Can you change your age on Instagram? Yes, you can — and this guide will show you exactly how to do it, step by step, in simple language. Whether you typed the wrong birthday when you signed up, or your account is showing the wrong date of birth, fixing it is easier than most people think.
This is the most complete guide on how to change your age on Instagram in 2026. We cover every method — iPhone, Android, desktop, and via Facebook. We also cover what happens after you change it, what to do if Instagram won’t let you change it, and what under-18 users need to know about the new Teen Account settings.
Can You Really Change Your Age on Instagram?
Yes, you can change your age on Instagram — but there are a few rules you need to know first.
Instagram uses your date of birth to control your entire experience on the platform. It affects what content you see, what features you can access, and what privacy settings are applied to your account. So when your age is wrong, things go wrong — posts get limited reach, certain features disappear, and ads become irrelevant.
Here is a quick summary of what Instagram allows:
| Your Age | Can You Edit Your Birthday? |
|---|---|
| 18 or older | Yes — full control to edit anytime |
| 13 to 17 | Limited editing — some restrictions apply |
| Under 13 | No — account will be deleted if age is set below 13 |
| Linked to Facebook | Must update on Facebook first |
| Age verified by ID | May need to submit ID to change again |
There is one more important rule almost every competitor misses: you can only change your birthday once every 30 days. If you try to change it again before 30 days have passed, Instagram will block the edit. After too many changes in a short time, Instagram may lock your date of birth permanently and require identity verification.
So use this process for genuine corrections only. Do not change your age to get access to features or bypass age-based content restrictions — Instagram’s platform compliance systems are smart enough to catch this, and it can lead to account suspension.
Why Does Instagram Need Your Age?
Before you change anything, it helps to understand why Instagram asks for your birthday in the first place. This is something most competitors skip entirely — but it matters.
Instagram uses your age for five main reasons:
1. Content personalization Your date of birth tells Instagram what kind of content is appropriate for you. If you are under 18, Instagram filters out certain types of content automatically. If you are 18 or older, you get access to a wider range of content, including some age-restricted material.
2. Privacy settings and digital identity protection Younger users get stronger privacy settings by default. For example, if Instagram detects you are under 16, your account is automatically set to private. This is part of Instagram’s digital identity protection policy and platform compliance with child safety laws around the world.
3. Ad targeting and content visibility Advertisers on Instagram target people based on age. If your age is wrong, the ads you see will not match your real interests or demographics. More importantly, your content visibility can be affected — posts may reach the wrong audience.
4. Feature access Some features on Instagram are age-restricted. Direct messaging with strangers, certain Reels features, live streaming with unfamiliar accounts, and branded content tools all have age requirements. If your age is wrong, you may find these features are missing or blocked.
5. Teen Account settings and parental supervision Instagram introduced Teen Accounts in late 2024 and expanded the system through 2025 and into 2026. If Instagram thinks you are under 18, it may automatically place you into a Teen Account, which comes with parental supervision tools and tighter privacy restrictions. We cover Teen Accounts in full detail later in this guide.
How to Change Your Age on Instagram on iPhone and Android
This is the most common method. Most people use the Instagram app on their phone, so we will start here. The path goes through the Meta Accounts Center — this is where Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger all store your personal details, including your birthday.
Step-by-Step for iPhone (iOS)
Follow these steps exactly on your iPhone:
- Open the Instagram app on your iPhone.
- Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top-right corner.
- Tap Settings and Privacy — it is near the top of the menu.
- Scroll down and tap Accounts Center. This takes you to the Meta Accounts Center.
- Tap Personal details.
- Tap Birthday.
- Tap Edit next to your current date of birth.
- Enter your correct date of birth using the date picker.
- Tap Save to confirm the change.
That’s it. Your new birthday will be saved to your Instagram account and synced across all connected Meta apps — including Facebook and Messenger — if they are linked to the same account.
Important warning for iPhone users: If you do not see the “Edit” option next to Birthday, your age may be locked. Scroll down to the section called “Why Can’t I Change My Age on Instagram?” for the fix.
Step-by-Step for Android
The steps for Android are almost identical to iPhone. Here is the full process:
- Open the Instagram app on your Android phone.
- Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
- Tap the three lines in the top-right corner to open the menu.
- Tap Settings and Privacy.
- Tap Accounts Center.
- Tap Personal details.
- Tap Birthday.
- Tap Edit.
- Use the date selector to enter your correct date of birth.
- Tap Done or Save to confirm.
Your change will save immediately. If your Instagram is synced across Meta apps, the update will reflect across all of them within a few minutes to a few hours.
30-day rule reminder: After saving your new birthday, you will not be able to change it again for 30 days. Make sure you enter the correct date before saving.
How to Change Your Age on Instagram on Desktop (Computer)
Many people try to fix their age from a computer, especially if they cannot find the option in the mobile app. Good news — it works on desktop too. Here is how:
- Open your web browser and go to instagram.com.
- Log in to your account.
- Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Click More in the left-hand sidebar, then click Settings.
- In the Settings menu, look for Accounts Center and click it.
- Click Personal details.
- Click Birthday.
- Click Edit next to your current birthday.
- Enter your new date of birth.
- Click Save.
Your updated birthday will now appear on your Instagram profile data and will be synced across connected Meta apps.
Tip: Some users find it easier to go directly to the Meta Accounts Center by visiting accountscenter.instagram.com in their browser. From there, the path is the same — Personal details → Birthday → Edit.
How to Change Your Age on Instagram via Facebook
This section covers a situation that confuses a lot of people — and most competitors only mention it briefly without really explaining it.
If your Instagram account is linked to a Facebook account, Instagram does not store your birthday separately. Instead, it pulls your date of birth directly from Facebook. This means no matter how many times you try to edit your birthday inside Instagram, it will keep reverting back to your Facebook birthday.
If Instagram and Facebook are linked, you must change your birthday on Facebook. Here is how to do it:
- Open the Facebook app on your phone, or go to facebook.com on your computer.
- Tap the three lines (menu icon) — on the app, this is usually in the top-right corner.
- Tap Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings.
- Tap Accounts Center.
- Tap Personal details.
- Tap Birthday.
- Tap Edit and enter your correct date of birth.
- Tap Save.
Once you save the change on Facebook, Instagram will automatically sync your new birthday within 24 to 48 hours. You do not need to do anything else inside Instagram.
| Your Setup | Where to Change Your Birthday |
|---|---|
| Instagram only (not linked to Facebook) | Change it inside Instagram — Accounts Center → Personal details |
| Instagram linked to Facebook | Change it on Facebook — Accounts Center → Personal details |
| Logged in via Meta Accounts Center | Change it at accountscenter.instagram.com |
This “synced across Meta apps” behaviour is something almost all competitors fail to explain clearly. Now you know exactly why Instagram might keep showing the wrong age even after you changed it.
What Happens After You Change Your Age on Instagram?
Once you successfully update your date of birth, a few things change on your account. Here is what to expect:
Your content will change. Instagram will re-evaluate what content is appropriate for your new age. If you corrected your age from under 18 to 18 or over, you may start seeing content that was previously hidden. If you corrected it the other way, some content may be filtered out.
Your privacy settings may update. If your new age places you under 18, Instagram will apply tighter privacy restrictions — your account may automatically switch to private, and strangers may lose the ability to message you directly. This is part of Instagram’s age-restricted account system.
Your ad targeting will shift. Advertisers will now see your correct age in their targeting data. This means ads will become more relevant to your real demographic.
You may be asked to verify your age. In some cases — especially if the change is significant (for example, going from 25 to 16) — Instagram’s system may flag the change and ask you to confirm your age with a government ID or a selfie video. This is normal.
The 30-day lock begins immediately. From the moment you save your new birthday, the 30-day edit limit starts. You will not be able to change it again until the 30 days have passed.
Here is a quick overview table:
| What Changes | Details |
|---|---|
| Content you see | Adjusted to match your new age |
| Privacy settings | May tighten if new age is under 18 |
| Ad targeting | Updates to reflect correct age |
| Feature access | Some features may be unlocked or locked |
| Edit availability | Locked for 30 days after the change |
Why Can’t I Change My Age on Instagram? (Problems and Fixes)
This is one of the most searched questions related to this topic — and most competitors only give one or two reasons. Here is the complete list of reasons why your age might be locked, and exactly what to do about each one.
Problem 1: The “Edit” button is missing or greyed out
This usually means Instagram has locked your age after a previous verification or after too many changes.
Fix: Go to the age verification section below and submit a government ID or complete the selfie video process. Once Instagram verifies your real age, the edit option should become available again.
Problem 2: You changed your age less than 30 days ago
Instagram enforces a strict 30-day edit limit on date of birth. If you changed it recently, you simply have to wait.
Fix: Wait until 30 days have passed since your last change, then try again.
Problem 3: Your account is managed by a parent or guardian
If you are under 18 and your account is under parental supervision through Meta’s supervision tools, your parent or guardian controls certain settings — including your date of birth.
Fix: Ask your parent or guardian to log in to their Facebook account, go to the supervision settings, and update the birthday from there.
Problem 4: Your Instagram is linked to Facebook and the birthday is different there
As explained in the Facebook section above, if your accounts are linked, Instagram pulls the birthday from Facebook. Editing it in Instagram alone will not stick.
Fix: Update your birthday on Facebook first. Instagram will sync within 24 to 48 hours.
Problem 5: Instagram’s system has flagged your account for age-related review
If Instagram’s AI detects suspicious age-related activity — such as a large age jump or multiple changes in a short time — it may freeze the edit option and place your account in review.
Fix: Submit a government ID through the age verification process. We explain this in the next section.
Problem 6: Your account shows you are under 13
If the birthday on your account places your age below 13, Instagram will not let you edit it — and it may delete your account entirely. This is one of the most serious risks on this platform.
Fix: If you accidentally entered a wrong birthday that makes you appear under 13, contact Instagram Support immediately through the Help Center. You will need to provide proof of your real age with a government ID.
Quick Reference: Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Edit button missing | Submit government ID or selfie for verification |
| Changed age recently | Wait 30 days |
| Account under parental supervision | Parent must update via supervision settings |
| Linked to Facebook | Update birthday on Facebook instead |
| Flagged by Instagram’s system | Verify age with ID through the app |
| Age shows under 13 | Contact Instagram Support immediately with ID |
How to Verify Your Age on Instagram (ID or Selfie Video)
Instagram now offers two ways to verify your age. This is a content gap that almost every competitor skips — so we will explain both methods fully.
Method 1: Government ID Verification
You can upload a photo of an official government-issued ID to prove your real age. Instagram accepts:
- Passport
- Driver’s licence
- National identity card
- Any other government-issued photo ID
How to submit your government ID:
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- If there is an age confirmation prompt, tap it. If not, go to Settings → Help → Report a Problem.
- Select the option to verify your age.
- Choose Upload an ID.
- Take a clear photo of your ID and upload it.
- Submit and wait. Verification usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, though in some cases it can take up to 24 hours.
Instagram says it deletes uploaded ID documents within 30 days after using them solely to verify your age. Your ID is not stored permanently.
Method 2: AI Selfie Video Verification
This is the method that almost no competitor explains properly — so we will cover it fully here.
Instagram uses artificial intelligence (AI) to estimate your age from a short video selfie. Here is what actually happens:
- You record a short video of your face — usually just a few seconds.
- You do not need to say anything or hold up any ID.
- Instagram’s AI analyses your facial features — things like skin, bone structure, and other visual signals — to estimate how old you are.
- The AI generates an age estimate and uses it to verify whether your claimed age is believable.
This system is not perfect. It works as a first-line check for most users, but Instagram may still ask for an ID if the AI’s estimate is uncertain.
How to complete the selfie video verification:
- Open Instagram and tap on the age prompt, or go to Settings → Help.
- Select Verify my age.
- Choose Record a video selfie.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to record your face.
- Submit the video. Instagram will process it within minutes.
Like ID documents, selfie videos are deleted after processing. Instagram does not store them permanently.
| Verification Method | Time Required | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Government ID | A few minutes to 24 hours | Passport, driver’s licence, or national ID |
| AI Selfie Video | Usually a few minutes | Your face — no ID needed |
What If Instagram Denies Your Age Change? (How to Appeal)
Most competitors do not cover this at all. But it happens — and when it does, people feel stuck. Here is exactly what to do if Instagram rejects your age change or verification request.
Step 1: Go to the Instagram Help Center
Open Instagram and tap your profile. Tap the three lines → Settings and Privacy → Help → Help Center. You can also visit help.instagram.com directly in your browser.
Step 2: Find the Age Appeal Option
In the Help Center, search for “age appeal” or “date of birth appeal.” You can also go directly to Facebook’s Help Center at web.facebook.com/help and search for “appeal age decision.”
Step 3: Contact Instagram Support
Tap Support Inbox or use the “Report a Problem” feature inside the app. Explain clearly:
- That your date of birth was entered incorrectly when you created the account
- What your real date of birth is
- That you are willing to provide proof
Step 4: Submit Your ID
If asked, provide a clear photo of your government-issued ID. Make sure:
- The ID is not expired
- Your name and date of birth are clearly visible
- The photo is not blurry or cropped
Step 5: Wait for a Response
Instagram typically responds within 24 to 72 hours. In some cases it can take up to a week. Be patient and check your Support Inbox regularly for updates.
Step 6: Try Again If Needed
If your first appeal is denied, you can try again with a different form of ID or a more detailed explanation. There is no hard limit on how many times you can appeal.
Instagram Teen Account Settings — What Under-18 Users Should Know
This is the biggest content gap in your competitor’s articles. Almost none of them explain Instagram’s Teen Account system — which is now one of the most important things under-18 users need to understand.
What Is an Instagram Teen Account?
Instagram launched Teen Accounts in September 2024 and has been rolling them out globally through 2025 and into 2026. If Instagram detects — or if you confirm — that you are under 18, your account is automatically placed into Teen Account mode.
Teen Accounts come with a set of built-in protections that parents and guardians can monitor and adjust. These are not optional for under-18 users — they are automatic.
What Changes When You Are in a Teen Account?
| Feature | Teen Account (Under 18) | Standard Account (18+) |
|---|---|---|
| Account privacy | Automatically set to private | Public or private — your choice |
| Direct messages | Can only message people they follow or are connected to | Open messaging available |
| Sensitive content filters | Turned on by default | User’s choice |
| Screen time limits | Built-in limits and reminders | No limits |
| Parental supervision | Available and enabled by default | Not applicable |
| Content restrictions | Stricter age-based content filtering | Standard content visibility |
| Advertising | No personalised ads for under-16 | Personalised ads available |
How Does This Affect Your Age Change?
If you are currently in a Teen Account and you want to change your age to 18 or over, Instagram will not simply take your word for it. Because of the platform compliance rules around digital identity protection for minors, Instagram may ask you to verify your age with an ID or selfie video before moving your account out of Teen Account mode.
This is by design. Instagram’s system is built to prevent underage users from bypassing restrictions by simply changing their date of birth.
What If You Are Actually Under 18 and Want More Access?
The honest answer is: you cannot bypass Teen Account restrictions without verifying your actual age. If you are genuinely 18 or older and your account was incorrectly placed in Teen Account mode, follow the age verification steps in the section above and submit a government ID.
If you are under 18, the restrictions are there for your protection. They align with child safety laws in the UK, EU, US, and many other countries. Your parent or guardian can adjust some of these settings — for example, they can extend your daily screen time — but they cannot remove the core protections entirely.
Parental Supervision Tools
Parents and guardians can connect to a Teen Account using Instagram’s built-in parental supervision tools. Through a linked parent account, they can:
- See how much time their teen spends on Instagram
- Set daily time limits
- Review what accounts their teen follows and who follows them
- Be notified if their teen reports another account
This is part of Meta’s broader push for responsible social media use and platform compliance with global digital identity laws.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I change my age on Instagram without an ID?
Yes — in most cases. If your birthday is not locked, you can change it freely through the Meta Accounts Center without uploading any ID. You only need to provide an ID if Instagram has locked your age after a verification or if it flags your change as suspicious. The AI selfie video method is also available as an alternative to ID if your edit option is locked.
Q2: How many times can I change my birthday on Instagram?
You can change it once every 30 days. There is no official limit on how many times total, but after multiple changes, Instagram may lock your date of birth and require identity verification before allowing any further edits.
Q3: What happens if I change my age to under 13 on Instagram?
This is one of the most important warnings in this guide. If you set your date of birth to make your age appear under 13, Instagram will delete your account. This is permanent. Instagram is legally required to remove accounts belonging to children under 13 under laws like COPPA in the United States and similar child safety laws in other countries. There is no way to recover an account deleted for this reason.
Q4: Does changing my birthday on Facebook also change it on Instagram?
Yes — if your accounts are linked. When your Instagram and Facebook are connected through the Meta Accounts Center, they share the same date of birth. Changing it on Facebook will update it on Instagram within 24 to 48 hours. If your accounts are not linked, you will need to update each one separately.
Q5: Why did Instagram ask me to confirm my age?
Instagram may ask you to confirm your age for several reasons — you tried to access age-restricted content, your account was flagged by the platform compliance system, you tried to change your birthday to a significantly different age, or Instagram’s AI estimated your age as different from what is on your profile. When this happens, you will be asked to either upload a government ID or complete the AI selfie video verification. Both methods are safe — Instagram deletes the documents and videos after processing.
Q6: Can Instagram verify my age with just a selfie?
Yes. Instagram’s AI selfie video tool analyses your facial features to estimate your age. You do not say anything or hold up any ID. The video is processed automatically and usually takes only a few minutes. If the AI’s estimate matches your claimed age, your account is verified and you can proceed normally.
Q7: How do I remove age restrictions on Instagram?
The only way to remove age restrictions is to verify that your real age is 18 or over. If your account currently shows you as under 18, go through the age verification process (ID or selfie video). Once Instagram confirms you are 18 or older, the age-based content restrictions and privacy restrictions will be lifted, and your account will be treated as a standard adult account.
Q8: Can Instagram ban me for changing my age?
Instagram will not ban you for correcting a genuine mistake. However, if you repeatedly change your age to gain access to restricted features or to bypass age-based content filters — or if you change your age to appear under 13 — your account can be suspended or permanently deleted. Only use the age change process to fix a real error.
Final Thoughts
Changing your age on Instagram is straightforward when you know the right steps. The key is to go through the Meta Accounts Center — not your regular Instagram profile settings — and to make sure you are editing the account that actually holds your date of birth. If your Instagram is linked to Facebook, the birthday lives on Facebook and must be changed there.
Here is a quick summary of everything covered in this guide:
| Task | Where to Do It |
|---|---|
| Change age on iPhone or Android | Instagram app → Settings → Accounts Center → Personal details → Birthday |
| Change age on Desktop | instagram.com → Settings → Accounts Center → Personal details → Birthday |
| Change age when linked to Facebook | Facebook app → Accounts Center → Personal details → Birthday |
| Verify age with ID | Instagram app → Age prompt → Upload ID |
| Verify age with selfie | Instagram app → Age prompt → Record video selfie |
| Appeal a denied age change | Instagram Help Center → Support Inbox |
| Fix Teen Account restrictions | Age verification with ID → Adult account unlocked |
Remember the most important rules:
- You can only change your birthday once every 30 days
- Setting your age below 13 will delete your account permanently
- If your account is linked to Facebook, change the birthday on Facebook — not Instagram
- Use the real date of birth correction only — do not use this to bypass Instagram’s age-based content restrictions
- Instagram’s AI selfie video tool can verify your age without an ID
- Teen Account settings apply automatically to all under-18 users as of 2025–2026 and cannot be fully bypassed
If Instagram locks your age or denies your change, go through the appeal process with a government ID. Instagram’s support team can fix most issues when you provide the right documentation.
This guide is updated for 2026 and covers every method, every problem, and every fix — making it the most complete resource for anyone who needs to update their date of birth on Instagram.
