Change your password from Instagram settings on any device

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

On a computer, the path is the same: click your profile picture in the top right, select Settings and privacy, then Account center, then Password and security, then Password. Enter your current password and your new password, then click Change password.

Instagram will log you out of all other sessions after you change your password. You will need to log back in on any device where you use Instagram — your phone, tablet, computer, or any other place you have saved your login.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password from your phone or computer by going to Settings and privacy, then Account center, then Password and security.
  • Instagram requires you to enter your current password before you can create a new one.
  • After you change your password, you will be logged out everywhere and must log back in on each device.
  • A strong password uses a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is at least 8 characters long.
  • If you cannot remember your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen instead of trying to change it from settings.

What makes a password strong enough to protect your account

A strong password is hard for someone else to guess and hard for a computer program to crack. Use at least 8 characters — longer is better. Mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like !, @, #, or $. Avoid words from the dictionary, your name, your birthday, or information someone could find on your profile.

Do not reuse a password you have used anywhere else. If that password leaks from another website, someone could use it to break into your Instagram account. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane can generate and store strong passwords for you, so you only have to remember one master password.

Why you should change your password regularly

Changing your password every few months limits the damage if someone has already stolen it without your knowledge. If a website you use gets hacked and your password leaks, you may not find out for weeks or months. A regular password change means that even if an old password is floating around online, it will not work anymore.

Change your password sooner if you have shared it with anyone, used it on a public or shared computer, or suspect someone has seen it. If you think your account has been broken into, change your password immediately and check your email address and phone number in your account settings to make sure they are still yours.

What to do if you forgot your current password

Go to the Instagram login screen and tap Forgot password? below the login button. Enter your username, email address, or phone number. Instagram will send you a link to reset your password — check the email address or phone number associated with your account. Click or tap the link in that message and create a new password.

If you do not receive the reset email, check your spam or junk folder. If it is not there, make sure you are using the correct email address or phone number. You can also try logging in with a different username or email if you have more than one associated with the account.

How to stay logged in on trusted devices

After you change your password and log back in, Instagram may ask if you want to save this device as trusted. Tapping Save info means you will not have to enter a code the next time you log in from that device. Only do this on devices you own and control — not on a shared computer, a friend's phone, or a public computer.

If you save a device as trusted and then lose that device or think someone else has access to it, go back to Settings and privacy, then Account center, then Password and security, then Where you are logged in. You can see all devices logged into your account and remove any you do not recognize.

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of protection

Two-factor authentication (often called 2FA) means that even if someone knows your password, they cannot log in without a second piece of information only you have. Instagram offers two main types: a code from an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator, or a code sent to your phone by text message.

To turn on two-factor authentication, go to Settings and privacy, then Account center, then Password and security, then Two-factor authentication. Choose either an authenticator app or text message, follow the steps to set it up, and save your backup codes in a safe place. If you lose access to your phone or authenticator app, those backup codes are the only way to get back into your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password delete my photos or messages?

No. Changing your password only changes how you log in. All your photos, videos, messages, and followers stay exactly as they are. The only thing that changes is that you will be logged out everywhere and need to log back in.

Can I change my password if I do not remember my email address?

If you cannot remember your email or phone number, you can still reset your password using your username. Go to the login screen, tap Forgot password?, and enter your username instead. Instagram will send the reset link to the email address on file.

What if I change my password but still cannot log in?

Wait a few minutes — sometimes Instagram takes time to update across all its servers. If you still cannot log in, try resetting your password again. If that does not work, you may have a different problem with your account, and you should contact Instagram through the help center in the app.

Do I need to change my password if I use the same one everywhere?

Yes, and you should change all of them. Using the same password on multiple websites means that if one website gets hacked, someone can use that password to break into all your other accounts. Change your Instagram password first, then change it on every other site where you use it.