You cannot see your current Instagram password, but you can create a new one in seconds
Instagram does not show you your existing password for security reasons — the company stores only an encrypted version. If you remember your password and just want to confirm it works, log out and try signing back in. If you have forgotten it or suspect someone else knows it, you will need to reset it through Instagram's password recovery process, which takes about two minutes and requires access to the email address or phone number linked to your account.
The reset process is the same whether you are locked out of your account or straightforward want to change your password. Either way, you end up with a brand new password that only you know.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram never displays your password to you, even if you are the account owner, because the company stores only an encrypted version.
- To reset your password, go to the Instagram login page, tap "Forgot password?", and enter your username, email, or phone number.
- Instagram will send a password reset link to the email address or phone number on file, and you have 24 hours to use it.
- If you no longer have access to the email or phone number linked to your account, you will need to use Instagram's account recovery form to prove you own the account.
- Change your password when ready if you think someone else has accessed your account, and review your login activity in Settings to see where your account has been used.
How to reset your password on the Instagram website
Open Instagram.com in a web browser and look for the login screen. Below the password field, you will see a link that says "Forgot password?" Click it. Instagram will ask you to enter your username, the email address on your account, or the phone number on your account — any one of these will work.
After you enter that information, Instagram sends a password reset link to the email address or phone number associated with your account. Check your email inbox (or text messages if you used a phone number) for a message from Instagram. The link inside that message works for 24 hours. Click it, and Instagram will take you to a page where you can type a new password. Make sure your new password is something you have not used before and something only you know.
If you do not see the reset email within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes email filters catch it by mistake. If it is not there either, make sure you entered the correct email address or phone number on the password reset page.
How to reset your password on the Instagram app
Open the Instagram app on your phone and go to the login screen. Tap "Forgot password?" at the bottom. Enter your username, email address, or phone number. Instagram will send a reset link to the email or phone number on file.
Open your email or text messages and look for the reset link from Instagram. Tap the link, and it will open inside the app and take you to a page where you can create a new password. Type your new password and confirm it. You are now logged back in with your new password.
What to do if you cannot access the email or phone number on your account
If the email address or phone number linked to your Instagram account no longer works — because you lost access to that email, changed phone numbers, or the number was reassigned — you cannot use the standard password reset. Instead, go to Instagram.com/accounts/login/help and look for the option that says you cannot access your email or phone number. Instagram will ask you to fill out an account recovery form.
In this form, you will need to provide information that proves you own the account: your username, a photo of yourself holding a piece of paper with your username written on it, and the email address or phone number you want to use going forward. Instagram reviews these forms manually, which can take several days. Once they confirm you own the account, they will send a password reset link to the new email or phone number you provided.
How to change your password if you are already logged in
If you are already inside your Instagram account and straightforward want to change your password (rather than reset a forgotten one), go to Settings, then Account, then Password. Instagram will ask you to enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Make sure your new password is different from any password you have used before.
Changing your password while you are logged in is faster than using the reset process, but both methods result in the same thing: a new password that replaces the old one.
What to do if you think someone else has your password
If you suspect someone else knows your password or has accessed your account without permission, reset your password when ready using the steps above. Then go to Settings, then Security, then Logins. This page shows you every device and location where your account has been signed in recently. If you see a login you do not recognize, tap it and select "Log out" to sign out that session.
After you have logged out any suspicious sessions, review the email address and phone number on your account to make sure they are still yours. Go to Settings, then Account, then Email or Phone Number. If either one has been changed without your permission, change it back right away. If you cannot change it back or if you see other signs that your account has been compromised, use the account recovery form mentioned above to regain control.
How to create a strong password you will not forget
A strong Instagram password contains at least 12 characters and uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, username, birth date, or any word that appears in a dictionary. Do not reuse a password from another account, especially not from email or banking sites.
If you struggle to remember complex passwords, consider using a password manager — a tool that stores all your passwords in an encrypted vault and fills them in automatically when you log in. Popular password managers include Bitwarden (free), 1Password, and LastPass. A password manager means you only have to remember one strong master password, and it handles the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Instagram tell me what my old password was?
No. Instagram stores only an encrypted version of your password, not the actual password itself. Even Instagram employees cannot see your password. If you need to know what your password is, you will have to reset it and create a new one.
How long does the password reset link stay valid?
The password reset link that Instagram sends to your email or phone number works for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the link expires and you will need to request a new one by going through the password reset process again.
What if I reset my password but still cannot log in?
Make sure you are using the new password you just created, not an old one. If you are still locked out, wait a few minutes and try again — sometimes Instagram's servers need a moment to sync the change. If the problem continues, use the account recovery form to contact Instagram directly.
Will resetting my password log me out on all my devices?
Resetting your password does not automatically log you out everywhere. You will stay logged in on any device where you were already signed in. If you want to log out on all devices, go to Settings, then Security, then Logins, and select "Log out" next to each session you want to end.
Can I use the same password on Instagram and other accounts?
You should not. If one website gets hacked and your password is exposed, hackers will try that same password on your other accounts. Use a unique password for Instagram and for every other important account, especially email and banking.