You want to join Mastodon but the signup form on your chosen instance shows that registration is closed. Each Mastodon instance is independently operated, and many small instances limit new accounts to prevent server overload. This article explains how to find an open instance, complete the signup process, and confirm that your account is active.
Mastodon is a decentralized social network. You must pick a server, called an instance, before you create an account. Your instance determines your full username, your home feed, and the rules you must follow. The signup process is similar across instances, but the availability of registration varies.
This guide covers how to select an instance with open registration, fill out the signup form correctly, and verify your email address. It also explains how to adjust your profile and privacy settings immediately after signing up.
Key Takeaways: Joining Mastodon on a New Instance
- Instance selection page (joinmastodon.org/servers): Lists servers sorted by topic and language with registration status shown.
- Signup form fields: Username, email address, password, and optional reason for joining are required on most instances.
- Email verification link: Must be clicked within 24 hours to activate the account and prevent deletion.
What You Need Before Signing Up for a Mastodon Instance
Mastodon is not a single website. It is a network of thousands of independent servers called instances. Each instance runs its own rules, moderation policies, and registration settings. To sign up, you need three things: a working email address, a unique username, and a password that meets the instance’s requirements.
The email address is used only for account verification and password resets. Mastodon instances do not share your email with other servers on the network. The username becomes part of your full Mastodon handle, such as @username@instance.social. You can change your display name later, but the username is permanent on that instance.
Some instances require you to answer a short question about why you want to join. This is a manual anti-spam measure. The instance moderator reviews your answer before approving the account. If you do not provide a genuine answer, your request may be rejected.
How Registration Status Affects Your Choice
Instances display one of three registration states:
- Open: Anyone can sign up immediately after completing the form and verifying their email.
- Approval required: You can fill out the form, but a moderator must manually approve your account before you can log in.
- Closed: The instance is not accepting new accounts at all. You must choose another instance.
The instance list at joinmastodon.org shows the registration status for each server. You can filter by language, topic, and user count to narrow your search.
Steps to Create a Mastodon Account on a New Instance
- Open the instance directory
Go to joinmastodon.org/servers in your web browser. This official directory lists hundreds of active instances with their registration status, language, and topic tags. - Filter by language and topic
Use the dropdown menus to select your preferred language and a topic that matches your interests. For example, choose “English” and “Technology” to see tech-related English-language instances. - Select an instance with open registration
Look for instances that show “Open” in the Registration column. Click the instance name to open its landing page. - Review the instance rules
On the instance landing page, scroll to the section labeled “Server Rules” or “Terms of Service.” Read the rules carefully. Each instance has its own content policies, and violating them can result in a suspension. - Click the Create Account button
Find the “Create Account” or “Sign Up” button, usually near the top of the page or in the sidebar. Click it to open the registration form. - Enter your username
Type a username that is between 1 and 30 characters long. Only letters, numbers, and underscores are allowed. Your username cannot be changed after the account is created. - Enter your email address
Provide a valid email address. You will need to verify this address before you can log in. Mastodon does not send marketing emails, only verification and notification emails if you enable them. - Create a strong password
Type a password that is at least eight characters long. The form does not enforce complexity requirements, but use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols for security. - Complete the reason for joining field (if shown)
If the instance shows a text box labeled “Reason for joining” or “Why do you want to join?”, write a short, honest explanation. For example, “I want to follow tech news and connect with developers.” This answer is reviewed by a moderator. - Submit the registration form
Click the “Sign Up” or “Create Account” button at the bottom of the form. A confirmation message appears telling you to check your email. - Open the verification email
Check the inbox of the email address you provided. Look for an email from the instance with the subject line “Confirm your email address for [instance name].” If you do not see it within five minutes, check your spam or junk folder. - Click the confirmation link
Open the email and click the “Confirm email address” button or link. This link expires after 24 hours. If you miss the window, you must start the signup process again with the same email address. - Log in to your new account
After clicking the confirmation link, you are redirected to the instance login page. Enter your username and password, then click “Log In.”
Common Issues During Mastodon Signup and How to Handle Them
Email Verification Link Expired or Did Not Arrive
If the verification email does not arrive, check your spam folder first. If it is not there, the instance may have a temporary email delivery delay. Wait 15 minutes and try the “Resend confirmation email” link on the login page. If the link expired, go back to the signup form and register again with the same email address.
Registration Is Closed on My Chosen Instance
Do not attempt to use a disposable email address or a VPN to bypass closed registration. The instance will reject the signup or suspend your account later. Instead, use the joinmastodon.org directory to find another instance with open registration. Many instances with fewer than 1,000 users accept new members regularly.
Username Is Already Taken on the Instance
Each username on an instance is unique. If you receive an error that the username is taken, add a number or an underscore to make it distinct. For example, if “johndoe” is taken, try “johndoe42” or “johndoe_dev.”
Moderator Approval Takes Too Long
If the instance requires approval, you will see a message after submitting the form saying your request is pending. Approval can take anywhere from a few hours to several days. If you need immediate access, choose an instance with open registration instead.
| Item | Open Registration Instance | Approval Required Instance |
|---|---|---|
| Signup speed | Instant after email verification | Delayed until moderator approves |
| Email verification | Required before first login | Required before approval review |
| Reason for joining | Usually not required | Almost always required |
| Account deletion risk | Low if you verify within 24 hours | Higher if approval is denied |
| Best for | New users who want immediate access | Users who want a curated community |
After your account is active, go to Preferences > Profile to set your display name, bio, and avatar. You can also enable two-factor authentication under Preferences > Account > Two-factor Auth for extra security. Start following accounts by searching for their full Mastodon handle or by browsing the federated timeline on your instance.