Change your password from Instagram's settings

Open Instagram on your phone or computer and go to your profile. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or your profile picture on desktop) and select Settings and privacy. Then choose Security and login, scroll down to Password, and tap or click it. Instagram will ask you to enter your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches.

Your new password takes effect when ready. You'll stay logged in on the device you're using, but Instagram will log you out on all other devices and apps within a few minutes. This is a safety feature — it means if someone else had access to your account elsewhere, they lose it when you change the password.

If you're on a computer, the steps are the same: go to your profile, click your profile picture in the top right, select Settings and privacy, then Security and login, then Password. Type your current password and your new one twice.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password anytime from Settings and privacy > Security and login > Password on any device where you're logged in.
  • Instagram will log you out everywhere except the device you're using to make the change, which protects you if someone else had access.
  • Make your new password at least 6 characters long and avoid using the same password you use for email or other accounts.
  • If you don't remember your current password, use the "Forgot password?" option on the login screen instead of going to settings.

What makes a strong Instagram password

A strong password is one that's hard for someone else to guess or crack. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or @. Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, or username — these are the first things someone will try if they're trying to break in.

The longer your password, the harder it is to crack. Eight characters is the minimum Instagram requires, but 12 or more is better. If you use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, you can create a long random password and let the manager remember it for you — you only have to remember one master password.

Never reuse the same password across multiple accounts. If one website gets hacked and your password leaks, someone could use that same password to get into your email, bank account, or other social media. A password manager solves this problem by storing different passwords for each site.

Change your password if you think someone has access

If you notice posts you didn't make, messages sent from your account, or login attempts from places you don't recognize, change your password right away. Go to Settings and privacy > Security and login > Password and create a new one that's completely different from any password you've used before.

After you change your password, check the Where you're logged in section in the same Security and login menu. This shows every device and app currently connected to your account. If you see a device you don't recognize, tap or click it and select Log out. This removes that device's access when ready.

If you can't log in at all because someone changed your password, you'll need to use the password recovery process instead. Go to the Instagram login screen, tap Forgot password?, enter your username or email, and follow the steps to reset it. This is different from changing a password you already know.

Set up two-factor authentication for extra protection

Changing your password is important, but a second layer of security is even better. Two-factor authentication means Instagram will ask for a code from your phone whenever someone tries to log in from a new device — even if they have the correct password.

To turn it on, go to Settings and privacy > Security and login > Two-factor authentication. Choose whether you want codes sent by text message or generated by an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. An authenticator app is more find because text messages can sometimes be intercepted, but either option is better than nothing.

Instagram will show you backup codes when you set up two-factor authentication. Write these down or save them somewhere safe — if you lose access to your phone, you can use a backup code to log back in. Without them, you could get locked out of your own account.

Update passwords on apps and devices that use Instagram

If you use Instagram on your phone through the official app, you don't need to do anything — the app will ask you to log in again the next time you open it, and you'll enter your new password there. The same is true for any other device or app connected to your Instagram account.

Some apps let you log in with your Instagram account instead of creating a separate username and password. If you use Instagram to log into other apps, those apps will also ask you to log in again after you change your password. This is normal and expected.

If you use Instagram on a computer at work or school, or on a shared device at home, make sure to log out completely after you're done. Go to Settings and privacy > How you use Instagram > Logins and out, then select Log out at the bottom. This removes your account from that device so the next person who uses it can't access your messages or posts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my Instagram password?

You don't need to change it on a schedule unless your account was hacked or you think someone knows it. If you reuse passwords across sites and one of those sites gets breached, change your Instagram password right away. Otherwise, change it whenever you feel like your account security might be at risk.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Instagram won't let you use a password you've used recently on that account. The system is designed to prevent you from cycling back to an old password that might have been compromised. If you're trying to use a password and it gets rejected, create a new one instead.

What if I change my password and then forget the new one?

Go to the Instagram login screen and tap Forgot password? Enter your username or email address, and Instagram will send you a link to reset it. You'll need access to the email address connected to your account to complete this process.

Will changing my password delete my photos or messages?

No. Changing your password only changes how you log in — it doesn't affect any of your photos, videos, messages, or followers. Everything stays exactly as it was.

Do I need to change my password if I just change my email address?

No, changing your email address doesn't require a password change. However, make sure your new email address is one you can access — Instagram uses it to send password reset links if you ever need them.