Where to find the password change option on Instagram

Instagram's password change tool is in your account settings, not in a separate security menu. On the mobile app, tap your profile icon in the bottom right, then tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Account center. From there, tap Password and security, then Change password.

On a computer, go to Instagram.com, click your profile icon in the top right, and select Settings. In the left sidebar, click Password and security. You'll see a Change password button. Instagram will ask you to log in again before you proceed, which is a security step to confirm it's really you.

If you're using a third-party app or tool that connects to Instagram, you cannot change your password through that app. You must use Instagram's official app or website. Third-party tools don't have access to your password settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Your current password is required before Instagram will let you create a new one, so have it ready.
  • The password change option lives in Settings and privacy > Account center > Password and security on mobile, or Settings > Password and security on desktop.
  • Your new password must be at least six characters long and cannot be the same as any password you've used on this account in the past year.
  • After you change your password, you will be logged out of all other devices and sessions, so you'll need to log in again on your phone, tablet, or computer.

What information you need before you start

Have your current Instagram password ready. Instagram requires you to enter it before you can set a new one. If you don't remember your current password, you'll need to reset it first using the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen. That process uses your email address or phone number to verify your identity.

You also need access to the email address or phone number linked to your Instagram account. Instagram doesn't require you to use it during the password change itself, but if something goes wrong or you get locked out, you'll need it to recover your account. If your email or phone number has changed since you created the account, update that information in Settings first.

The step-by-step process

Once you're in the Password and security section, Instagram will show you a field labeled Current password. Type in the password you use right now to log into Instagram. Then click or tap Next.

Instagram will then show you two fields: New password and Confirm new password. Type your new password in both fields. Your new password must be at least six characters long. Instagram does not require uppercase letters, numbers, or special characters, but using a mix of these makes your password harder to guess. Do not use a password you've used on this account before — Instagram keeps a record and will reject it.

After you enter your new password twice, tap or click Change password. Instagram will confirm the change and log you out of all active sessions. This means if you were logged in on your phone, tablet, and computer, you will be logged out of all three. You'll need to log in again using your new password.

What happens after you change your password

Instagram logs you out everywhere as a security measure. This protects you if someone else had access to your account on another device. When you log back in, use your username or email address and your new password. Instagram will not send you a confirmation email or text message about the password change — the logout itself is your confirmation that it worked.

If you use Instagram on multiple devices, you'll need to log in again on each one. The same applies if you use Instagram through a web browser and also through the mobile app. Each device and browser session is separate, so changing your password logs you out of all of them at once.

If you notice you're still logged in somewhere after changing your password, that's unusual and may mean someone else has your account information. Log out manually from that device and consider changing your password again or reviewing your account security settings.

If you can't remember your current password

Go to the Instagram login screen and tap or click Forgot password? below the login button. Instagram will ask you to enter your username, email address, or phone number. Enter whichever one you remember. Instagram will send a password reset link to your email or a code to your phone, depending on which method you choose.

Click the link in the email or enter the code on Instagram's website. You'll then be able to create a new password without knowing your old one. After you reset your password this way, you can log back in and change it again if you want to use a different password.

If you don't have access to the email address or phone number on your account, Instagram has a longer recovery process. You'll need to verify your identity using a photo of yourself holding your ID or a government-issued document. This can take several days.

Password security tips after you change it

Use a password that is different from the ones you use on other websites and apps. If someone figures out your Instagram password, you don't want them to be able to log into your email, bank account, or other important services. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane can store different passwords for each site so you don't have to remember them all.

Turn on two-factor authentication for extra security. In Settings and privacy > Account center > Password and security, you'll see an option for Two-factor authentication. This means that even if someone knows your password, they can't log in without a code from your phone. Instagram can send the code through an authenticator app, text message, or security key.

Review your active sessions regularly. In the same Password and security section, you can see where you're logged in — which devices, browsers, and locations. If you see a login you don't recognize, tap or click it and select Log out. This removes that session without affecting your other logins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password delete my photos or messages?

No. Changing your password only affects how you log in. Your photos, videos, messages, followers, and all other account content stay exactly as they are. The password change is purely a security measure.

Can I change my password on the Instagram app if I'm using a work account?

Yes, the process is the same. However, if your work account is managed by your employer through a business tool, your employer may have set rules about password changes. Check with your IT department or account administrator first, as they may require you to change passwords through a different system.

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

Use the "Forgot password?" option on the login screen to reset it. You'll receive a link or code at your email or phone number, 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 think someone else logged into my account?

Yes, change it immediately. Then review your active sessions and log out any that you don't recognize. Consider turning on two-factor authentication so that even if someone has your old password, they can't log in without a code from your phone.

Will Instagram tell me if someone tries to log in with the wrong password?

Instagram doesn't send notifications for failed login attempts, but it may lock your account temporarily if there are many failed attempts in a short time. If your account gets locked, you'll see a message on the login screen telling you to try again later or to reset your password.