Change your password from Instagram's settings menu

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 tap Security, then Password. Instagram will ask you to enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Hit Change password and you're done — the change takes effect when ready.

Your new password should be at least eight characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using words from the dictionary, your name, or anything someone who knows you could guess. If you use the same password on multiple sites, change those too — if one site gets hacked, hackers will try that password everywhere.

Instagram will not email you to confirm the change. If you see an email saying your password was changed and you did not do it, someone else has access to your account. Change your password again when ready and check your email address and phone number in your account settings to make sure they are still yours.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password from Settings and privacy > Security > Password on any device where you are logged in.
  • Instagram requires your current password before you can set a new one, so you must remember it or reset it first.
  • A strong password has at least eight characters and mixes uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
  • If you receive an email about a password change you did not make, someone else has your account and you should change your password again right away.

Reset your password if you cannot remember it

If you cannot log in because you forgot your password, tap Forgot password? on the login screen. Instagram will ask whether you want to reset by email or phone number. Choose whichever one is connected to your account, and Instagram will send you a link or code. Click the link or enter the code, then create a new password.

The reset link expires after a few hours. If it has expired, go back to the login screen and request a new one. If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number on your account, you will need to change them first — but you cannot do that without logging in. In that case, use Instagram's account recovery form to prove you own the account, and Instagram's support team will help you regain access.

Change your password on a computer instead of your phone

The steps are the same on desktop, but the menu looks different. Log in to Instagram.com, click your profile picture in the top right corner, and select Settings. Click Security in the left sidebar, then click Password. Enter your current password and your new password twice, then click Change password.

You can change your password on any device where you are logged in — phone, tablet, or computer. The change takes effect on all your devices at once, so you will stay logged in everywhere. If you want to log out of all other devices (for example, if you think someone else is using your account), go to Settings > Security > Where you're logged in and tap Log out of all sessions.

What to do after you change your password

After you change your password, check your login activity to see if anyone else has been using your account. Go to Settings > Security > Login activity. You will see a list of devices and locations where your account was logged in, with dates and times. If you see a device or location you do not recognize, tap it and select Log out.

If your account was hacked or you think someone else knows your password, also check your email address, phone number, and connected apps. Go to Settings > Account > Email and phone and Settings > Apps and websites to make sure nothing has changed. If someone added their own email address or phone number to your account, remove it. If they connected their own app or service, disconnect it.

Use a password manager to keep track of your new password

A password manager is a program that stores your passwords in an encrypted vault so you do not have to remember them. Popular options include Bitwarden, 1Password, Dashlane, and LastPass. You only have to remember one strong master password, and the manager fills in your Instagram password when you log in.

Password managers make it much easier to use a different strong password for every website. If one site gets hacked, hackers cannot use your password to break into your other accounts. Most password managers work on phones and computers, and many are free or cost a few dollars per month. If you decide to use one, store your new Instagram password there instead of writing it down or reusing it on other sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Instagram send me an email when I change my password?

No. Instagram does not send a confirmation email when you change your password yourself. If you receive an email saying your password was changed and you did not do it, someone else changed it. Log in with your new password right away and change it again to lock them out.

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

Use the Forgot password? link on the login screen to reset it. Instagram will send a reset link to your email or phone number. You do not need to remember your old password to set a new one.

Can I change my password on Instagram's website instead of the app?

Yes. The steps are the same on Instagram.com as they are in the app. Log in, go to Settings > Security > Password, enter your current password and new password, and click Change password.

Should I tell Instagram if I think someone else knows my password?

No, but you should change your password when ready and check your login activity and account settings. If someone has already changed your email address or phone number, use Instagram's account recovery form to regain control before they lock you out completely.