How to Change Your Age on Instagram: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you need to change your age on Instagram. Let’s cut to the chase: you can do it, but the process differs depending on whether you initially used Facebook to sign up and how old you are now. Primarily, you’ll either edit your birthdate directly within the Instagram app or, if your accounts are linked, change it on Facebook. This article provides a thorough walkthrough of the steps and clarifies any ambiguities that might arise during this process.
Understanding Instagram’s Age Requirements
Instagram has firm age requirements to safeguard younger users and comply with various regulations. Users must be at least 13 years old to create an account. If you provided an incorrect birthdate initially, or if you now realize it’s inaccurate, correcting it is essential. Keep in mind that repeated or significant age changes might trigger verification requests from Instagram.
### Why Changing Your Age Matters
Besides adhering to Instagram’s guidelines, having an accurate birthdate affects the content you see and the features you can access. It can impact the types of ads you’re shown, the recommendations you receive, and your eligibility for certain Instagram features, such as those related to shopping or age-restricted content.
## Steps to Change Your Age on Instagram
The method you’ll use depends on whether your Instagram account is linked to Facebook and how you initially provided your age. Here’s a breakdown:
### Method 1: Changing Your Age Directly in the Instagram App
Open the Instagram App: Launch the Instagram app on your iOS or Android device.
Go to Your Profile: Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner to navigate to your profile page.
Access the Menu: Tap the three horizontal lines (the “hamburger menu”) in the top right corner.
Select “Settings and Privacy”: This option is typically near the bottom of the menu.
Go to “Account Center”: This is where you’ll find the settings to manage your connected experiences across Meta technologies.
Tap on “Personal Details”: You’ll see options like Contact Info, Birthday, and Identity Confirmation. Select “Birthday”.
Edit Your Birthday: Tap “Edit” next to your current birthday.
Update Your Birthdate: Use the date pickers to select the correct month, day, and year.
Confirm the Change: After selecting your new birthdate, carefully review the changes and then tap “Save” or “Confirm” (the wording may vary). You might need to re-enter your password for security reasons.
Method 2: Changing Your Age Via Linked Facebook Account
If your Instagram account is linked to Facebook, changing your age on Facebook will usually update it on Instagram as well.
Open Facebook: Launch the Facebook app or go to Facebook’s website.
Go to Your Profile: Navigate to your Facebook profile page.
Edit Your Profile: Click or tap the “About” section of your profile.
Find Basic Info: Look for the “Basic Info” section, which includes your birthdate and gender.
Edit Your Birthday: Click or tap the “Edit” button next to your birthday.
Update Your Birthdate: Use the date pickers to select the correct month, day, and year.
Save Changes: Click or tap “Save Changes” at the bottom of the page.
After updating your age on Facebook, give Instagram some time to reflect the change. You may need to close and reopen the Instagram app for the update to appear.
What if You Can’t Change Your Age?
Sometimes, Instagram might restrict your ability to change your age, especially if:
You previously set your age to under 13: If you initially indicated you were under 13, Instagram might have locked the ability to change it without additional verification. In this case, you’ll likely need to contact Instagram support directly.
You’ve made too many changes recently: Instagram may limit how frequently you can change your birthdate to prevent abuse.
The option is simply unavailable: This can occasionally happen due to bugs or account-specific restrictions. If this occurs, contacting Instagram support is again the best course of action.
Contacting Instagram Support
If you encounter problems changing your age, here’s how to contact Instagram support:
Go to Settings: Open Instagram and go to your profile, then tap the hamburger menu and select “Settings and Privacy”.
Find “Help”: Scroll down and tap on “Help.”
Select “Report a Problem”: Choose this option to report the issue you’re facing.
Explain Your Situation: Clearly and concisely explain that you need to change your birthdate and why you’re unable to do so through the standard methods. Include any relevant details, such as previous birthdates entered or error messages you’ve received.
Submit Your Report: Follow the prompts to submit your report.
Keep in mind that it can take Instagram support some time to respond, so be patient.
Important Considerations
Accuracy is Key: Make sure you enter your birthdate accurately. Providing false information can lead to account restrictions or even suspension.
Privacy Settings: Review your privacy settings after changing your age, as these settings can be affected by your age.
Be Patient: Updates to your age may not be reflected immediately. Allow some time for the changes to propagate through Instagram’s systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does Instagram ask for my age?
Instagram asks for your age to ensure compliance with age restrictions, tailor content and ads, and provide age-appropriate experiences.
2. What happens if I lie about my age on Instagram?
Lying about your age can lead to account restrictions, suspension, or even permanent ban, especially if you claim to be older than you are to access age-restricted features.
3. How many times can I change my age on Instagram?
Instagram limits how frequently you can change your birthdate to prevent abuse. The exact number of changes allowed within a specific timeframe isn’t publicly disclosed.
4. Can my followers see my birthdate on Instagram?
Whether your followers can see your birthdate depends on your privacy settings. You can control who sees this information in your profile settings.
5. What if I don’t remember the birthdate I initially entered?
If you don’t remember the original birthdate, try linking your Instagram account to Facebook. The birthdate from your Facebook profile might populate on Instagram. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to contact Instagram support.
6. Will changing my age on Instagram affect my other connected apps?
Changing your age on Instagram will likely only affect apps directly linked to your Instagram account or those that use Facebook Login (if your accounts are connected).
7. I am getting an error message when I try to change my age. What should I do?
Clear your app cache, try again later, or contact Instagram support if the error persists.
8. Can I change my age on Instagram from a computer?
Yes, you can change your age via a computer by logging into your Instagram account through the website and following similar steps to those outlined for the mobile app. However, going to Account Center option is easier using a mobile device.
9. What if I made my account before the age requirement change?
If you created an account before the age requirement changes, Instagram might require you to verify your age to continue using the platform.
10. How long does it take for Instagram to update my age after I change it?
The update is usually immediate, but sometimes it can take a few hours to fully propagate through Instagram’s systems.
11. Does Instagram ask for proof of age?
Yes, Instagram may ask for proof of age (such as a government-issued ID) if they suspect you’ve provided inaccurate information or if you’re trying to access age-restricted features.
12. Is it possible to bypass the age requirement on Instagram?
Attempting to bypass the age requirement is against Instagram’s terms of service and can result in account suspension or termination. It’s always best to adhere to the platform’s guidelines.
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