You can log out other people's sessions from your phone or computer

Instagram lets you see every device logged into your account and remove access from any of them without needing their password. You can do this from your phone's Instagram app, from a web browser, or from the Instagram app on a computer. The person using that device will be logged out the next time Instagram checks their connection — usually within a few minutes.

This works whether someone is using your account on their own phone, a shared tablet, a computer at work, or anywhere else. You do not need to change your password, and you do not need access to their device.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Instagram settings, find "Sessions" or "Where You're Logged In", and tap the device you want to remove.
  • The person will be logged out within minutes, but they can log back in if they know your password.
  • Logging someone out does not change your password or prevent them from accessing your account later if they have your login information.
  • If you suspect someone has your password, change it immediately after logging them out.
  • You can see the location, device type, and last active time for each logged-in session.

How to remove a session on your phone

Open the Instagram app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right, then scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy. Tap Settings, then scroll down to find Sessions or Where You're Logged In — the exact name depends on your Instagram version.

You will see a list of devices with their location, device type (like "iPhone" or "Chrome on Windows"), and when they were last active. Tap the device you want to remove, then tap Log Out or Remove. Instagram will log that session out within a few minutes.

How to remove a session from a web browser

Go to Instagram.com and log in if you are not already. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Settings. On the left sidebar, click How You Use Instagram, then click Sessions or Where You're Logged In.

Find the device in the list and click the three dots next to it, then click Log Out. You can also click directly on a session to see more details before removing it. The logout takes effect within minutes.

What happens after you log someone out

The person will see a message saying they have been logged out, usually the next time the app tries to load a new feed or when they try to take an action. They will be returned to the login screen. If they know your password, they can log back in immediately.

Logging someone out does not change your password, turn on two-factor authentication, or prevent them from accessing your account again if they have your login information. If you are concerned that someone has your password without permission, change your password right after logging them out. Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Password and Security > Password and enter a new one.

How to tell which device is which

Instagram shows you the device type (iPhone, Android, Chrome, Safari, etc.), the approximate location based on IP address, and the last time that session was active. Use this information to identify which device belongs to whom. A session that was last active three months ago probably is not currently in use.

If you see a device you do not recognize and cannot identify, remove it. You can always log back in on your own devices if you accidentally remove one. If you see many unfamiliar sessions, especially from different locations, someone may have access to your password — change it immediately and consider turning on two-factor authentication.

Turning on two-factor authentication for extra security

Two-factor authentication adds a second step when someone tries to log in from a new device. Even if they have your password, they will need a code from your phone to complete the login. Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Password and Security > Two-Factor Authentication and turn it on.

Instagram will ask you to choose between receiving codes by text message or using an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. An authenticator app is more secure because text messages can be intercepted, but text message codes work if you do not have the app. You can set up both methods so you have a backup option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will they know I logged them out?

Yes. They will see a message saying they have been logged out, and they will be sent to the login screen. They will not see which device was removed or who removed it, but they will know something happened.

Can I log someone out without changing my password?

Yes. Logging out a session and changing your password are two separate actions. You can remove a device without changing your password, but if you suspect someone has your password, you should change it after logging them out.

What if I log out the wrong device?

You can log back in on that device using your password. There is no penalty for logging out a device by mistake. Just open Instagram and enter your login information again.

Does logging someone out delete their messages or photos?

No. Logging out only removes their access to your account. It does not affect any messages you sent them, photos they saved, or anything else. They can still see your public posts and any direct messages you sent them.

Can I log someone out if I forgot my password?

No. You need to be logged into your own account to access the sessions list. If you cannot log in, use the "Forgot Password" option on the login screen to reset it first.