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How to Register on Instagram: Step by Step 2026

Want to set up an Instagram profile but don't know where to start — and worried you'll get stuck on "code not arriving" or "this number is already in use"? The question of how to register on Instagram is asked by thousands of people every day, and a good half give up at the very first error.

Let's go step by step. Below is what you need to create an Instagram account, how to sign up through the app on Android and iOS, through the site on a PC, separately by phone number and by email. We'll show how to make a second and further profiles and cover common mistakes. After this article you'll create a working account on the first try.

What You Need to Register on Instagram

Registration is free and takes a couple of minutes, but prepare a few things in advance so you don't stop halfway or hit an error over taken data.

  • A device with internet — an Android phone, an iPhone, or a computer with a browser.
  • A phone number or email — a confirmation code goes there. One is enough, but it's better to have both.
  • A chosen username — a unique Latin-letter name; popular options are often taken.
  • A strong password — at least 8 characters, with digits and mixed-case letters.

One email or one number binds to only one profile. If you plan several accounts, prepare a separate address or number for each in advance — more on that below.

Step by Step: Create an Account via the App (Android and iOS)

The simplest way to register is the mobile app. The steps on Android and iPhone are nearly identical.

  1. Download the Instagram app from Google Play or the App Store and open it.
  2. Tap "Create new account" on the start screen.
  3. Enter a phone number or an email — your choice.
  4. Type in the confirmation code from the SMS or letter.
  5. Enter your name, choose a password and date of birth.
  6. Pick a username — the system will suggest free options.
  7. Optionally add a profile photo and follow accounts you like.

After that the profile is ready. Don't rush to follow and like by the hundreds — a fresh account is best used calmly for the first days, or the system may limit actions.

Registration on PC and via the Website

You can create an account without a phone too — right in a browser on your computer. It's handy if there's no smartphone at hand or you work on a laptop.

Through the Official Site

  1. Open instagram.com in any browser.
  2. Click "Sign up" below the login form.
  3. Enter your email or phone number, name, desired username and password.
  4. Confirm the email or number with a code and finish registration.

Through the Windows App

In the official Instagram app from the Microsoft Store, registration works the same as in the browser. The desktop version is a bit trimmed compared to mobile, but it's enough to create an account.

Registration by Phone Number

Registration by number is the most popular option: the code arrives fast, and a linked phone simplifies recovering access if you forget the password.

  • Enter the number in international format, with the country code.
  • Wait for the SMS with the code — it usually arrives in 10–30 seconds.
  • If the code doesn't come, request a resend after a minute or switch to email confirmation.

One number can't be used for two profiles at once. If the number was already tied to an old account, unlink it there first or register by email.

Registration by Email

The email method is handy when you don't want to expose your phone or need a profile strictly for work correspondence. The logic is the same as with a number.

  • Use a working address you have access to.
  • Open the letter from Instagram and enter the confirmation code.
  • Check the Spam folder if the letter doesn't arrive within a couple of minutes.

Email is useful later too: through it you recover the password and enable two-factor authentication. Even if you register by number, bind an email in settings — it raises the profile's security.

How to Create Several or a New Account

One person can run several profiles at once — for example, personal and work. Instagram officially supports switching between accounts without logging out of the app.

Add a Second Profile in the App

  1. Go to your profile and open settings.
  2. Scroll down to "Add account".
  3. Choose "Create new account" and register again — with a different number or email.

Remember the limit: each new profile needs its own unique email or number. Mass-creating dozens of accounts from one device and IP often leads to blocks — the system sees repetitive activity.

If you need many accounts fast — for mailing, promotion, affiliate work or multi-accounting — manual registration hits limits and time. In such cases it's easier to take ready profiles: more on that at the end.

Common Mistakes During Registration

Most problems at the account-creation stage repeat over and over. Here they are, with fixes — in a table.

ProblemCauseFix
Code not arrivingNetwork overload, wrong number, spam filterRequest again, check number format and the Spam folder
"Username taken"The login is already in useAdd digits, a dot or an underscore
"This number is already in use"Number tied to another profileUnlink on the old account or register by email
Account blocked instantlySuspicious activity, many profiles from one IPDon't create accounts in batches, act calmly

A separate common mistake is rushing into mass follows, likes and mailing right after registration. The system views a fresh profile with no history warily, so keep activity moderate the first days.

Conclusion

So, to register on Instagram you just need a smartphone or computer, a free username and a number or email for confirmation. Registration by phone number is handy for speed, by email — for privacy, and you can create a new account right in the app via "Add account". The main thing is not to rush activity in the first days and not to spawn dozens of profiles from one device.

If you're in Russia, note the access and VPN nuances — we covered them in a separate piece, Instagram in Russia and VPN. And so a new profile doesn't get banned, it helps to know about account warming — a calm day-by-day activity ramp-up.

Need many accounts at once or don't want to bother with registration, codes and warming? Ready profiles solve the task in minutes. Take cheap autoregs for volume in the buy autoreg category or trusted profiles with history in the buy Instagram account catalog. Delivery is automatic 24/7 in login:pass format (sometimes with cookies), payment via USDT, CryptoBot or SBP, and an invalid is replaced within 30 minutes under guarantee.

FAQ

Can you register on Instagram without a phone number? Yes, an email is enough — the confirmation code goes there.

How many accounts can you create on one phone? The device sets no limit, but each profile needs its own unique email or number, otherwise you'll get a binding error.

Why isn't the confirmation code arriving? Most often due to network overload or a spam filter. Request the code again after a minute, check the number format and the Spam folder.

Can you register on a computer? Yes, via instagram.com or the Microsoft Store app — the process is the same as on a phone.