Why Can’t I Create an Instagram Account

Over time, social media platforms like Instagram have become integral to our lives. However, the overexposure from posting online is not to be underestimated. This is why more and more people are now opting for separate public and private accounts. What happens when you go to sign up but Instagram errors out? Wondering why you can’t create an Instagram account? Let’s find out.

Why Can’t I Create an Instagram Account

There can be many answers to the question, ‘Why can’t I create an Instagram account?’. Let’s look at some of those:

  • Instagram’s servers are down
  • You’ve exceeded the sign-up limit on your email ID or phone number
  • A bad internet connection.
  • A blocked IP address.

So, let us look at 9 ways you can use to fix the issue of Instagram sign-up not working.

1. Check Instagram Servers

Instagram must be working properly to process requests like new account creation. So, if the Instagram servers are currently down, they might be unable to register your request and show an error when creating a new account.

When this happens, check Instagram’s Server Page and see if an outage has been reported. If yes, wait a while before trying again.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

If your current network connection is not working properly, it might cause issues when signing up for Instagram. This is because network connection issues can stop your app from connecting with Instagram’s servers, which might block you from signing up. So, to check this, you can run a speed test or play a video on your device and see if there are any playback issues.

Check Internet connection

If there are issues detected, try connecting to Wi-Fi or, if on mobile, switch to 5G and check again. However, if there are no visible network issues and you’re still unable to sign up for Instagram, move on to the next fix.

3. Close and Restart Instagram App

If you’ve been using the Instagram app and it won’t let you make a new account, there might be issues with the Instagram app itself. This can be anything from glitches during app boot to a temporary bug. However, they should all be cleared once you close and restart the app on your iPhone and Android device. Follow the below steps to do it.

On Android

Step 1: Tap on the Recent icon or swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

Step 2: Then, hold and clear the Instagram app by swiping it up.

Force close Instagram on Android

Once the app closes, tap on the Instagram app icon to open the app again. Then, try and create a new account.

On iPhone

Step 1: Double-press the home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold.

Step 2: Once Instagram appears, swipe up to remove the app window.

Force close Instagram on iOS

This will close the Instagram app. Now, tap the app icon to see if you can create an account.

4. Use a Different Web Browser

If you’ve been trying to create a new Instagram account using your PC, your browser might be why the Instagram sign-up is not working. Certain browser security features or extensions might stop Instagram from loading the page and working properly. If this happens, try switching your browser on your Mac or Windows device and check again. But if you’re still unable, try the next fix.

5. Use VPN

There have been cases when Instagram has blocked certain IP addresses, which might be one of the reasons why you’re currently unable to create a new account on Instagram. If this happens to you, try using a VPN app to change your IP address and resume signing up to Instagram. Here’s how.

Note: We are using the free version of Proton VPN for demonstration purposes. You can use any other VPN app on your Android or iOS device.

Step 1: Open the VPN app on your mobile device.

Step 2: Select the relevant country and tap on the connect button.

Use VPN on mobile

Once the connection is established, your location will change on your Android or iOS device. Then, reopen the Instagram app to check if you can create an account. If Instagram still won’t let you make a new account, move on to the next troubleshooting method.

6. Use a Different Email ID or Mobile Number

While Instagram usually has no restrictions on how many accounts you want to create, certain restrictions apply when you’re using the same email ID or mobile number to create multiple accounts. This might also be one of the reasons why your Instagram sign-up keeps failing. To fix this issue, try using a different or new email address or mobile number when signing up for Instagram and see if it works.

7. Check for App Updates

Out-of-date apps can freeze, not work properly, or just straight-up crash. So, if you’ve had the Instagram app installed on your device for a while but didn’t keep up with regular updates, it might just be the reason why Instagram won’t let you make a new account. If this is the case, use the below button to update the Instagram app on your Android or iOS device and see if it helps you create a new Instagram account.

8. Add a New Account to an Existing Instagram Account

You can add a new account even if you already have an existing account on Instagram. Using this feature, you can create a new account on Instagram and immediately add it to your accounts list on the Instagram app. Although, at a time, you can only add 5 accounts. Follow the below steps to do it.

Note: Unless updated, the mobile number and email ID for your new account will be automatically fetched from your current signed-in details.

Step 1: Open the Instagram mobile app.

Step 2: In the bottom right corner, tap on your profile icon.

Step 3: Once on your profile page, tap the hamburger icon.

Step 4: Here, tap on ‘Settings and privacy’.

Add new account to Instagram

Step 5: Scroll down and tap on Add account.

Step 6: Select ‘Create new account’.

Create new Instagram account

Step 7: Type in the desired username and tap on Next.

Step 8: Enter the password you wish to set for your new Instagram account and tap on Next.

Enter username and password

Step 9: Here, tap on ‘Complete sign up’.

Create new Instagram account

Now, once your new account has been created, go into the account settings and update your mobile number and email ID as you want.

9. Contact Instagram Support

If you’ve looked through the troubleshooting methods and cannot sign up for Instagram, you can contact Instagram’s support team to try and fix the issue.

FAQs for Using Instagram

1. What to do if you’re unable to log in to your Instagram account?

If you cannot log in to your Instagram account, turn on Airplane mode on your mobile device. Then, turn it off and try signing in to Instagram again. If it still doesn’t work, try restarting the Instagram app. Using the abovementioned ways, you can also check Instagram’s Server Status and see if all Instagram services are working as expected.

2. Can you view Instagram Stories and posts even without an account?

Yes, you can open the page you want to view on Instagram on your web browser and view a limited amount of posts without logging in. Additionally, you can also use certain third-party apps to do the same. For more details, check out our article on how to view Instagram posts and Stories without an account.

Make a New Instagram Account

We hope this article helped you understand more about ‘Why can’t I create an Instagram account’ and solve the issue. Additionally, when setting up your new account, don’t forget to add your pronouns to your Instagram profile.

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Last updated on 03 July, 2023

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