Why Instagram is Asking for Your Phone Number: What You Need to Know

When you sign up for an Instagram account, you may be prompted to add your email address or phone number. This is done for various reasons that can benefit you as a user. One of the main purposes is to assist you in logging into your account. In case you forget your password, having an updated mobile number or email address linked to your account will allow you to reset it easily.

To add or update your email address or phone number on Instagram, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram app on your device and log in to your account.
2. Go to your profile by tapping on the profile icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the top right corner of the screen.
4. From the menu, select “Settings” and then choose “Account.”
5. Under the Account settings, tap on “Personal Information.”
6. Here, you will find options to edit your email address and phone number.
7. Tap on the respective option you want to update (email address or phone number).
8. Enter the new email address or phone number in the provided field.
9. Once you’ve entered the new information, tap on the “Save” or “Done” button to save the changes.

If you no longer want your phone number associated with your Instagram account, you can easily remove it by following these steps:

1. Open the Instagram app and log in to your account.
2. Go to your profile by tapping on the profile icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the top right corner of the screen.
4. From the menu, select “Settings” and then choose “Account.”
5. Under the Account settings, tap on “Personal Information.”
6. Tap on “Phone number.”
7. On the phone number page, you will see a delete icon (usually represented by a trash bin) in the lower right corner of the screen.
8. Tap on the delete icon to remove your phone number from your Instagram account.
9. Confirm your action when prompted.

By providing your email address or phone number, you ensure that you have a means to recover your account if you ever forget your password. It also helps Instagram verify your identity and keep your account secure. Remember, it is important to update this information if it changes to ensure a smooth and secure experience on Instagram.

Why Is Instagram Forcing Me To Put A Phone Number?

Instagram may ask you to add a phone number to your account for several reasons. Here’s a detailed explanation of why this might be required:

1. Account security: Adding a phone number adds an extra layer of security to your Instagram account. It allows Instagram to verify your identity and helps in preventing unauthorized access to your account. In case you forget your password, having a registered phone number can help you reset it more easily.

2. Two-factor authentication (2FA): Instagram strongly recommends enabling two-factor authentication for added security. By associating your phone number with your account, you can enable 2FA, which requires you to verify your identity via a code sent to your phone whenever you or someone else tries to log in to your account from an unknown device or location.

3. Account recovery: If you ever lose access to your Instagram account, having a registered phone number can be crucial in recovering it. By verifying your phone number, Instagram can send you account recovery instructions or verification codes to help you regain access to your account.

4. Communication and updates: Instagram may use your phone number to send you important notifications, updates, and security alerts related to your account. This ensures that you stay informed about any potential account issues or changes.

5. Contact syncing: Instagram may also use your phone number to sync your contacts and help you find friends or contacts who are already on the platform. This feature allows you to connect with people you know more easily.

It’s important to note that Instagram respects your privacy and takes measures to protect your personal information. Your phone number will not be publicly visible on your profile, and Instagram will not share it with others without your consent.

By providing your phone number to Instagram, you can enhance the security of your account and stay informed about any important updates or changes.

instagram asking for phone number

How Do I Get Instagram To Not Have My Number?

To prevent Instagram from having your phone number associated with your account, you can follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.
2. Tap on your profile icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. In your profile, tap on the Edit Profile button.
4. Scroll down and select Personal information settings.
5. Under Personal information settings, tap on Phone number.
6. On the Phone number screen, you will see your current phone number listed.
7. To remove your phone number from Instagram, tap on the delete icon (usually represented by a trash bin or “X”) in the lower right corner of the screen.
8. A confirmation prompt may appear asking if you want to remove your phone number. Select Yes or OK to proceed.
9. After removing your phone number, it will no longer be associated with your Instagram account.

Please note that removing your phone number may affect certain features on Instagram, such as two-factor authentication or account recovery. If you have concerns about these features, consider using an alternative method to secure your account, such as email verification or authentication apps.

It’s important to keep in mind that Instagram’s features and settings may vary slightly depending on the version of the app you are using and your device’s operating system.

Conclusion

Adding an email address or phone number to your Instagram account serves multiple purposes and can be beneficial for users. By providing this information, you can ensure a smoother login process and have a way to reset your password if you forget it. Instagram utilizes these contact details to assist you in accessing your account and maintaining its security.

To add or update your email address or phone number, you can follow a few simple steps. Firstly, go to your Instagram profile and select the “Edit Profile” option. Then, navigate to the “Personal Information” settings and tap on the “Phone number” section. Here, you can enter your new contact information.

On the other hand, if you no longer wish to have a phone number associated with your Instagram account, you can easily remove it. Simply tap on the delete icon located in the lower right corner of the screen.

Providing your email address or phone number to Instagram can enhance your account’s security and ease of access. It ensures that you have a reliable method to regain access to your account if you forget your password.

Photo of author

Sanjeev Singh

Sanjeev is the tech editor at DeviceMAG. He has a keen interest in all things technology, and loves to write about the latest developments in the industry. He has a passion for quality-focused journalism and believes in using technology to make people's lives better. He has worked in the tech industry for over 15 years, and has written for some of the biggest tech blogs in the world. Sanjeev is also an avid photographer and loves spending time with his family.

This article may contain affiliate links (disclosure policy).