’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing. Here’s what you need to do:
- Open your Instagram app on your phone or tablet.
- Look for your profile picture in the bottom right corner and give it a tap.
- See those three horizontal lines in the top right? That’s your menu button (some folks call it the hamburger menu). Tap on that.
- From the menu that pops up, select “Settings and privacy“.
- Now, tap on “Account Center“.
- Look for “Personal details” and tap on that.
- Click on Contact info then click on Add New Contact.
- You’ll see two options Mobile number or email.
- Choose the Mobile number.
- Under “Choose accounts for this number”, select the checkbox next to your Instagram account.
- Once you’ve entered the number, tap “Next“.
- Enter your confirmation code.
Here’s the final step: Instagram will send a confirmation code to your new number. When you receive it, enter that code into the app. And just like that, you’re done!
Congratulations! Your new phone number is now linked to your Instagram account. See? I told you it wasn’t too tricky. You’ve successfully updated your information and kept your account secure.
What if you want to remove your phone number?
Sometimes you just don’t want a phone number linked to your Instagram account.
The process is pretty similar to changing your number, but with a little twist at the end. Here’s what you need to do:
- Open up your Instagram app.
- Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
- Look for the three horizontal lines (the menu button) in the top right and tap on it.
- Select “Settings and privacy” from the menu.
- Tap on “Account Center“.
- Find and tap on “Personal details“.
- Click on Contact info.
- You’ll see “Phone number” listed. Tap on it.
Now, here’s where things change a bit:
- Instead of entering a new number, look at the bottom of the screen. You’ll see an option that says “Delete phone number“. That’s your ticket!
- Tap on “Delete phone number“.
- Instagram might ask you to confirm your choice. Go ahead and confirm.
And just like that, your phone number is removed from your Instagram account. Easy peasy!
Remember though, removing your phone number might affect some features. For example, it could make it harder to recover your account if you ever get locked out. But don’t worry – if you change your mind later, you can always add a number back using the steps we talked about earlier.
Why keeping your phone number updated matters
You might be wondering, “Why bother updating my phone number?” Well, there are a few good reasons:
- Security: Your phone number can be used to verify your identity if you ever get locked out of your account.
- Account recovery: If you forget your password, having an up-to-date phone number makes it easier to regain access.
- Stay connected: Instagram can use your phone number to help you find friends who are also on the platform.
Remember, Instagram will never share your phone number publicly unless you choose to do so.
The takeaway
Here’s the deal: updating your Instagram info is easier than you thought, right? Whether you’re adding a new number, switching things up for privacy, or just keeping your account current, you’ve got this!
Remember, your account security matters. That new number you’ve added? It’s not just for show. It helps keep your account safe and makes sure you can get back in if you ever get locked out.
Don’t stress if you hit a snag. Can’t add your number? Double-check it’s not linked to another account. Prefer using a computer? No problem! You can manage your number through Instagram’s website too.
The big takeaway? You’re in control of your Instagram experience. So go ahead, update that number, and keep sharing your awesome content with the world.
