Where to find the password change option
Instagram's password change tool is in your account settings, not in a separate security menu. On a phone, open Instagram, tap your profile icon in the bottom right, then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines). Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Account center, then Password and security, then Password. On a computer, go to instagram.com, click your profile icon in the top right, click Settings, then click Password and security in the left sidebar.
The exact wording of these menu items changes occasionally as Instagram updates its interface, but the path is always: profile menu → settings → account or password settings. If you cannot find the option, search "change password" within the settings menu — Instagram includes a search function that will take you directly there.
Key Takeaways
- You need your current password to change to a new one; Instagram will ask you to enter it first as a security check.
- The password change takes effect immediately across all devices and sessions, so you will be logged out everywhere and must log back in.
- If you have forgotten your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen instead of trying to change it from settings.
- A strong new password should be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
What Instagram asks you to enter
When you reach the password change screen, Instagram will ask for three things in this order: your current password, your new password, and your new password again (to confirm you typed it correctly). You must enter your current password correctly — Instagram will not let you proceed without it, even if you own the account. This is a security measure to prevent someone who gains temporary access to your phone or computer from changing your password without your knowledge.
For your new password, Instagram requires a minimum of 8 characters. The platform does not enforce a maximum length, so you can make it longer if you want. Instagram does not require uppercase, numbers, or symbols, but using a mix of all four makes your account much harder to break into. Avoid using your username, real name, or any word that appears in a dictionary by itself — these are the first things someone trying to guess your password will try.
What happens after you save the new password
Once you confirm the new password, Instagram logs you out of every device where you were signed in. This includes your phone, tablet, computer, and any other place you use Instagram. You will see a message saying you have been logged out, and you will need to log back in using your username (or email address) and your new password. This logout happens immediately and cannot be undone or delayed.
If you have Instagram installed on multiple devices, you will need to log back in on each one separately. If you use Instagram on a web browser, you will also be logged out there. This is normal and intentional — it ensures that if someone else somehow had access to one of your sessions, that access is now gone.
If you cannot remember your current password
The password change screen requires your current password, so if you have forgotten it, you cannot use the settings menu to change it. Instead, go to instagram.com on any device and click Forgot password? below the login fields. Enter your username or the email address or phone number linked to your account. Instagram will send you a link to reset your password — check your email inbox and spam folder.
The reset link usually arrives within a few minutes. Click it, and you will be taken to a page where you can create a new password without entering the old one. After you set the new password, you will be logged out everywhere, just as with a regular password change. You will then log back in with your new password.
Keeping your new password secure
Once you have changed your password, do not share it with anyone — not friends, not family, not Instagram support staff. Instagram employees will never ask for your password. If someone claiming to be from Instagram asks for it, they are trying to steal your account. Write your password down only if you keep it in a locked physical location, or use a password manager (a piece of software that stores passwords securely) to keep track of it.
If you suspect someone else knows your password, change it immediately using the steps above. If you cannot log in because someone has already changed your password, use the "Forgot password?" option to reset it. If you cannot access the email or phone number linked to your account, you will need to contact Instagram through their help center to regain access.
Changing your password on a shared or public device
If you change your password on a phone or computer that other people use, log out of Instagram completely after you finish. Do not just close the app or browser — actually tap or click the logout option. This ensures that the next person to pick up the device cannot access your account. On a computer, also clear your browser's saved passwords for Instagram if the browser has been set to remember them.
If you have changed your password on a shared device and are worried someone may have seen it, change your password again from a device only you use. This will log out the shared device automatically, and anyone trying to use your account there will not be able to log back in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my password if I think my account was hacked?
Yes, change it immediately. If you cannot log in because the password has already been changed, use "Forgot password?" to reset it. After you regain access, check your email address and phone number in account settings — hackers often change these to lock you out. If they have been changed, change them back right away.
Will changing my password affect my followers or posts?
No. Changing your password does not delete anything, hide anything, or change any settings on your account. Your followers, posts, messages, and all other account data remain exactly as they were. The only thing that changes is that you and anyone else logged in will be logged out and must log back in.
How often should I change my password?
There is no set rule. Change it if you think someone knows it, if you used the same password on another website that was hacked, or if you have not changed it in over a year. You do not need to change it every month unless your account holds sensitive information or you work in a high-security field.
What if I change my password and then forget the new one?
Use the "Forgot password?" option on the login screen to reset it. You will receive a reset link at the email address or phone number linked to your account. This works even if you just changed your password minutes ago.