Can't Change My Date of Birth on Instagram: Will a Wrong Age Get My Account Restricted?

Instagram won't let you change your date of birth? Why age changes are limited, how a wrong age can trigger restrictions, and how to fix it.

Md Shariar Shanaz ShuvonMd Shariar Shanaz ShuvonFounder & CEO, AwareXone
2 min read
Cover card with a calendar and ID card, for a wrong date of birth stuck on Instagram.
Short answer

Instagram limits date of birth changes and may ask for age verification, such as ID or a video selfie, before accepting one. A wrong age can put you into teen settings or, under new age rules in Australia, Malaysia and elsewhere, lead to removal. Change it once through Accounts Center, Personal details, and verify if asked.

Summary
  • Birthday changes are limited.
  • Instagram may ask for ID or a video selfie.
  • A wrong under-16 age can lead to removal in some countries.
  • Teen settings apply to under-18 ages.
  • Change it once, correctly.
Table of contents5 sections
  1. 01Why can't I change it?
  2. 02What can a wrong age cause?
  3. 03How do I fix it?
  4. 04What common mistakes should I avoid?
  5. 05When should I ask an expert before I act?

Getting your age right matters more in 2026 than before.

Last checked: 29 October 2026 against the sources listed at the end of this guide.

#Why can't I change it?

  • You've changed it recently.
  • The new age changes your teen status.
  • Instagram wants verification.

#What can a wrong age cause?

Wrong agePossible result
Under 13Account removal
Under 16 in Australia or MalaysiaAccount may be removed under local rules
Under 18Teen account settings
Older than realFewer protections

#How do I fix it?

  1. Accounts Center, Personal details, Birthday.
  2. Enter the correct date.
  3. Complete ID or video selfie checks if asked.

Related guides: Is My Threads Account Shadowbanned? How to Check Hidden Replies and Lost Reach.

#What common mistakes should I avoid?

  • Changing the birthday several times.
  • Using someone else's ID.
  • Ignoring the verification request.
  • Lying about age to avoid teen settings.

#When should I ask an expert before I act?

Ask for help before you appeal if the account matters to your income, your business or your memories, if you have already had one appeal rejected, or if you cannot tell whether the problem is a bug, a restriction or a hack. That is where most avoidable losses happen.

AwareXone has solved 1,300+ cases and works only through official platform processes. Support is available 24 hours, every day. We never ask for your password, login codes or backup codes, and we never name our clients. Request a free case review or message us on WhatsApp. Malaysian cases are priced in MYR; other markets are quoted in USD after review.

AwareXone is independent and not affiliated with Meta, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp or Threads. Recovery work is best-effort and the platform makes the final decision.

Can I use a parent's ID?
No, use your own.
How long does verification take?
Usually hours to days.
Will my account be removed?
Only if the age is under the local minimum.
Can you help?
Yes, a free review.
Can AwareXone check my case before I appeal?
Yes. AwareXone offers a free case review. Send us what you see on screen and what you have already tried, and an expert will tell you whether to appeal, wait or take another route. We never ask for your password or codes.

Official sources

More free guides on the same kind of problem.