How to unlink your phone from your Instagram

How to Unlink a Phone Number from Your Instagram Account

If you are looking for how to unlink a phone number from your Instagram account, this is a reasonable request: changing your number, privacy, or transferring the device to another person. In this article, I will explain safe ways to remove or replace a linked phone number, possible difficulties, and what to do in advance so you don’t lose access to your profile. Key phrases included: unlink Instagram number, change number in Instagram, delete phone number from Instagram profile, linked Instagram phone number.

Why You Might Need to Unlink a Phone Number from Instagram

You changed your SIM card and want to remove the old number.
The number was linked to a work phone that you are passing on to someone else.
You want to increase privacy: not everyone wants their account linked to phone data.
The number is used for two-factor authentication, and you want to switch to an authenticator app.

Before unlinking the number, it is important to prepare — otherwise, you risk losing access to your account if recovery is only available by phone.

Preparation: What to Do Before Deleting the Number

Add an email address if it is not yet in the profile. Email allows account recovery if you lose your phone.
Enable or set up two-factor authentication through an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy) — this will give you an alternative login method.
Save backup recovery codes if you are using Instagram’s built-in two-factor authentication.
If the number is the main recovery method, make sure there is at least one additional recovery option (email or authenticator app).

Once the preparation is complete, you can safely unlink the number.

How to Unlink a Phone Number from Instagram on Mobile (iOS / Android)

Open the Instagram app and log in to your account.
Go to your profile — tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner.
Tap "Edit Profile".
Open the "Personal Information" or "Privacy and Security" section (names may differ slightly depending on version).
Find the "Phone number" or "Phone" field and tap it.
Delete the existing number: clear the field and confirm changes. Sometimes the system may require you to enter your account password.
If you cannot simply delete the number, enter a new one if you need to replace it, or first add an email/enable 2FA, then try again.
After deleting, check if you still receive notifications and can log in again — logging out and back in is a good test.

How to Unlink a Phone Number via Instagram Web (on PC)

Open instagram.com and log in to your account.
Click your profile picture → "Edit Profile".
In the "Personal Information" section, find the "Phone number" field.
Delete the number or replace it with a new one, then click "Submit" or "Save" at the bottom of the form.
Confirm the action with your password if required.
If the web interface does not allow deleting the phone (sometimes Instagram requires at least one contact method), use the mobile app or add an email and 2FA, then try again.

What to Do If You Cannot Unlink the Number

The system requires SMS confirmation — this means the number is still the main recovery method. In this case, add an email or set up an authenticator app, then try again.
You cannot save an empty field — try first entering another number, saving, then deleting it again.
Server error or app bug — update Instagram to the latest version or try through a browser.
The profile is linked to Facebook/Meta — check the settings in the connected Facebook account, as sometimes contact data is synced across services.
If nothing helps and access is still problematic, contact Instagram Support via the "Help" → "Report a Problem" section in the app. Describe your situation in detail, mention what you tried and what errors appeared.

Security Considerations: What’s Important to Remember

Deleting a number does not log you out from devices where you are already signed in. If you want to fully secure your account, log out of all devices in security settings.
If you previously enabled two-factor authentication via SMS, switch 2FA to an authenticator app before removing the number, otherwise account recovery may be difficult.
Never share backup codes or verification messages.
If you are unlinking a number due to compromise (number hijacked), immediately change your password and check the list of active devices in your account.

Conclusion

You can unlink a phone number from your Instagram account through profile settings in both the mobile app and the web version. The main thing is to prepare in advance: add an email, set up two-factor authentication through an authenticator app, and save backup codes. This will protect you from losing access and allow you to safely delete or replace the linked number. If standard methods do not work — update the app, try the web version, or contact Instagram Support.