Change your Instagram password through Settings on your phone or computer

Open Instagram and go to your profile. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right, then tap Settings and privacy. Select Password and security, then Password. Instagram will ask you to enter your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm it. Tap Change password to save the change.

On a computer, log into Instagram.com, click your profile picture in the top right, then click Settings. Go to Password and security on the left side, then click Password. Enter your current password and your new password twice, then click Change password.

Your new password takes effect immediately. You will stay logged in on the device you used to make the change, but you may need to log in again on other devices or apps. The change syncs across Instagram's servers within a few minutes, so if you are using Instagram on multiple phones or computers, plan for a brief window where some devices may still accept your old password before the system fully updates.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password from your phone through Settings and privacy, or from a computer through your account settings.
  • Instagram requires you to enter your current password before you can set a new one.
  • Your new password works right away, but other devices may log you out and ask you to sign in again.
  • If you forget your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen to reset it through your email or phone number.
  • A strong password includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid using your username or birthdate.

What makes a strong Instagram password

Use at least 8 characters and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like @, #, or !. Do not use your Instagram username, real name, or birthdate in your password. Avoid common words or patterns like "password123" or "qwerty".

If you reuse passwords across multiple accounts, change this one to be unique to Instagram. If your Instagram account is connected to your email or phone number for recovery, make sure you still have access to those — you will need them if you forget your password later. Test your recovery email or phone number by sending yourself a test message to confirm it still works before you need it in an emergency.

If you forgot your current password

Go to the Instagram login screen and tap Forgot password? Enter your username, email address, or phone number. Instagram will send you a link to reset your password through email or SMS, depending on what you entered.

Click the link in the email or text message and follow the steps to create a new password. You will then be able to log back in. If you do not receive the email or text, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes and try again. Instagram sometimes takes several minutes to send the reset link, so do not assume it failed immediately.

Logging out of other devices after you change your password

When you change your password, Instagram keeps you logged in on the device you used to make the change. Other phones, tablets, or computers may stay logged in for a short time, but you will eventually be logged out and asked to sign in again with your new password.

If you want to log out of all other devices immediately, go to Settings and privacy, then Password and security, then Where you're logged in. You will see a list of devices and browsers. Tap Log out next to any device you want to remove. This is useful if you think someone else has access to your account or if you are using a shared device and want to make sure no one else can access your account after you leave.

Two-factor authentication adds extra security

After you change your password, consider turning on two-factor authentication. This requires a second step when you log in — usually a code from an app or a text message. Go to Settings and privacy, then Password and security, then Two-factor authentication. Choose whether to use an authentication app or SMS text messages.

Two-factor authentication makes it much harder for someone else to access your account even if they know your password. You will need to enter the code each time you log in on a new device, so keep your phone or authentication app with you. If you lose access to your authentication app, Instagram provides backup codes that you can save in a safe place and use to log in if you cannot receive codes through your normal method.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my Instagram password?

Change your password if you think someone else knows it, if you reused it on another account that was hacked, or if you have not changed it in over a year. You do not need to change it more often than that unless you have a reason to suspect your account is at risk.

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 content stay exactly the same.

What if I cannot log in after changing my password?

Make sure you are typing your new password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. If you still cannot log in, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen to reset it again.

Can I change my password on the Instagram app and the website at the same time?

You only need to change it once. Whether you change it on your phone app or on Instagram.com, the new password works on both. You may need to log in again on whichever one you did not use to make the change.

What should I do if I think someone else changed my password?

Go to the Instagram login screen and tap "Forgot password?" to reset it using your email or phone number. If you cannot access your email or phone, contact Instagram through their help center. Change your email password and phone number security settings as well, since someone with access to those could lock you out of your Instagram account.