Change your Instagram password from your phone or computer

To change your Instagram password, open the Instagram app or website, go to your profile settings, find the password option, and enter your current password followed by your new one. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way on iPhone, Android, and desktop. Instagram will log you out of all other sessions once you confirm the change, so you'll need to log back in on any other devices you use.

You can change your password at any time, whether or not you remember your current one. If you've forgotten it, Instagram has a separate recovery process that sends a link to your email or phone number on file.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Instagram settings, tap or click "Password," and enter your current password before creating a new one.
  • Your new password must be at least six characters and different from your current one.
  • Changing your password logs you out everywhere, so you'll need to sign back in on other devices.
  • If you don't remember your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen instead of the settings menu.
  • Two-factor authentication adds a security layer but is separate from your password change.

Steps to change your password on the Instagram app

Open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right, then tap "Settings and privacy." Scroll down and tap "Password." Enter your current password in the first field, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. Tap "Change password" at the bottom.

Instagram will show a confirmation message and log you out of all active sessions. You'll see a list of devices where you were signed in — these will all be disconnected. Sign back in on any device where you want to use Instagram.

Steps to change your password on Instagram.com

Go to Instagram.com and sign in if you're not already logged in. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select "Settings" from the dropdown menu. Click "Password" in the left sidebar. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Click "Change password."

The same logout happens on desktop: you'll be signed out everywhere and will need to sign back in. If you use Instagram on multiple browsers, you'll need to log in again on each one.

What to do if you don't remember your current password

If you can't remember your password, don't try to change it through settings. Instead, go to the Instagram login screen and tap or click "Forgot password?" Enter your username, email address, or phone number. Instagram will send a link to your email or a code to your phone number on file. Follow that link or enter the code, and you'll be able to create a new password without needing the old one.

This recovery process works whether you're on the app or website. Make sure the email address or phone number you enter matches what's connected to your account — if it doesn't, the recovery link won't reach you.

How to create a strong new password

Instagram requires passwords to be at least six characters long, but longer passwords are harder to guess. A strong password includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using words from the dictionary, your name, your username, or information that's public on your profile.

Don't reuse a password you've used before on Instagram or on other accounts. If someone gains access to one account, they can try the same password on your other accounts. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone can generate and store strong passwords for you.

Why you might need to change your password

Change your password if you think someone else knows it, if you've used it on another site that was hacked, or if you haven't changed it in over a year. You should also change it if you've shared your login with someone and no longer want them to have access, or if you're selling or giving away a device that was signed into Instagram.

Changing your password is different from logging out. Logging out signs you out of one device, but the password stays the same. Changing the password logs you out everywhere and makes the old password useless, so anyone who had it can no longer sign in.

What happens after you change your password

Instagram immediately logs you out of every device and browser where you were signed in. You'll see a notification that your password was changed. On each device, you'll need to open Instagram and sign in again with your new password. This usually takes a few seconds.

If you see a device in the logout list that you don't recognize, it means someone else was signed into your account. Change your password immediately if this happens, and consider turning on two-factor authentication for extra security. Two-factor authentication requires a code from your phone in addition to your password, making it much harder for someone to break in even if they know your password.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, not through the settings menu. You must use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen, which sends a recovery link to your email or phone. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from changing your password if they gain temporary access to your phone.

Will changing my password affect my saved login information?

Yes. If you've saved your Instagram password in your phone's password manager or browser, you'll need to update it after you change your password. Otherwise, the saved password won't work and you'll get an error when trying to sign in.

How long does it take for the password change to take effect?

The change is immediate. You're logged out right away, and you can sign back in with your new password within seconds. There's no waiting period.

What if I change my password and then forget the new one?

Use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen again. Instagram will send a recovery link to your email or phone, and you can create another new password. You can change your password as many times as you need to.

Do I need to change my password if I turn on two-factor authentication?

No. Two-factor authentication and password changes are separate security steps. You can turn on two-factor authentication without changing your password, though doing both makes your account more secure.