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How to create a new Instagram account without a phone number

Learn how you can create an Instagram account without a phone number. Plus, explore other sign-up alternatives using an email and an eSIM.

julio osuna english content writer

Published: September 4, 2026

Yes, people can create an Instagram account without a phone number. Instead, an email account works for creating a new account.

However, Instagram will always ask to add a phone number for additional security and easier recovery.

This guide covers everything people need to know about creating a new account without a phone number and how Holafly Plans can help them set one up.

Can you create an Instagram account with just an email?

Yes, you can create an Instagram account with just an email.

During the registration process, you need to enter your email address and then enter the verification code sent to it. 

Note that the verification code doesn’t always arrive with the first attempt, so you might need to request it twice before it reaches your email address.

Why Instagram asks for your phone number, and when it will ask again

Instagram asks for a phone number to enhance account security and to avoid suspicious login attempts.

However, there are two scenarios when this might happen:

  • Login from a new device: When logging in from a new device, Instagram might flag it as a suspicious attempt and prompt you to verify your account with a phone number.
  • Account recovery: If an account is locked or suspended, adding a phone number for recovery is the fastest way to resolve the issue.

A good idea to prevent phone numbers from being the only recovery method is to add an app authenticator to your account

You can add one by going to Account Center > Password and Security > 2FA Authenticator, choosing your account, and then following the on-screen instructions.

Signing up for Instagram without a phone number while traveling

If you’re traveling and you don’t have a phone number attached to your Instagram account, your best option is to have the 2FA activated.

If you have 2FA activated, you’ll simply need to enter the authentication code when logging in to your account, no matter where you’re traveling to.

Can I create an anonymous Instagram account?

Yes, you can create an anonymous account using a valid email account. 

But it’s important to note that “anonymous” or “private” actually means not adding your real name and personal number.

Note: You don’t remain anonymous to Instagram but rather to people, as you’ll be using a “secondary” identity.

Using a second phone number for Instagram instead of your personal one

People can use a second phone number instead of their personal one when creating an Instagram account.

The best option is to use an eSIM phone number rather than a disposable one or a public SMS site with recycled numbers, as chances are other people have used it before, making recovery more complicated and reducing overall account security.

Holafly Plans can help you with this, as you get a virtual phone number that serves as a secondary number in over 170 destinations.

Getting a virtual phone number with Holafly Plans

Holafly Plans is a great option for travelers who need to access their Instagram account while traveling abroad, as the virtual phone number can be used for verification.

You also get unlimited data, including unlimited hotspot data, and it works in over 160 destinations, so you can access your account wherever you are and forget about how much Instagram data uses.

Plus, you get the Always On perk, which gives you 1 GB of data at no extra cost, so you can keep checking your account at all times.

FAQs about creating an Instagram account without a phone number

Can I use the same phone number for two Instagram accounts?

No. People need to have separate numbers if they have separate Instagram accounts.

Can I share numbers with an Instagram business account?

No. Even though you’re creating a business account, you still need to use a separate phone number.

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Julio Osuna

Julio Osuna

English Content Writer

I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.

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