You cannot find your current Instagram password, but you can reset it
Instagram does not show you your password once it is set — that is by design, and it is actually a security feature. If you have forgotten your password, you will need to reset it through Instagram's account recovery process. The steps are the same whether you forgot it, think someone else knows it, or just want to change it to something new.
The reset process works the same way on phone or computer. Instagram will send you a link to your email address or phone number, you click that link, and you create a new password. The whole thing usually takes a few minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram stores your password in a way that even Instagram staff cannot see it, so there is no "find my password" option anywhere in the app.
- You reset your password by going to the login screen, tapping "Forgot password?", and following the link Instagram sends to your email or phone.
- You need access to the email address or phone number attached to your account — if you no longer have access to either, the recovery process is longer.
- If you are locked out and do not remember your password, you should reset it before trying other recovery steps.
- Once you reset your password, anyone else who knew the old one can no longer log in to your account.
How to reset your password on a phone or computer
Go to Instagram.com or open the Instagram app. On the login screen, you will see a link or button that says "Forgot password?" Tap or click it.
Instagram will ask you to enter your username, email address, or phone number — whichever one you remember. Type it in and tap "Next" or the arrow button. Instagram will then send a password reset link to the email address or phone number on file for that account.
Check your email inbox or text messages for a message from Instagram. The message will contain a link. Click or tap that link. It will take you to a page where you can type in a new password. Make sure your new password is something you have not used before and something only you know. Tap "Reset Password" or "Change Password" to confirm.
You should now be able to log in with your new password. If you do not see the reset email or text within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes the message ends up there by mistake.
What to do if you do not have access to your email or phone number
If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number attached to your Instagram account, the reset process takes longer. Instagram will ask you to verify your identity in other ways before letting you change your password.
When you tap "Forgot password?" and enter your username, Instagram may offer you options like uploading a photo of your ID, answering security questions you set up earlier, or confirming recent login locations. Follow the prompts Instagram shows you. The exact steps depend on what information Instagram has on file and what you set up when you created your account.
This process can take several days because Instagram reviews the information you provide to make sure you really own the account. Be as complete and accurate as possible with whatever information Instagram asks for.
Changing your password when you still know the old one
If you are already logged into Instagram and just want to change your password to something new, you do not need to use the "Forgot password?" option. Instead, go to your profile, tap the menu (three horizontal lines), and select "Settings and privacy." Then tap "Security and login" and choose "Password." Instagram will ask you to type your current password, then your new password twice.
This is the fastest way to change your password if you can still log in. It takes about one minute.
Why Instagram does not let you see your password
Your password is stored in a way that is scrambled beyond recognition — even Instagram's own staff cannot read it. This is called encryption, and it means that if someone breaks into Instagram's computer systems, they cannot steal your actual password. They would only get the scrambled version, which is useless to them.
This is why Instagram can only reset your password, not show it to you. If Instagram could show you your password, that would mean Instagram could read it, which would mean it is not actually encrypted. A company that can read your password is a company that is not protecting it very well.
What to do after you reset your password
Once you have set a new password, take a moment to check your account for anything unusual. Go to your profile, tap the menu, and select "Settings and privacy." Then tap "Security and login" and look at "Where you're logged in." This shows every device and location that is currently logged into your account.
If you see a device or location you do not recognize, tap it and select "Log out." This will sign out whoever was using that session. If you see many unfamiliar logins, someone may have had access to your account. In that case, also check your email address and phone number in your account settings to make sure they have not been changed.
Keeping your new password safe
Once you have reset your password, do not share it with anyone — not friends, not family, not even Instagram support staff. Instagram will never ask you for your password. If someone claiming to be from Instagram asks for it, they are lying.
Write your password down somewhere safe if you think you might forget it again — a locked notebook, a password manager app like Bitwarden or 1Password, or even a piece of paper in a drawer at home. Any of these is safer than reusing the same password across multiple accounts or writing it on a sticky note on your monitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset my Instagram password without a phone number or email?
No. You need access to at least one of them to reset your password. If you have lost access to both, Instagram's recovery process will take longer and may require you to upload an ID or answer security questions. Start with the "Forgot password?" option and follow whatever steps Instagram offers you.
How long does it take to get the password reset email?
Usually a few minutes. If you do not see it after 10 minutes, check your spam folder or the promotions tab in Gmail. If it still does not arrive, try using your phone number instead of your email, or vice versa — sometimes one works faster than the other.
What if I reset my password but still cannot log in?
Wait a few minutes and try again. Sometimes the new password takes a moment to set up across Instagram's servers. If you still cannot log in after 15 minutes, make sure you are typing the password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter. If you are still stuck, use the "Forgot password?" option again to reset it a second time.
Does resetting my password sign me out on all my devices?
Not automatically. You will stay logged in on devices where you were already signed in. If you want to sign out everywhere, go to "Settings and privacy," tap "Security and login," and select "Log out of all sessions." This will sign you out on every device at once.
Can someone reset my Instagram password if they know my email?
No. They would need access to your email account itself — they would have to be able to open your emails and click the reset link. If you are worried about this, make sure your email password is strong and different from your Instagram password. You can also turn on two-factor authentication in your Instagram settings for extra protection.