How to Join Instagram Without a Phone

Instagram asks all users at some point to provide a phone number for verification. Whether it’s upon creating an account or later on, the main purpose of phone verifications is to make the platform safer. Check out why Instagram needs your phone number:

• User verification

  Providing a phone number proves to Instagram you’re a real person and not a bot, which shields the platform from massive account-creating software.

• Shut out spammers

  Putting up a verification wall on Instagram makes it harder for spammers to create and manage multiple accounts, decreasing the number of ill-intentioned people on the platform and making it a safer space for users.

• Protecting your account

  Setting up a phone number allows you to use two-factor authentication. That means you can easily use your phone to reset your password if you forget it or suspect someone is trying to hack into your account.

Get an online phone number

The easiest way to verify your account without a phone without leaving your house is to get an online phone number. Here are a few trustworthy virtual number providers:

1. TextNow – free calling and texting for desktop and mobile.
2. TextFree – free texting for desktop and mobile.
3. MightyCall – free trial for a month – calls for desktop.

1. Step 1

   

   First, go to Instagram‘s create an account page. You can choose to provide an email address or your new online phone number.

2. Step 2

   

   Get a virtual phone number using your favorite online provider. In this tutorial, we’re using TextNow, a website where you can get a free phone number for sending and receiving calls and texts online.

3. Step 3

   

   Choose the area code you want your phone to be registered on. Note: preferably, choose online phone number companies that work in your area or country!

4. Step 4

   

   Copy your new number from the TextNow website. Once you register the number on Instagram, this is where you’ll get a confirmation text.

5. Step 5

   

   Paste your online number on the confirmation page on Instagram and wait for the text at your online phone number.

Yes! Although there are some extra steps and restrictions, it’s perfectly possible to use Instagram without a smartphone. Check out some tips:

• If you don’t have a phone, you can verify your account using an online phone number, following the steps detailed above.
• You can also get a cheap burner phone to register your account or a new SIM card.
• If you already have an Instagram account, you can use it to create up to five secondary accounts. Learn how here.

Using the desktop version of Instagram is limiting, as you’re not allowed to post through it. However, if you don’t have access to a phone or tablet, you can still make some adjustments to your web browser to enable mobile mode. Check out how:

1. Step 1

   

   Log in to your Instagram account.

2. Step 2

   

   Press Ctrl+Shift+I on your keyboard to open the Developer Tools board. You can also choose “Developer Tools” on the settings menu.

3. Step 3

   

   Press Ctrl+Shift+M to toggle the device toolbar. Alternatively, click the mobile device icon on the Developer Tools board.

4. Step 4

   

   From the drop-down menu, pick which device display you’d like to use.

5. Step 5

   

   Browse through Instagram as you’d usually do on your phone!