The basic steps to add an Instagram account
Adding an Instagram account means logging into a different Instagram profile on the same phone, computer, or app without logging out of your current account. Instagram lets you switch between multiple accounts without signing out each time — you can add up to five accounts per device, though the exact number varies depending on your device type and Instagram version.
The process differs slightly depending on whether you're using the mobile app or a web browser. On the mobile app, you add an account through the profile menu. On a web browser, you use the account switcher in the top right corner. Both methods store your login information on that device only — if you use a different phone or computer, you'll need to add the account again there.
Before you start, have the username and password for the Instagram account you want to add. If you've forgotten the password, you'll need to reset it through Instagram's login page before you can add it to your device.
Key Takeaways
- You can store up to five Instagram accounts on a single device and switch between them without signing out.
- On the mobile app, tap your profile icon, then tap the username at the top, then select "Add account" from the menu.
- On a web browser, click the profile icon in the top right, select "Switch accounts," then enter the login details for the account you want to add.
- Accounts are stored only on the device where you add them — adding an account on your phone does not add it to your computer or tablet.
- If you forget the password for an account you want to add, reset it through Instagram's login page before attempting to add it to your device.
Adding an account on the Instagram mobile app
Open the Instagram app and go to your profile by tapping the profile icon at the bottom right of the screen. Tap the username at the top of your profile page — this opens a menu with your current account and options to manage accounts.
Tap "Add account" at the bottom of this menu. Enter the username and password for the Instagram account you want to add, then tap "Log in." Instagram will verify the login and add the account to your device. Once added, you'll see both account names in the menu, and you can tap either one to switch between them when ready.
If Instagram asks for two-factor authentication, enter the code from your authenticator app or the text message sent to the phone number associated with that account. Without this code, you cannot complete the login.
Adding an account on Instagram's website
Go to Instagram.com and log in with your current account if you're not already signed in. Click the profile icon in the top right corner of the screen — this opens a dropdown menu.
Select "Switch accounts" from the dropdown. Instagram will show you a login screen. Enter the username and password for the account you want to add, then click "Log in." If two-factor authentication is enabled on that account, enter the verification code when prompted.
Once you've logged in successfully, Instagram stores that account on your browser. You can now switch between accounts by clicking the profile icon and selecting the account name from the list. This method stores accounts in your browser only — if you clear your browser cookies or use a different browser, you'll need to add the accounts again.
What happens when you reach the account limit
Instagram allows up to five accounts per device. If you try to add a sixth account, Instagram will show an error message saying you've reached the limit. You have two options: remove an account you no longer use, or log out completely and log back in with a different account.
To remove an account without deleting it, go to your profile, tap the username at the top, find the account you want to remove, and swipe left on it (mobile app) or hover over it and click the remove icon (web browser). The account is removed from your device but still exists on Instagram — you can add it back later.
Switching between accounts after you've added them
Once you've added multiple accounts, switching between them takes one tap or click. On the mobile app, tap your profile icon, then tap the username at the top, and select the account you want to use. On the web, click the profile icon in the top right and select the account from the dropdown.
When you switch accounts, your feed, messages, notifications, and settings all change to match the account you've selected. Any actions you take — liking posts, sending messages, uploading content — happen under the account you're currently using. If you're not sure which account is active, check the username displayed at the top of your profile or in the top right corner of the web page.
Removing an account from your device
Removing an account from your device does not delete the account from Instagram. It only removes it from the list of accounts you can quickly switch to on that device. The account remains active on Instagram and can be added to any device again using the same username and password.
On the mobile app, go to your profile, tap the username at the top, find the account you want to remove, and swipe left on it. A red "Remove" button appears — tap it to confirm. On the web, click the profile icon, find the account in the list, hover over it, and click the remove icon that appears.
Troubleshooting common problems when adding an account
If you see an error message saying "Couldn't log in," the username or password is incorrect. Double-check both for typos and try again. If you're certain the password is correct, use Instagram's "Forgot password?" link on the login screen to reset it, then try adding the account again.
If Instagram asks for two-factor authentication and you don't have access to the phone number or authenticator app associated with the account, you won't be able to add it to your device. Contact Instagram's support through the app or website to regain access to that account first.
If you're using a web browser and accounts aren't staying saved, your browser may be set to clear cookies automatically. Check your browser settings and allow cookies for Instagram.com, or use a different browser that doesn't clear cookies as aggressively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add an Instagram account that belongs to someone else?
You can add any account to your device if you have the username and password. However, adding someone else's account without permission is not recommended and may violate Instagram's terms. If you're managing an account for a business or organization, ask the account owner for the login details rather than using their personal password.
Will adding an account on my phone also add it to my computer?
No. Accounts are stored only on the device where you add them. If you want to access the same account on your computer, you must add it separately on that device. This is a security feature — it means your accounts are not automatically synced across all your devices.
What if I forget which account I'm currently using?
Check the username displayed at the top of your profile page (mobile app) or in the top right corner of the screen (web browser). This shows the account you're currently logged into. You can also look at your feed — it will show posts from accounts you follow under your current account.
Can I add an account if I don't remember the password?
No, you need the correct password to add an account. Go to Instagram's login page, click "Forgot password?", and follow the steps to reset it using the email or phone number associated with the account. Once you've reset the password, you can add the account to your device.
Does adding an account use more data or storage on my phone?
Adding multiple accounts uses slightly more storage because Instagram stores login information for each account, but the difference is minimal — usually less than a few megabytes. Data usage depends on how much you use each account, not on how many accounts you've added.