Change your password from Instagram's settings on your phone or computer

Open Instagram and go to your profile. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or the gear icon on desktop) and select Settings and privacy. Choose Password and security, then Password. Instagram will ask you to enter your current password, then type your new one twice to confirm it. Hit Change password and you're done — Instagram logs you out of all other sessions automatically.

On a computer, the steps are identical: profile menu, Settings and privacy, Password and security, Password. Type your old password, then your new one twice. The new password takes effect when ready across all your devices.

Your new password should be at least 6 characters, but Instagram recommends something longer and harder to guess — a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols works best. Avoid passwords you use elsewhere, especially on email or banking sites.

Key Takeaways

  • Change your password through Settings and privacy > Password and security > Password on any device where you're logged in.
  • Instagram requires your current password before letting you set a new one, so you must remember it or use the forgot password flow first.
  • Changing your password logs you out everywhere except the device you're using, so you'll need to log back in on your phone, tablet, or computer.
  • Use a password that is at least 8 characters long and includes uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols to make it harder to crack.

What happens after you change your password

Instagram when ready logs you out of every other device and browser where you were signed in. This is a security feature — if someone else had access to your account, changing your password locks them out. You'll need to log back in on each device you use, and Instagram will ask for your new password.

The device you changed the password on stays logged in without interruption. If you change it on your phone, your phone keeps working. If you change it on a computer, that computer stays logged in.

If you forgot your current password

You cannot change your password through Settings if you don't remember the old one. Instead, go to the Instagram login page and tap Forgot password? Enter your username, email, or phone number. Instagram sends a link to your email or a code to your phone — follow the link or enter the code, and you can set a brand new password without needing the old one.

This process works the same way whether you're on mobile or desktop. Make sure you have access to the email address or phone number tied to your account, or you won't be able to reset it.

Using a strong password you can actually remember

The best password is one you'll use consistently and won't write down. A common approach is to take a phrase you know well — a line from a song, a childhood address, a pet's name — and turn it into a password. For example, "My dog Biscuit ate 5 socks in 2019" becomes MdBa5s2019! — long, mixed case, with numbers and a symbol.

Avoid passwords based on your username, your real name, your birth date, or information someone could find on your profile or social media. Don't reuse the same password across multiple sites. If one site gets hacked, attackers will try that password on Instagram, email, and banking sites.

Changing your password on a shared device

If you're changing your password on a computer or phone that other people use, make sure you log out of Instagram completely when you're done. Go to Settings and privacy, scroll to the bottom, and tap Log out. This removes your account from that device entirely.

Do not use the "Remember password" or "Save password" options on shared devices. If you must log in on a shared computer, use a private or incognito browser window so the password isn't saved to the device.

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer

Changing your password is one protection, but two-factor authentication adds another. With it turned on, anyone trying to log in — even with the correct password — needs a code from your phone or an authentication app. This stops someone who steals your password from getting into your account.

To turn it on, go to Settings and privacy > Password and security > Two-factor authentication. Choose whether you want codes sent by text message or generated by an app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. Instagram recommends the app method because text messages can be intercepted, but either is better than nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my Instagram password?

Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you used it on a site that got hacked, or if you haven't changed it in over a year. You don't need to change it monthly unless your account handles sensitive business or you work in security.

Will changing my password delete my photos or messages?

No. Changing your password only affects who can log in. Your photos, messages, followers, and everything else on your account stays exactly the same.

Can I change my password without a phone number or email?

If you remember your current password, yes — you can change it through Settings on any logged-in device. If you forgot your password and don't have access to your email or phone number, you cannot reset it through Instagram's normal process.

What if I change my password and still can't log 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, with the right uppercase and lowercase letters. If you still can't log in, try the forgot password flow again.