Change your password from Instagram's settings on any device

Open Instagram and go to your profile. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or the hamburger menu on desktop) and select Settings and privacy. Then tap Security and login, find Password, and tap Change password. Instagram will ask you to enter your current password, then type your new one twice. Hit Change password to confirm.

The whole process takes about two minutes. Instagram logs you out of all other devices once you confirm the change, which is actually useful — if someone else had your old password, they lose access when ready.

If you are on a computer instead of a phone, the steps are the same: profile menu, Settings and privacy, Security and login, Password, Change password. The layout is slightly different but the buttons are in the same places.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password from the Security and login section of your Instagram settings on any phone or computer.
  • Instagram requires your current password before letting you set a new one, so you must still remember it or be able to log in.
  • Changing your password logs you out everywhere, which removes access from anyone who had your old password.
  • A strong password uses at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols — avoid birthdays, names, or words from the dictionary.

What to do if you forgot your password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot use the change password button. Instead, go to the Instagram login page and tap Forgot password? Enter your username or email address. Instagram will send you a link to reset your password — check your email (including spam folders) for a message from noreply@instagram.com.

Click the link in that email and you will be taken to a page where you can set a completely new password. You do not need to know the old one. This reset link usually works for 24 hours, so if you do not see the email right away, check again in a few minutes.

Why you should change your password regularly

You do not need to change your password every month just because time passed. But you should change it if you used the same password on another website that got hacked, if you shared it with someone who no longer needs access, or if you think someone saw it over your shoulder or on your screen.

You should also change it if Instagram sends you a security alert saying someone tried to log in from an unfamiliar location or device. That alert means Instagram noticed the attempt and blocked it, but changing your password makes sure the person cannot try again with the old one.

How to make a password that is hard to guess

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or @. Avoid using your name, birthday, pet's name, or any word you can find in a dictionary — those are the first things someone will try.

One way to build a strong password is to think of a sentence you will remember, take the first letter of each word, and swap some letters for numbers or symbols. For example, "My dog ate three socks in July" becomes MdAt3siJ! — long, mixed, and hard to guess.

Do not use the same password for Instagram that you use for email, banking, or other important accounts. If one site gets hacked, a thief could try that password everywhere. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can store different strong passwords for each site so you only have to remember one master password.

What happens after you change your password

Instagram logs you out of every device where you were signed in. The next time you open Instagram on your phone or computer, you will see the login screen and need to enter your username and new password. This is normal and expected.

If you see a login screen on a device you do not recognize or do not use, that is a sign someone else had your old password. Change your password when ready and check your account security. Go to Settings and privacy, then Security and login, then Where you are logged in to see all active sessions and log out of any you do not recognize.

Changing your password on the Instagram app versus the website

The steps are identical whether you use the Instagram app on your phone or the website on a computer. The menu buttons look slightly different — the app uses three horizontal lines, the website uses a person icon — but they both lead to the same Settings and privacy section.

If you are more comfortable on a computer, you can change your password there and it will take effect on your phone when ready. You will just need to log back in with the new password the next time you open the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password if I think my account was hacked?

Yes, change it when ready. If you cannot log in because the password has been changed, use the Forgot password link to reset it. Then go to Settings and privacy, Security and login, and check "Where you are logged in" to see if anyone else is using your account. If you see unfamiliar devices, log them out.

Will changing my password delete my photos or messages?

No. Changing your password only changes how you log in. Your photos, messages, followers, and everything else on your account stays exactly the same. The only thing that changes is that you and anyone else logged in will be logged out and need to sign back in with the new password.

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

Use the Forgot password link on the login page, the same way you would if you forgot any password. Instagram will send you a reset link to your email. You do not need to know your current password to reset it.

Can I change my password on someone else's phone or computer?

Yes, as long as you can log into your account. Go through the same steps: Settings and privacy, Security and login, Password, Change password. When you confirm the change, Instagram logs you out everywhere, so the other person's device will be logged out too.

How often should I change my Instagram password?

You do not need to change it on a schedule. Change it when you think someone might know it, when you used it on another site that was hacked, or when Instagram alerts you to suspicious activity. Changing it regularly is less important than using a strong password that is hard to guess in the first place.