How to unlink your phone from your Instagram
A phone number is an important security element for your account. It's used to recover passwords, confirm logins, and receive two-factor authentication codes. But there are situations when you need to unlink the number: you changed your SIM card, sold the account and want to remove personal data, you don't want Instagram to store your number, you need to link the number to another account but it's already in use.
Instagram does not provide a single "unlink number" button. But it can be done in several ways. This article covers all working methods to unlink a phone number from Instagram. For phones and computers.
Important warning
By unlinking your number, you may lose the ability to recover your account if you forget your password. Make sure your account has a current email address linked and that you remember your password. If you have SMS-based two-factor authentication enabled on your account, disable it before unlinking the number. Otherwise, access may be blocked.
.Method 1. Replace the number with another (most reliable)
Instagram does not allow you to simply delete a number. But it does allow you to replace it with another. This is the easiest method.
Step 1. Open the Instagram app on your phone or go to instagram.com in your browser.
Step 2. Go to your profile, tap the three lines in the top right corner, then "Settings and privacy."
Step 3. Select "Account" → "Personal information" (or just "Personal information," depending on the version).
Step 4. Find the "Contact information" or "Phone number" section. You'll see your linked number.
Step 5. Tap the phone number. Select "Change number" or "Edit."
Step 6. Enter a new phone number. An SMS with a verification code will be sent to it. Enter the code.
Step 7. The number has been successfully replaced. The old number is no longer linked to the account.
If you don't have another number, you can use a temporary virtual number (but this is less reliable) or try Method 2.
Method 2. Add an email and remove the number via web version
This method allows you to remain without a number if you have a verified email address.
Step 1. Open a browser on your computer or phone (in "Desktop" mode). Go to instagram.com.
Step 2. Log into the account to which the number is linked.
Step 3. Go to settings: profile icon → "Settings."
Step 4. In the left menu, select "Personal information."
Step 5. Make sure you have a verified email address. If the email is not verified, click "Verify." A code will be sent to your email.
Step 6. In the "Phone number" section, click "Remove" or "Change" and delete the number.
In some interface versions, the "Remove" button only appears after adding a verified email. If there's no button, try Method 1 (replace) or Method 3.
Method 3. Unlinking via security settings (for versions with 2FA)
If you have SMS-based two-factor authentication enabled, you need to disable it first.
Step 1. Settings → "Accounts Center" → "Password and security" → "Two-factor authentication."
Step 2. Disable the "SMS" or "Phone number" method. If you have other methods (authenticator, backup codes), they will remain.
Step 3. Go back to "Personal information" → "Phone number." Now you should see the option to remove or replace the number.
Step 4. Remove the number or replace it with another.
After this, you can re-enable two-factor authentication using an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, etc.) instead of SMS.
Method 4. Unlinking when switching to a new phone
This method works when you change devices and don't want to carry over the old number to settings.
When installing Instagram on a new phone, the system may prompt you to verify your number during login. Simply skip this step and provide only your email. If the number was already linked previously, it will remain. To remove it, use Methods 1–3.
Method 5. If the number is in use by another account
You're trying to link a number to a new account, but Instagram says "number already in use."
Solution: Recover access to the old account to which this number is linked. Use the "Forgot password" function to recover via SMS. Log into the old account and unlink the number using any of the methods above. Within 24–48 hours, the number will be free for the new account.
If you can't recover access to the old account (forgot password and have no email access), Instagram may free up the number upon request to support. Contact them through the help form and explain the situation. The process may take several weeks.
What to do if you can't unlink the number
If none of the methods worked, possible reasons: the account was recently created (Instagram may block number removal in the first 7–14 days). The account has restrictions or a shadowban. Outdated app version (update Instagram). Technical glitch (try via browser instead of the app).
As a last resort, create a new account with the desired number and leave the old one without a number (if you don't plan to use it). Or contact Instagram support (Help → "Report a problem"). Describe the situation: "I want to unlink my number, but the delete button is missing."
How to check which number is linked to your account
Go to Instagram settings → "Account" → "Personal information" → "Contact information." Your phone number (partially hidden) and email will be listed there. To see the full number, you need to verify your identity (usually by entering your password or an SMS code).
Security after unlinking your number
After removing the number, make sure your account has a current and verified email address linked. Enable two-factor authentication via an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Duo, etc.). Save backup recovery codes in a safe place. Don't rely solely on email — it can be hacked.
Frequently asked questions
Can I unlink a number without replacing it with another?
There is no direct "delete number" button on Instagram. But through the web version, you can sometimes delete a number if a verified email is linked.
What if I don't have access to the old number?
If you can't receive an SMS on the old number, use the method of replacing it with a new number (Method 1). Or use the method of adding an email and try to delete the number via the web version. If that doesn't work, contact support.
Will my number be deleted from Instagram if I delete my account?
Yes. If you completely delete your Instagram account, the number will be automatically unlinked after 30 days (recovery period). But this is an extreme measure.
Can I link one number to two Instagram accounts?
No. One number can only be linked to one Instagram account. It won't work for a second account.
Does Instagram require a number to log in even after I unlink it?
No. If the number is successfully unlinked, you use your email or username to log in.
How long does the number remain in the system after unlinking?
Technically, Instagram may retain the number in its database, but it is no longer linked to your account. Other users will be able to link this number to their accounts.
Conclusion
You can unlink a phone number from Instagram in several ways. The simplest is to replace the old number with a new one (Method 1). If you don't have another number, add and verify an email, then try to delete the number via the web version. For accounts with two-factor authentication, first disable the SMS method.
Remember: without a number, recovering access to your account is more difficult. Make sure you have a verified email, backup codes, and a strong password.
Start by checking which number is linked. Then choose the appropriate method and carefully follow the steps. If something goes wrong — don't panic, wait 24 hours, and try another method.
Instagram is owned by Meta, which has been recognized as an extremist organization and banned on the territory of the Russian Federation. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a call to use prohibited services on the territory of the Russian Federation.
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