Instagram is one of the most widely used social media platforms for sharing photos, videos, and stories. However, some people may not want to link a phone number to their account for privacy reasons. Fortunately, there are ways to create an Instagram account without providing a phone number. Here’s a complete guide on how to do it, along with some tips to keep your account secure.
Why You Might Want to Avoid Linking Your Phone Number
While Instagram encourages users to add a phone number for account verification and recovery, it’s not a requirement during sign-up. Some reasons people may prefer not to use a phone number include:
- Privacy concerns: Some users prefer to limit the personal data associated with their social media accounts.
- Avoiding unwanted notifications: Providing a phone number may result in SMS notifications or marketing messages from Instagram.
Step 1: Download and Open the Instagram App
If you haven’t already, download the Instagram app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Once installed, open the app to start creating your account.
Step 2: Choose “Sign Up with Email”
- On the login page, click Create New Account.
- Select Sign up with email instead of phone. You may need to look for a small “Use Email Instead” option if the app initially suggests signing up with a phone number.
- Enter your email address in the provided field. Make sure to use an active email address, as Instagram will send a verification link to this email.
Step 3: Enter Your Basic Information
After entering your email, Instagram will ask for basic details like your full name and desired username. Choose a username that is unique and aligns with your profile's purpose. Avoid using your phone number in your username or other public information if privacy is a concern.
Step 4: Set a Strong Password
When prompted, create a strong and unique password for your account. This password should include a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters to enhance security.
Step 5: Skip Adding a Phone Number
After setting up your password, Instagram may suggest adding a phone number for additional security. Here’s how to bypass this step:
- If the app prompts you to add a phone number, look for an Skip or Not Now option and select it.
- Instagram may display a pop-up asking you to confirm that you want to skip this step. Confirm your choice, and Instagram will proceed with creating your account using only your email address.
Step 6: Verify Your Email Address
Check the email address you used to sign up for a verification email from Instagram. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your account. Verification is essential for securing your account and ensuring full access to all Instagram features.
Additional Tips for Using Instagram Without a Phone Number
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Even if you don’t use a phone number, you can still enable two-factor authentication using an authentication app like Google Authenticator. This adds an extra layer of security to your account.
- Keep Your Email Secure: Since you won’t have a phone number linked to your account, your email becomes your main recovery option. Ensure that your email account has a strong password and, if possible, 2FA.
- Use a Unique Username and Password: Avoid using the same username or password across different platforms, as this can increase your vulnerability to hacking attempts.
Creating an Instagram account without a phone number is a simple and effective way to protect your privacy while still enjoying the benefits of the platform. By following these steps, you can set up your account securely, using your email as the primary contact method.
Now you’re all set to start sharing and connecting on Instagram without linking your phone number. Happy posting!
