How Do I Transfer My Instagram Account to a New Phone? 11 Steps

   By: Marketer Rakib
Updated February 12, 2024
how to transfer instagram account to another phone

Got a new phone? That’s exciting! But now you’re probably wondering, “How do I transfer my Instagram account to a new phone without losing anything?”

To transfer your Instagram account to a new phone, you just have to download the app and log in with your username and password—easy!

But —the steps vary slightly for iPhones and Androids. 

I’ll show you exactly what to do step by step.

It’s quick and simple, and you’ll be back to scrolling in no time! 

Let’s get started.

Key Takeaways

  • Instagram lets you share videos and artwork to show your creativity.
  • It’s a popular app that many people use every day.
  • Losing access to your account can be stressful, so moving it to your new phone is important.
  • Transferring your account is easy with your email, phone number, or username.
  • You don’t need to make a new account unless your old one is hacked or lost.

How Instagram Connects Us to the World

Instagram is used by billions of people worldwide. It’s a place to share your creativity, talents, and artwork. You can post videos and connect with others easily.

Today, the online world is busier than the real one. Almost everyone has a smartphone. With Wi-Fi, you can connect with people anywhere.

You don’t need a newspaper to stay updated. Just read the news online. Even if you don’t use Google, apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat keep you in the loop.

The internet makes everything simple and brings the world to you!

How Do I Transfer My Instagram Account to a New Phone? 

What You'll Need

  • Your new phone (obviously!)
  • Your Instagram username, email, or phone number
  • Your Instagram password
  • A good internet connection on both phones

Step 1: Backup Your Instagram Account (Just in Case)

Before switching phones, it's a good idea to back up your Instagram account details.

  • Go to your Instagram app on your current phone.
  • Tap your profile picture at the bottom right.
  • Tap the three lines (top-right corner) and select Settings.
  • Go to Security > Download Your Information.
  • Enter your email address and tap Request Download.

Instagram will email you a file with your account details. This is just a safety step.

**Write your password somewhere safe or save it in a password manager.

Step 2: Make Sure You Know Your Login Details

Make sure you know your username, password, and linked email/phone number.

Forgot your password? No worries! Reset it:

  • On Instagram, go to the login screen.
  • Tap Forgot password? and follow the instructions.

Now you're ready to switch phones!

Step 3: Backup Your Data

If you’re switching phones, make sure your photos, videos, and other data are backed up.

For iPhone Users

  • Use iCloud Backup: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
  • Turn on iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now.

For Android Users

  • Use Google Backup: Go to Settings > System > Backup.
  • Turn on Back up to Google Drive.

This ensures your Instagram photos saved to your phone won’t get lost.

Step 4: Transfer Your Instagram Account to a New Android or iPhone

For Android Users (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.)

  1. On Your New Phone:

    • Open the Google Play Store.

    • Search for Instagram and install it.

  2. Open Instagram App:
    • Tap Log In.

    • Enter your username and password.

    • Tap Log In.

  3. If you have two-factor authentication enabled:

    • You’ll get a code on your phone or email.

    • Enter the code to complete the login.

For iPhone Users (iPhone 14, iPhone 15, etc.)

  1. On Your New iPhone:

    • Go to the App Store.

    • Search for Instagram and download it.

  2. Open Instagram App:

    • Tap Log In.

    • Enter your username and password.

    • Tap Log In.

  3. If you have two-factor authentication:

    • You’ll receive a code via text or email.

    • Enter the code to access your account.

Step 5: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (Extra Security)

Want to keep your account extra secure? Enable two-factor authentication.

  • Go to your profile.
  • Tap three lines > Settings > Security.
  • Select Two-Factor Authentication.
  • Follow the steps to set up an SMS or Authentication App.

Step 6: Check Linked Devices

Want to see which devices are logged into your Instagram?

  • Go to your profile.
  • Tap three lines > Settings > Security.
  • Select Login Activity.
  • You’ll see all the devices where your account is active.
  • If you see a device you don’t recognize, tap Log Out.

Step 7: Sync Contacts on Your New Phone

Want to find your friends faster?

  • Go to your profile.
  • Tap three lines > Settings > Account > Contacts Syncing.
  • Toggle on Connect Contacts.

Step 8: Restore Instagram Direct Messages (Optional)

If you want to keep your DMs, make sure your Instagram data is backed up.

  • Use the Download Your Information option in the Settings.
  • This will ensure you don’t lose chats when switching phones.

Step 9: Transfer Saved Posts and Drafts (Optional)

Saved posts are linked to your account, so they’ll transfer automatically.

For drafts, they stay on the old phone. If you need them:

  • Post them as private before switching.
  • Save them to your phone’s gallery and upload later.

Step 10: Customize Notifications on Your New Phone

Once you're logged in, customize your notifications:

  • Go to Settings > Notifications > Instagram.
  • Choose the types of alerts you want (likes, comments, messages).

Step 11: Troubleshooting Common Problems

  1. Can’t log in?

  • Double-check your username and password.

  1. App crashing?
  • Update your Instagram app to the latest version.
  1. Forgot Password?
  • Tap Forgot Password? on the login screen.
  • Follow the steps to reset it.
  1. Two-Factor Code Not Working?
  • Use a backup code from your two-factor setup.
  • Check your email or contact Instagram support if needed.
  1. Missing Posts or Followers?
  • Ensure you logged in to the correct account.
  • Contact Instagram if things still look wrong.

Different Phone Models? No Problem!

It doesn't matter if you're switching from an old iPhone to a new Samsung Galaxy or from a Google Pixel to the latest iPhone. These steps work the same on all devices. 

Instagram keeps your account information on its servers, not on your phone.

Concerned About Your Data? Let’s Check 

When you transfer your Instagram account to a new phone, here’s how everything stays the same:

Log in with the Same Account

All you have to do is log into Instagram on your new phone with the same username and password you used on your old phone. Your account is linked to your login details, not your device, so as long as you log in correctly, everything will appear just as it was.

Account Information is Stored on Instagram’s Servers

Instagram stores all your account details (posts, followers, DMs, etc.) on its servers, not on your phone. So, when you log in from a new device, Instagram fetches all your data from the servers and shows it on your new phone.

Automatic Syncing of Data

When you log in to your account on the new phone, Instagram automatically syncs everything (posts, followers, stories, etc.) from the cloud. Nothing is lost because everything is saved on Instagram’s system, not your phone.

Cloud Storage for Instagram Data

Things like photos, saved posts, and story archives are stored in the cloud (Instagram’s online storage). This means no matter what phone you use, your memories are safe in the cloud, and you won’t lose anything.

Secure Login and Two-Factor Authentication

If you use two-factor authentication (2FA), you’ll get a code on your phone or email. This extra layer of security makes sure that your account stays protected, but it doesn’t affect your data. Once you enter the code, everything will be synced to your new phone.

Final Check: You're Good to Go!

That's all about your question, “How do I transfer my Instagram account to a new phone without losing anything?” Your Instagram account is now on your new phone. 

Take a moment to explore your profile and make sure everything looks good.

Got stuck? Just let me know—I’m happy to help! 😊

Oh, if you’re somehow looking to manage your social media marketing more efficiently, you might need social media management tools. Read this insightful blog to learn.

faqs

Will my Instagram posts and followers be lost when I switch phones?

No, your posts and followers are saved on Instagram's servers, not your phone. They’ll be there when you log in on your new device.

Do I need to back up my Instagram account before getting a new phone?

No backup is needed. When you log in on your new phone, everything is restored automatically. But if you want, you can take backup. 

Can I transfer multiple Instagram accounts to a new phone at once?

Yes, you can log into different accounts on the same phone. Just log in and out for each one.

What if I don’t remember my Instagram password?

Use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen. After that, you can reset it using your email or phone number.

Does transferring my Instagram affect my linked Facebook account?

No, transferring Instagram to a new phone won’t affect your Facebook link. It stays the same.

Can I use the same Instagram account on two phones at once?

Yes, you can be logged in on both phones. But too much activity on both might trigger security checks.

What happens to my Instagram drafts when I get a new phone?

Drafts are saved on your old phone. You need to save them before switching to the new one.

Will my saved Instagram posts and collections transfer to the new phone?

Yes, saved posts and collections are linked to your account. They’ll be on your new phone once you log in.

Does changing phones affect my Instagram insights or analytics?

No, your insights and analytics stay the same. They are linked to your account.

If I delete the Instagram app on my old phone, will it delete my account?

No, deleting the app just removes it from that phone. Your account will still be active on other devices.

Ask Your Questions

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Marketer Rakib is a full-time Blogger and Affiliate Marketer. Follow Rakib to learn how to scale up your online business for more Make Money. Before starting this blog, Rakib managed world's top digital marketing agencies. Now, He has been helping people to make money online through affiliate marketing.  

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