Change your password from the Instagram app or website

Open Instagram and go to your profile. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or the gear icon on desktop), then select Settings and privacy. Choose Account center, then Password and security, then Password. Instagram will ask you to enter your current password, then type your new one twice to confirm it matches.

On a computer, the path is the same: profile menu → Settings and privacy → Account center → Password and security → Password. You'll see the same confirmation screen. Once you submit, Instagram logs you out of all other sessions automatically, so you'll need to sign back in on any other devices you use.

If you're using a phone or tablet, make sure you're on the latest version of the Instagram app. Older versions sometimes have bugs with the settings menu. You can check for updates in your device's app store.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your Instagram password through Settings and privacy → Account center → Password and security → Password on both mobile and desktop.
  • Instagram requires your current password before letting you set a new one, so you must remember it to make the change yourself.
  • Changing your password automatically logs you out everywhere, and you'll need to sign back in on each device.
  • A strong password uses at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols — avoid words from your bio or username.
  • If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen instead of the settings menu.

What makes a password strong enough for Instagram

Instagram doesn't enforce a specific password rule, but a strong password is at least 12 characters long and uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid passwords that contain your name, username, birth year, or any word someone could find on your profile or in your bio.

Don't reuse a password you've used on other accounts, especially not on email, banking, or work sites. If one service gets hacked, attackers will try that same password everywhere. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in password manager on your phone can generate and store unique passwords for each site.

When Instagram logs you out everywhere

The moment you change your password, Instagram ends every active session except the one you're currently using. This means if you were logged in on your phone, tablet, and computer, you'll stay logged in on whichever device you used to change the password, but you'll be signed out on the others.

This is a security feature — if someone else had access to your account on another device, changing your password locks them out. You'll need to sign back in with your username and new password on each device. If you see a device you don't recognize in your active sessions before you change your password, you can log out of just that device instead: go to Settings and privacy → Account center → Password and security → Where you're logged in, then tap the device and select Log out.

If you've forgotten your current password

You cannot change your password through the settings menu if you don't remember the current one. Instead, go to the Instagram login screen and tap Forgot password? below the login button. Enter your username or email address, and Instagram will send you a link to reset your password.

Check your email inbox and spam folder for the reset link. The link usually works for a few hours. Click it, create a new password, and you'll be logged back in. If you don't receive an email, make sure you're using the correct email address associated with your account, and wait a few minutes — sometimes the email takes time to arrive.

Changing your password on a shared or borrowed device

If you change your password on someone else's phone or computer, always log out completely when you're done. Don't just close the app — go to Settings and privacy → Account center → Password and security → Where you're logged in and tap Log out of all sessions. This removes your account from that device entirely.

If you forget to log out and realize it later, change your password again from your own device. That second password change will automatically log you out of the borrowed device. You can also check your active sessions anytime to see where you're signed in and remove any device you no longer use.

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer

Changing your password is one part of account security. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second step: when you or someone else tries to sign in from a new device, Instagram asks for a code from your phone in addition to the password. This means a stolen password alone isn't enough to break in.

To turn on 2FA, go to Settings and privacy → Account center → Password and security → Two-factor authentication. Choose whether you want codes sent by text message or generated by an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy. An authenticator app is more secure than text message because it doesn't rely on your phone number being secure, but text message is easier if you're just starting out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password if I think someone else has my account?

Yes, change it immediately from a device you trust. Then check your active sessions and log out of any device you don't recognize. If you can't access your account at all, use the "Forgot password?" link to reset it instead. Consider enabling two-factor authentication afterward so a stolen password can't be used alone.

Will changing my password affect my saved login information on my phone?

Your phone's password manager will still have your old password saved, but it won't work anymore. The next time you try to sign in, your phone will offer the saved password, it will fail, and you can manually enter your new password. Your phone will then ask if you want to update the saved password — say yes so it's correct next time.

Can I change my password without a phone number on file?

Yes. You don't need a phone number to change your password through the settings menu — you only need to remember your current password. A phone number becomes important if you forget your password and need to reset it, so adding one to your account is a good backup plan.

What if I change my password but still can't sign back in?

Wait a few minutes — sometimes the change takes a moment to sync across Instagram's servers. Make sure you're typing the new password correctly, including uppercase and lowercase letters. If it still doesn't work, try resetting your password again using the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen.