Steps to Change Your Password on Instagram

To change your Instagram password, open the Instagram app or go to Instagram.com and log in. Tap or click the profile icon in the bottom right corner (on mobile) or top right (on desktop), then select "Settings and privacy." From there, choose "Account center" and then "Password and security." Select "Change password," enter your current password, type your new password twice, and tap "Change password" to confirm.

The process takes about two minutes. Your new password takes effect immediately, and you'll stay logged in on that device. On other devices where you're signed in, you may be asked to log in again with your new password the next time you use the app or refresh the page.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password through Settings and privacy > Account center > Password and security on both the mobile app and desktop website.
  • Instagram will ask you to enter your current password before letting you create a new one, so you need to remember it.
  • Your new password takes effect right away, but other devices may require you to log in again.
  • If you've forgotten your current password, use the "Forgot password?" option on the login screen instead of going through Settings.
  • A strong password includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.

What Happens After You Change Your Password

Once you confirm your new password, Instagram logs you out of all other sessions except the device you're currently using. This means if you were logged in on your phone, tablet, and computer, you'll stay logged in on the device where you made the change. The next time you open Instagram on your other devices, you'll see a login screen and need to enter your new password.

This automatic logout is a security feature. It prevents someone else from accessing your account if they had logged in on a device you no longer control. If you see a device listed in your login activity that you don't recognize, changing your password is the right step to take.

Creating a Strong New Password

Instagram requires passwords to be at least six characters long, but a strong password should be longer and more complex. Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like @, #, or !. Avoid passwords based on your name, birthdate, or username, since these are easy to guess.

Do not reuse a password you've used on other accounts. If one website gets hacked, attackers will try that same password on Instagram, Facebook, Gmail, and other services. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone can generate and store unique passwords for each account.

If You Can't Remember Your Current Password

If you've forgotten your current password and can't log in, you cannot use the Settings menu to change it. Instead, go to Instagram.com or open the app and tap "Forgot password?" on the login screen. Enter your username, email address, or phone number associated with your account.

Instagram will send you a password reset link via email or SMS. Click the link and follow the steps to create a new password. This process does not require you to know your old password. Once you've reset it, you can log back in and use the Settings method described above for future changes.

Changing Your Password on Desktop vs. Mobile

The steps are nearly identical on desktop and mobile, but the layout differs slightly. On the Instagram app for iPhone or Android, tap your profile icon at the bottom right, then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and go to Settings and privacy. On a computer, click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Settings.

Both routes lead to the same Account center menu. The desktop version may load slightly faster if you have a slow phone, but the mobile app is usually more straightforward since you're already in the app. Choose whichever device is in front of you — the result is the same.

What to Do If You Think Your Account Was Hacked

If you suspect someone else has accessed your account without permission, change your password immediately using the steps above. Then review your login activity to see what devices are currently signed in. Go to Settings and privacy > Account center > Password and security > Where you're logged in to see a list of active sessions with device types and approximate locations.

If you see a device you don't recognize, tap it and select "Log out." You can also tap "Log out of all sessions except this one" to sign out everywhere at once and stay logged in only on your current device. After that, consider enabling two-factor authentication in Settings and privacy > Account center > Password and security > Two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone whenever someone tries to log in from a new device.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my Instagram password?

There's no set rule, but changing it every few months is reasonable if you use Instagram regularly. Change it immediately if you suspect someone has accessed your account, if you've used the same password on another account that was hacked, or if you've shared your password with someone you no longer trust.

Will changing my password delete my photos or messages?

No. Changing your password only affects how you log in. Your photos, messages, followers, and all other account data remain exactly as they were. The only thing that changes is that you'll need to use your new password the next time you log in on another device.

Can I change my password if I'm logged out?

No, you must be logged in to use the Settings menu to change your password. If you're logged out, use the "Forgot password?" option on the login screen instead. If you're logged in but can't find the password settings, make sure you're in the right menu — it's under Settings and privacy > Account center > Password and security.

What if Instagram won't let me change my password?

This usually means Instagram detected unusual activity on your account and temporarily locked it for security. Check your email for a message from Instagram explaining what happened. You may need to verify your identity by entering a code sent to your email or phone before you can change your password. Follow the instructions in that email to regain access.

Does changing my password affect my Instagram Business Account?

If your Business Account and personal account use the same login credentials, changing the password affects both. If they're separate accounts with different emails or phone numbers, you'll need to change the password for each one separately by logging into each account and following the steps above.