Change your password from the Instagram app or website

Open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right (on mobile) or clicking your profile picture at the top right (on desktop). Tap or click the three horizontal lines (the menu), then select Settings and privacy. Choose Password and security, then tap or click Password. Instagram will ask you to enter your current password first — this confirms it's really you making the change. Type your current password, then enter your new password twice to confirm you typed it correctly.

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

If you can't remember your current password, don't try to guess it repeatedly. Instead, go back to the login screen, tap Forgot password?, and follow the recovery steps using your email or phone number. Once you've reset your password that way, you can then change it again using the steps above if you want a different one.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password through Settings and privacy > Password and security > Password on either the app or website.
  • Instagram requires your current password before letting you set a new one, so you must remember it to make the change yourself.
  • Changing your password logs you out everywhere except the device you're using, which protects you if someone else had access.
  • If you've forgotten your current password, use the Forgot password link on the login screen to reset it first.
  • Your new password takes effect within minutes, and Instagram will notify you by email when the change is complete.

What makes a strong Instagram password

A strong password is hard for someone else to guess, even if they know your name, birthday, or other public information about you. Use at least 12 characters mixing uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or @. Avoid passwords based on dictionary words, even with numbers added to the end — "Password123" is weak because it follows a predictable pattern.

Don't reuse a password from another account, especially not from email or banking. If one website gets hacked, attackers try that same password on Instagram and everywhere else. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can generate and store strong passwords so you only have to remember one master password.

Why Instagram logs you out everywhere when you change your password

When you change your password, Instagram ends all your active sessions on other devices and apps. This means if someone gained access to your account through a stolen password, a phishing link, or a compromised app, they lose that access the moment you change the password. You'll need to log back in on your phone, computer, or any app that uses Instagram.

This logout happens automatically within a few minutes — you don't have to do anything. It's one reason changing your password is the first step if you think your account has been compromised. The second step is to check which apps and websites have permission to access your Instagram account, which you can do in Settings and privacy > Apps and websites.

Changing your password if you use Instagram on multiple devices

Change your password on whichever device is easiest for you — the phone app, the website on a computer, or the Instagram app on a tablet. It doesn't matter which one you use; the change applies to your entire account when ready. After you change it, you'll stay logged in on that device, but you'll be logged out everywhere else.

Go through each of your other devices and log back in with your new password. This is also a good time to check whether you recognize all the devices listed. In Settings and privacy > Your activity > Where you're logged in, you can see every device that's currently signed into your account and log out of any you don't recognize.

What to do if you don't receive the confirmation email

Instagram sends a confirmation email to the address on your account whenever you change your password. Check your spam or junk folder first — sometimes email filters catch it by mistake. If it's not there, the email address on your account may be outdated or incorrect.

You can check and update your email address in Settings and privacy > Account center > Personal information > Email. If you need to change the email but can't log in, use the Forgot password option on the login screen and follow the recovery steps. Once you're back in, update your email address and then change your password again.

Recovering your account if you've been locked out

If you've changed your password and now can't log in, or if you're seeing an error message, go to the Instagram login page and tap Forgot password? Enter your username, email, or phone number. Instagram will send a link to your email (or a code to your phone if you added one). Click the link or enter the code, and you'll be able to set a new password.

If you don't have access to the email or phone number on your account, use the Need more help? option. Instagram will ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo of yourself holding a piece of paper with a code they provide. This process can take a few days, but it's how you regain access if you've lost your recovery methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Instagram password without knowing my current one?

No, Instagram requires your current password to change it through Settings. If you don't remember it, use the Forgot password link on the login screen to reset it first, then you can change it to something new.

Will changing my password affect my Instagram Direct Messages or saved posts?

No. Changing your password only affects how you log in. All your messages, photos, followers, and saved content stay exactly the same. The password change doesn't delete or modify anything on your account.

How often should I change my Instagram password?

Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you reused it from another account that was hacked, or if you haven't changed it in over a year. You don't need to change it monthly unless your account has been compromised.

What happens to my password if I deactivate my Instagram account?

If you deactivate your account, your password doesn't matter because no one can log in. If you reactivate within 30 days, your old password still works. After 30 days, the account is deleted permanently.

Can I use the same password for Instagram and Facebook if I linked them?

You can, but it's not recommended. If one account is hacked, the other is at risk too. Use different strong passwords for each account, even if they're linked together.