Change your Instagram password from the app or website in under a minute

Open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Go to the menu (three horizontal lines), then tap Settings and privacy. Select Account center, then Password and security, then Password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Tap Change password and you're done. On a computer, visit instagram.com, click your profile icon, select Settings, then Password and security, and follow the same steps.

Your new password takes effect immediately. You'll stay logged in on the device you used to change it, but you may need to log in again on other devices — Instagram will ask you to re-enter your credentials the next time you open the app there.

Key Takeaways

  • Change your password through Settings and privacy > Account center > Password and security > Password on both the app and website.
  • Instagram requires your current password before you can set a new one, so you need to remember it or use the "Forgot password" option first.
  • A strong password uses at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid words from the dictionary or personal information like birthdays.
  • You'll stay logged in on the device where you changed the password, but other devices will ask you to log in again within a few days.
  • If you can't remember your current password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login screen to reset it through your email or phone number.

What makes a password strong enough to protect your account

A strong Instagram password is long and random. Aim for at least 12 characters. Mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like !, @, #, or $. A password like Tr0pic@lSunset42! is stronger than Sunset2024 because it doesn't follow a predictable pattern and doesn't use words you'd find in a dictionary.

Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, pet's name, or any information someone could find on your Instagram profile or other social media. Don't reuse a password you've used for email, banking, or other accounts — if one service gets hacked, attackers will try that same password everywhere. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can generate and store strong passwords so you don't have to remember them.

When to change your password and why it matters

Change your password if you think someone else knows it, if you've used it on a website that was hacked, or if you shared it with someone who no longer needs access. You should also change it if you logged into Instagram on a public computer or borrowed device — even if you logged out, the device owner or someone with access to it might be able to recover your session.

Changing your password regularly (every few months) reduces the window of time a stolen password could be used against you. It's especially important if you use Instagram for business or have linked payment methods to your account. If you see a login from a place you don't recognize or a device you don't own, change your password immediately and check your login activity in Settings and privacy > Account center > Password and security > Where you're logged in.

How to log out of Instagram on other devices

After you change your password, you can force Instagram to log you out on devices you no longer use. Go to Settings and privacy > Account center > Password and security > Where you're logged in. You'll see a list of devices and browsers currently logged into your account, with their location and the date you last used them. Tap the device you want to log out of, then tap Log out.

This is useful if you sold a phone, let someone borrow a tablet, or used a public computer. Logging out remotely doesn't require you to physically access the device. If you see a login from a place you've never been or a device you don't recognize, log it out immediately and change your password.

If you forget your password or can't log in

If you can't remember your current password when you try to change it, go to the Instagram login screen and tap Forgot password? Enter your username, email address, or phone number. Instagram will send a password reset link to your email or a code to your phone. Click the link or enter the code, then create a new password.

If you don't have access to the email or phone number linked to your account, you can try to verify your identity using a photo ID. Go to instagram.com/accounts/password/reset and follow the prompts. This process can take several days. If you still can't regain access, you may need to contact Instagram through their help center, though response times vary.

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of protection

Changing your password is important, but a strong password alone doesn't stop someone who has stolen it. Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires a second piece of information — usually a code from your phone — before anyone can log in, even with the correct password. Go to Settings and privacy > Account center > Password and security > Two-factor authentication. Choose between a code from an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy, or a text message code sent to your phone.

An authenticator app is more secure than text messages because hackers can sometimes intercept SMS codes. If you use 2FA, Instagram will ask for the code every time you log in on a new device. Save your backup codes in a safe place — if you lose access to your authenticator app or phone, you'll need these codes to regain access to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password log me out everywhere?

You'll stay logged in on the device where you changed the password. Other devices will ask you to log in again within a few days, but not immediately. If you want to force a logout on a specific device right now, use the "Where you're logged in" section in Settings and privacy > Account center > Password and security.

Can I change my password if I don't remember the old one?

Yes. On the login screen, tap "Forgot password?" and Instagram will send a reset link to your email or a code to your phone number. You don't need to know your old password to create a new one this way.

What should I do if I think my account was hacked?

Change your password immediately, enable two-factor authentication, and check "Where you're logged in" to remove any devices you don't recognize. Review your recent activity and look for posts or messages you didn't make. If your email or phone number was changed, use the "Forgot password" option to regain control. Report the hack to Instagram through Settings and privacy > Help > Report a problem.

Is it safe to use the same password on multiple accounts?

No. If one website is hacked and your password is stolen, attackers will try that password on every other account. Use a different password for Instagram, email, banking, and other important accounts. A password manager can help you create and remember unique passwords for each service.

How often should I change my Instagram password?

Change it every few months as a routine precaution, or immediately if you think it's been compromised. You don't need to change it monthly unless your account has been hacked or you've used the password on a site that was breached.