Change your password through Instagram's settings on your phone or computer

Open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right (on mobile) or clicking your profile picture at the top right (on desktop). Tap or click the menu icon — three horizontal lines on mobile, or a gear icon on desktop — and select "Settings and privacy." Then tap or click "Password and security" and choose "Password." Instagram will ask you to enter your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm it.

Your new password takes effect immediately. You'll stay logged in on the device you're using, but Instagram will log you out on all other devices and apps where you were signed in. This is a safety feature — it means if someone else had access to your account from another location, they lose it the moment you change your password.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password from Instagram's settings menu under "Password and security," and the change takes effect right away.
  • Instagram logs you out everywhere except your current device when you change your password, which stops unauthorized access on other phones or computers.
  • If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen instead of the settings menu.
  • A strong password uses uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and doesn't repeat words from your username or previous passwords.
  • If you can't access your account to change the password, you may need to verify your identity through email or phone before Instagram lets you reset it.

What makes a password strong enough to protect your account

Instagram doesn't publish a specific length requirement, but security researchers recommend at least 12 characters. Mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! @ # $ % — avoid simple patterns like "password123" or sequences like "abcdef." Don't use your username, real name, or birth date anywhere in the password, and don't reuse a password you've used on other accounts.

The reason this matters: if a data breach exposes your password from another website, attackers will try that same password on Instagram and other major sites. A unique password means a breach elsewhere can't compromise your Instagram account. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone's operating system can generate and store strong passwords so you don't have to remember them.

When to change your password even if you haven't forgotten it

Change your password if you've shared it with someone who no longer has permission to access your account, if you used the same password on another site that had a data breach, or if you suspect someone else has logged in. You should also change it if you've logged into Instagram on a public computer or a friend's device — even if you clicked "log out," malware or browser settings could leave your session active.

If you think your account has been compromised, change your password first, then review your login activity. Go to Settings and privacy, tap "Password and security," and select "Login activity" to see where and when your account was accessed. If you see logins from places you don't recognize, that's a sign someone else had access. After changing your password, consider enabling two-factor authentication, which requires a code from your phone in addition to your password when you log in from a new device.

Recovering access if you can't remember your current password

On the Instagram login screen, tap or click "Forgot password?" and enter your username, email address, or phone number. Instagram will send you a link to reset your password — check the email address or phone number associated with your account. Click the link in the email or enter the code from the text message, then create a new password.

If you don't receive the reset email or text, check your spam or junk folder first. If it's not there, make sure you're using the correct email address or phone number. You can also try logging in with a different piece of information — if you registered with an email but can't access it, try your username or phone number instead. If none of those work, Instagram may ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo of yourself or answering security questions you set up earlier.

Using two-factor authentication alongside your password

Two-factor authentication (often called 2FA) adds a second step to logging in: after you enter your password, Instagram asks for a code that only you can generate. You can receive this code as a text message, through an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Authy, or through a security key — a small physical device you plug into your computer or phone.

Authentication apps are more secure than text messages because they don't rely on your phone carrier's network, which can be compromised. To set up two-factor authentication, go to Settings and privacy, tap "Password and security," and select "Two-factor authentication." Choose your method and follow the steps to confirm. From then on, anyone trying to log in — including you on a new device — will need both your password and the code to get in.

What happens to your other Instagram apps and logins

When you change your password, Instagram logs you out of the main app and website, but also from third-party apps that connect to your Instagram account. If you use a scheduling tool, analytics app, or photo editor that posts to Instagram, you'll need to log back in to those apps with your new password. Some apps may ask you to re-authorize access to your account through Instagram's login screen.

If you use Instagram on multiple devices — your phone, tablet, and computer — you'll need to log back in on each one. This is intentional: it prevents someone who gained access on one device from staying logged in everywhere. The first time you log back in on each device, have your new password ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing my current password?

No, Instagram requires your current password to change it from the settings menu. If you don't know your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen to reset it instead. You'll need access to the email address or phone number tied to your account.

Will changing my password delete my photos or posts?

No. Changing your password only affects how you log in — it doesn't touch your photos, videos, messages, followers, or any other account data. Everything stays exactly as it was.

How often should I change my Instagram password?

There's no set schedule. Change it if you suspect a breach, if you've reused it elsewhere, or if you've shared it with someone. If your account feels secure and you use a unique, strong password, changing it every few months is reasonable but not required.

What if I change my password and still can't log in?

Make sure you're typing the new password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, so "Password123" is different from "password123." If you're still locked out, try resetting your password again using the "Forgot password?" option. If that doesn't work, Instagram may have temporarily restricted your account for security reasons; check your email for messages from Instagram explaining what happened.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Technically yes, but it defeats the purpose of changing it. If your old password was compromised or you're changing it because of a security concern, reusing it leaves you vulnerable to the same problem. Pick a new, unique password instead.