Why you might want to disconnect Facebook from Instagram
If you linked your Facebook account to Instagram, the two are now connected through Meta's system. This means your Instagram login can use your Facebook credentials, and some of your Instagram activity may sync to Facebook. Disconnecting them breaks this link so your accounts operate independently again.
You might want to disconnect if you're closing your Facebook account, want to use different login information for each platform, or prefer to keep your activity on each site separate. Some people disconnect because they share their Facebook login with family members but want to keep Instagram private. Others simply prefer not to have their accounts tied together. The process is straightforward and takes about two minutes on either your phone or computer.
Key Takeaways
- Disconnecting Facebook from Instagram means you'll need a separate password to log into Instagram if you were using your Facebook login.
- You can disconnect on Instagram's mobile app or website, but the steps are slightly different on each.
- After disconnecting, make sure you know your Instagram password, or you won't be able to log back in.
- Disconnecting does not delete either account — it only breaks the connection between them.
How to disconnect on the Instagram app
Open Instagram and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of your screen. Tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll down until you see Accounts and password and tap it.
Look for the section labeled "Accounts" or "Connected accounts." You'll see Facebook listed if it's currently connected. Tap Facebook, then tap Disconnect. Instagram will ask you to confirm — tap Disconnect again to finish. Your accounts are now separate, and you'll need to use your Instagram password the next time you log in.
How to disconnect on Instagram's website
Go to Instagram.com and log in with your username and password. Click your profile picture in the top right corner, then click Settings. On the left side menu, click Accounts and password.
Under the "Accounts" or "Connected accounts" section, you'll see Facebook if it's linked. Click the X button or Remove button next to Facebook. Instagram will ask you to confirm the disconnection. Click Disconnect or Remove to complete the process. You'll return to your settings page, and the Facebook connection will no longer appear.
What to do if you can't remember your Instagram password
Before you disconnect, make sure you can still log into Instagram without using Facebook. If you've only ever used your Facebook login to access Instagram, you need to set a password first, or you'll be locked out after disconnecting.
On the Instagram app, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Accounts and password and look for the password field. Tap Change password or Set password. Instagram will send you a confirmation email to the address linked to your account. Follow the link in that email and create a new password. Write it down somewhere safe before you proceed with disconnecting Facebook. On the website, follow the same path and click instead of tap.
What happens after you disconnect
Once disconnected, you'll log into Instagram using your username (or email address) and the password you just set or confirmed. Your Instagram account stays exactly as it is — nothing is deleted, and all your posts, followers, direct messages, and saved items remain untouched.
Facebook also stays unchanged. The only difference is that the two accounts no longer share login credentials or sync activity between them. If you had shared Instagram posts to Facebook before disconnecting, those posts stay on Facebook permanently. However, future Instagram posts won't automatically cross over to Facebook anymore. If you want to share new Instagram posts to Facebook after disconnecting, you'll need to do it manually each time by using Instagram's share options.
If you want to reconnect later
You can reconnect Facebook and Instagram at any time by going back to Accounts and password in Instagram settings and tapping or clicking Connect to Facebook. You'll be asked to log into your Facebook account and confirm that you want to link the accounts again.
The reconnection process takes less than a minute. Once reconnected, your accounts will work together again, and you'll be able to use your Facebook login to access Instagram if you choose. Any posts you share to both platforms after reconnecting will sync as they did before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disconnecting delete my Instagram account?
No. Disconnecting only breaks the link between your Facebook and Instagram logins. Your Instagram account, posts, followers, and messages all stay exactly where they are. You'll just need to use a different password to log in.
What if I disconnect and then forget my Instagram password?
Go to the Instagram login page and click Forgot password? Enter your username or email address, and Instagram will send you a reset link. Click the link in your email and create a new password.
Can I have Instagram without Facebook?
Yes. You can have an Instagram account that has never been connected to Facebook, or you can disconnect them if they're currently linked. Both accounts work independently.
If I disconnect, will my Instagram posts stop showing on Facebook?
Disconnecting stops future posts from automatically sharing to Facebook. Posts you already shared will stay on Facebook. If you want to share Instagram posts to Facebook after disconnecting, you'll need to do it manually each time.
Do I need to disconnect if I'm just closing my Facebook account?
You don't have to, but it's a good idea. Disconnecting first ensures your Instagram account won't be affected when Facebook closes. If you don't disconnect and then close Facebook, Instagram may become harder to access or manage.