Change your password from the Instagram app or website
You can change your Instagram password directly in your account settings on your phone or computer. The process takes about two minutes and logs you out of all other devices once you save the new password, which is a security feature that forces you to sign back in everywhere.
Instagram does not send you to a separate page or require a verification code just to change your password — you only need access to the account itself. If you cannot remember your current password, you will need to use the "Forgot password?" option instead, which is a different process covered in the next section.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your password from the Instagram app by going to Settings, then Account, then Password, and entering your current password followed by your new one.
- On a computer, visit instagram.com, click your profile icon, select Settings, go to Password, and follow the same steps.
- Your new password must be at least six characters long and Instagram will suggest stronger options if you want them.
- Changing your password logs you out of Instagram on all other devices, so you will need to sign back in on your phone, tablet, or computer afterward.
- If you do not remember your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen instead of trying to change it from settings.
Steps to change your password on the Instagram app
Open Instagram and tap your profile icon at the bottom right of the screen. Then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings, then tap Account, then tap Password.
Instagram will ask you to enter your current password first. Type it in and tap Next. Then enter your new password twice — once in the "New password" field and once in the "Confirm new password" field. Instagram shows you a strength indicator as you type, so you can see whether your password is weak, fair, or strong. Tap Change password at the bottom to save it.
You will see a confirmation message that says your password has been changed. Instagram automatically logs you out of the app on all other devices at this point. If you use Instagram on your tablet or another phone, you will need to sign back in with your new password on those devices.
Steps to change your password on a computer
Go to instagram.com in your web browser and sign in if you are not already. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Settings from the dropdown menu. On the left side, click Password.
Instagram will ask you to enter your current password. Type it in and click Change password. Then enter your new password in the first field and type it again in the second field to confirm. Click Change password again to save the change.
Like the app, the website logs you out of Instagram everywhere once you change your password. You will need to sign back in on your phone and any other devices you use.
What to do if you forgot your current password
If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot change it from settings because Instagram requires you to enter the old one first. Instead, go to the Instagram login page and click Forgot password? below the login fields.
Enter your username, email address, or phone number — whichever one is connected to your account. Instagram will send you a link to reset your password. Check your email (or the email associated with your account) and click the link Instagram sends. You will be taken to a page where you can create a new password without entering the old one.
If you do not see the email in your inbox, check your spam or junk folder. Instagram sends the reset link from noreply@instagram.com, so you can search for that address if you have a lot of mail. The link expires after a few hours, so if it does not work, go back to the login page and request a new one.
Why Instagram logs you out when you change your password
When you change your password, Instagram automatically signs you out on every device except the one you used to make the change. This is a security measure designed to protect your account if someone else has been using it without your knowledge.
If you see a device or location in your login history that you do not recognize, changing your password is the right step to take. The logout forces anyone using your old password to sign back in, which stops unauthorized access immediately. You can also remove individual devices from your active sessions without changing your password — that option is in Settings under Login activity on the app or Sessions on the website.
How to create a strong password Instagram will accept
Instagram requires passwords to be at least six characters long, but that is the bare minimum. A stronger password uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! @ # $ % or &. Instagram shows you a strength meter as you type, so you can see whether your password is weak, fair, or strong before you save it.
Avoid using your username, real name, or birthdates in your password. Do not use a password you have used on other websites, because if one site gets hacked, someone could try that same password on your Instagram account. If you use the same password across multiple accounts, change it on those other sites too.
If you have trouble thinking of a strong password, Instagram offers suggestions when you tap or click in the password field. You can accept one of those suggestions or create your own. Write down your new password somewhere safe, like a password manager, so you do not forget it.
What happens after you change your password
You will stay signed in on the device where you made the change. On every other device — your phone, tablet, laptop, or any other computer — you will be signed out automatically. The next time you open Instagram on those devices, you will see the login screen.
Sign in with your username (or email or phone number) and your new password. Instagram will not ask you to verify your identity or confirm the change through email — just enter your credentials and you are back in. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you will also need to enter the code from your authentication app or the text message Instagram sends you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my password without knowing my current password?
No, the password change tool in settings requires your current password. If you forgot it, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page instead. Instagram will send you a reset link to your email, and you can create a new password without entering the old one.
Will changing my password affect my two-factor authentication?
No, your two-factor authentication settings stay the same. If you have it turned on, you will still need to enter a code when you sign back in on other devices after changing your password.
How long does it take for Instagram to log me out on other devices?
Instagram logs you out immediately on all other devices once you save your new password. You should see the login screen on your phone or other devices within seconds, though it may take a minute or two to appear depending on your internet connection.
What if I change my password and then realize I made a typo?
Try signing in with the password you entered. If it does not work, use "Forgot password?" on the login page to reset it. Instagram will send you a link, and you can create a new password that you are sure about.
Can I change my password on Instagram through a web browser on my phone?
Yes, you can go to instagram.com in any web browser on your phone and follow the same steps as on a computer. However, most people find it easier to use the Instagram app since it is designed for phones.