Change your password directly in Instagram settings on your phone or computer
To change your Instagram password, open the app or website, go to your profile settings, find the password or security section, 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. You do not need to log out first, and you will stay signed in after the change.
Instagram does not send you a confirmation email when you change your password — the change takes effect immediately. If you have been logged in on other devices, you will remain logged in there until you manually sign out or until Instagram's security system logs you out automatically.
Key Takeaways
- On your phone, tap your profile icon, then Settings and Privacy, then Password, then enter your current and new passwords.
- On a computer, click your profile picture in the top right, select Settings, choose Password, and follow the same entry steps.
- Your new password must be at least six characters and should not be the same as your current one.
- If you cannot remember your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen instead of going to settings.
Steps to change your password on iPhone or Android
Open Instagram and tap your profile icon at the bottom right of the screen. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner, then tap Settings and Privacy. Scroll down and tap Password. Enter your current password in the first field, then type your new password twice — once in the "New password" field and once in the "Confirm new password" field. Tap Change Password at the bottom.
Instagram will show a confirmation message that your password has been changed. You can close this message and return to your feed. Your new password is now active, and you will use it the next time you log in on a new device.
Steps to change your password on a computer or web browser
Go to Instagram.com and log in if you are not already signed in. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Settings from the dropdown menu. On the left side, click Password. Enter your current password in the first field, then enter your new password in the second field and confirm it in the third field. Click Change Password.
The page will refresh and show a message confirming the change. You are now done. If you were logged in on other browsers or devices, you will stay logged in there until you sign out manually or until Instagram logs you out for security reasons.
What to do if you forgot your current password
If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot change it through settings. Instead, go to the Instagram login page on any device and tap or click Forgot Password? below the login fields. Enter your username, email address, or phone number associated with your account. Instagram will send you a link to reset your password — check your email inbox and spam folder.
Click the link in the email and create a new password. You will then be able to log back in with your new password. This process is different from changing your password in settings because Instagram verifies your identity through your email before letting you create a new one.
Requirements for a strong new password
Instagram requires passwords to be at least six characters long. The platform does not have a rule about uppercase letters, numbers, or special characters, but using a mix of these makes your password harder to guess. Avoid using the same password you use for other accounts, and do not use information that is easy to find, like your birth date or username.
If Instagram rejects your new password and says it is too weak or too similar to your old one, try a password that is longer (ten or more characters) and includes numbers or symbols. You can also use a passphrase — several random words strung together — which is often both strong and easy to remember.
What happens after you change your password
Your new password takes effect immediately. If you are signed in on your phone, tablet, and computer, you will stay signed in on all of them. You do not have to log out and log back in unless you want to. The next time you try to log in on a new device or after clearing your browser cookies, you will need to use your new password.
Instagram does not log you out of other sessions automatically when you change your password, unlike some other platforms. If you want to sign out everywhere except your current device, go to Settings and Privacy, tap Sessions, and tap Log Out on the sessions you want to end. This is useful if you think someone else has access to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my password on every device I use?
No. You change your password once in Instagram settings, and it works on all devices where you are logged in. The next time you log in on a new device, use your new password. You do not have to go to settings on each phone or computer.
Will Instagram send me an email when I change my password?
Instagram does not send a confirmation email for password changes. The change happens silently in the background. If you receive an email about a password change you did not make, your account may have been compromised — change your password immediately and check your login activity in Settings.
What if I change my password and then forget the new one?
Use the Forgot Password link on the login screen. Instagram will send a reset link to your email address. You can create a new password without knowing your old one, as long as you have access to the email or phone number on your account.
Can I change my password if I am logged out?
No. You must be logged in to change your password through settings. If you are logged out, use the Forgot Password link instead. If you are locked out of your account, you may need to verify your identity through email or phone before you can reset it.
Does changing my password log me out of other apps that use Instagram login?
No. Changing your Instagram password does not affect apps or websites where you signed in using your Instagram account. Those apps will continue to work. If you want to disconnect Instagram from other apps, go to Settings and Privacy, tap Apps and Websites, and remove the ones you no longer use.