Yes, you can have more than one Instagram account, and Instagram's built-in tools make switching between them straightforward

Instagram allows you to create and manage multiple accounts from a single device without logging out and back in each time. You can add up to five accounts per app installation on mobile, or manage as many as you want on a web browser by logging out and back in. The method depends on whether you're using a phone, tablet, or computer, and what you're trying to do with each account.

The main limitation is not the number of accounts you can own—it's how many you can keep logged in simultaneously on one device. On the Instagram mobile app, you can stay logged into up to five accounts at once and switch between them with a tap. On a computer, you can log out of one account and into another, but you cannot stay logged into multiple accounts in the same browser window at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • The Instagram mobile app lets you stay logged into up to five accounts simultaneously and switch between them without re-entering passwords.
  • On a computer or web browser, you can only be logged into one account at a time in a single browser window, but you can use multiple browser windows or different browsers to stay logged in to different accounts.
  • Each account needs its own email address or phone number during signup, even if you own all of them.
  • Instagram's terms of service permit multiple personal accounts, but accounts created to evade bans or impersonate others violate the rules and can result in permanent removal.
  • If you forget the password to one of your accounts, you can recover it using the email or phone number linked to that account.

How to add a second account on the Instagram mobile app

Open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. At the top of your profile screen, you'll see your username. Tap it to open a dropdown menu showing any accounts you're already logged into. At the bottom of that menu, select "Add account."

You'll be taken to the login screen. Enter the username and password for the second account you want to add. If you don't have a second account yet, you can create one by tapping "Create new account" on the login screen. Once you've logged in, that account is now saved on your device. You can repeat this process up to five accounts total.

To switch between accounts, tap your profile icon, then tap the username at the top. The dropdown will show all your saved accounts. Tap whichever one you want to use, and Instagram will switch to that account when ready. You stay logged into all of them—you're just viewing one at a time.

How to manage multiple accounts on a computer or web browser

On a desktop or laptop, Instagram's website does not support staying logged into multiple accounts in the same browser window. If you log into a second account, you'll be logged out of the first one.

To work around this, open a second browser window or use a different browser entirely. For example, log into Account A in Chrome and Account B in Firefox. Both will stay logged in as long as you keep the windows open. Alternatively, use your browser's "incognito" or "private" mode to log into a second account in the same browser—the session will end when you close the incognito window.

Some people use browser extensions or tools that manage multiple logins, but these are third-party tools and carry the risk of exposing your passwords if the tool is compromised. The safest approach is straightforward using separate browser windows or browsers.

What you need to create a second account

Each Instagram account requires a unique email address or phone number. You cannot use the same email or phone number for two different accounts. If you've already used your email for one account, you'll need a different email to create a second one.

You can use a secondary email address you already own, create a new free email address through Gmail, Outlook, or another provider, or use a phone number that isn't linked to your first account. During signup, Instagram will send a confirmation code to that email or phone number, so you need access to it to complete the process.

Once the account is created and verified, you can add a profile picture, bio, and username. You don't need to use your real name on either account—Instagram allows usernames that are completely different from your legal identity.

When Instagram removes accounts for violating the rules

Instagram's terms of service allow you to have multiple personal accounts. However, certain uses of multiple accounts are against the rules and can result in removal. These include creating accounts to evade a ban or suspension, using accounts to impersonate someone else, operating fake accounts that mislead people about who you are, or using multiple accounts to spam, harass, or artificially inflate engagement on a single account.

If Instagram detects this kind of activity, it may disable the offending accounts. A disabled account is different from a deleted one—you may be able to appeal the decision if you believe it was made in error. Instagram's appeals process is handled through the app or website; there is no phone number to call.

If you're running multiple accounts for legitimate reasons—a personal account and a business account, for example, or separate accounts for different hobbies or communities—you're not violating any rules. Just make sure each account follows Instagram's community guidelines on its own.

Recovering access to a second account if you forget the password

If you forget the password to one of your accounts, tap "Forgot password?" on the login screen. Instagram will ask you to enter the username, email address, or phone number associated with that account. Select whichever one you have access to.

Instagram will send a password reset link to that email or a code to that phone number. Follow the link or enter the code, and you'll be able to set a new password. Once you've reset it, you can log back into that account on any device.

If you no longer have access to the email or phone number linked to the account, recovery becomes much harder. Instagram may ask you to verify your identity using a photo of your ID or other documentation. This process can take several days, and there's no may provide Instagram will restore access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same password for two Instagram accounts?

Technically yes, but it's not recommended. If someone guesses or steals that password, they gain access to both accounts. Using a different, strong password for each account protects you if one account is compromised. A password manager can help you keep track of multiple passwords without having to remember them.

Will Instagram notify my followers if I switch between accounts?

No. Switching accounts on the app is invisible to other people. Your followers won't see any notification or change in your profile unless you post, comment, or take an action that generates a notification on their end.

Can I link two Instagram accounts together so they share followers?

No, Instagram accounts are separate. Followers of one account do not automatically follow the other. However, you can mention your other account in your bio or in posts to direct people to follow both if they're interested.

What happens if I delete one of my accounts?

Deleting an account removes it permanently after 30 days. During that 30-day window, you can cancel the deletion and restore the account. After 30 days, the account, all its posts, followers, and messages are gone and cannot be recovered. Your other accounts are not affected.

Can I have two accounts with the same username?

No. Instagram usernames must be unique across the entire platform. Once a username is taken, no one else can use it, even if the original account is deleted. If you want a specific username for a second account, you'll need to choose something different.