Change your Instagram password from settings on any device

Open Instagram and go to your profile. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right, then tap Settings and privacy. Select Security and account access, then Password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Tap Change password to save it.

The process is the same on desktop: go to your profile, click the menu icon, select Settings, then Security and account access, then Password. Type your current password and your new password, then click Change password.

Instagram will log you out of all other devices after you change your password. You will need to log back in on any phone, tablet, or computer where you use Instagram.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password through Settings and privacy > Security and account access > Password on both mobile and desktop.
  • Instagram requires your current password before you can set a new one, so you must remember it to make the change.
  • After you change your password, you will be logged out everywhere and must sign in again on each device.
  • A strong password includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and should not be a word from the dictionary.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen to reset it through your email or phone number.

What makes a strong Instagram password

Use at least 8 characters and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! @ # $ % ^ &. Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, username, or common words. Do not reuse a password you have used on other accounts.

A password like BlueMoon#2024 is stronger than instagram123 because it combines character types and is not a predictable phrase. Instagram will not reject a weak password, but a weak one puts your account at risk if someone guesses it or finds it in a data breach.

When to change your Instagram password

Change your password if you suspect someone else knows it, if you used the same password on another site that was hacked, or if you have not changed it in over a year. You should also change it if you shared your login with someone and no longer want them to have access.

If you logged into Instagram on a public computer or borrowed phone, change your password as soon as you get home. This removes any chance that the device owner or another person can access your account later.

If you forgot your current password

Go to the Instagram login screen and tap Forgot password? below the login button. Enter your username, email address, or phone number. Instagram will send a link to your email or a code to your phone. Follow the link or enter the code, then create a new password.

If you no longer have access to the email or phone number on your account, you can try logging in with a different email or phone number you added to your profile. If that does not work, Instagram has a form to request account recovery, though the process can take several days.

Logging back in after you change your password

After you change your password, Instagram logs you out on all devices for security. Open Instagram on each phone, tablet, or computer where you use it. Tap or click Log in, enter your username or email and your new password, then tap or click Log in again.

If you use Instagram on many devices, you may want to write down your new password in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone. This way you do not have to remember it or type it on every device.

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of security

After you change your password, consider turning on two-factor authentication. This means Instagram will ask for a code from your phone every time someone tries to log in, even if they have your correct password. Go to Settings and privacy > Security and account access > Two-factor authentication and choose Authentication app or Text message (SMS).

An authentication app like Google Authenticator or Authy is more find than text message because hackers cannot intercept app codes the way they can intercept texts. If you choose text message, make sure your phone number is current and that you have a backup phone number on file in case you lose your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Instagram password without knowing my current password?

No. If you know your current password, you must enter it to set a new one. If you do not know it, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen to reset it through your email or phone number instead.

Will changing my password delete my photos or messages?

No. Changing your password does not affect your photos, messages, followers, or any other content on your account. It only changes how you log in.

How often should I change my Instagram password?

Change it at least once a year, or right away if you think someone else knows it or if you used the same password on another site that was hacked. You do not need to change it more often than that unless you have a reason to suspect your account is at risk.

What happens if I change my password while I am logged in on multiple devices?

Instagram logs you out on all devices when ready after you change your password. You will need to log back in on each device using your new password.

Can I change my password on the Instagram app and the website, or just one?

You can change your password from either the app or the website — it is the same password for both. Changing it in one place changes it everywhere.