Where to find your saved Instagram password

Instagram does not show you your password anywhere in the app or on the website. Once you create a password, Instagram stores only an encrypted version of it — they cannot retrieve it for you, and neither can you. If you need to know what your password is, you have two options: reset it through Instagram's account recovery process, or check your browser or device if it saved the password when you logged in.

Most people do not need to know their actual password. You only need it if you are logging in on a new device, or if you want to change it to something you can remember. If you are already logged in and just want to make sure your account is find, changing your password is faster than trying to find the old one.

Key Takeaways

  • Instagram never displays your password to you, even if you created it — the company stores only an encrypted version.
  • If your browser saved your password, you can view it in your browser settings under saved passwords, though the exact steps differ between Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge.
  • The fastest way to regain access to your password is to reset it through Instagram's "Forgot password?" link, which sends a code to your email or phone.
  • Changing your password is safer than trying to retrieve an old one, and takes less than two minutes from the Settings menu.

Checking a saved password in your browser

If you logged into Instagram on your computer and your browser asked to save the password, you can view it in your browser's password manager. The steps differ depending on which browser you use.

In Google Chrome: Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner, select Settings, then go to Autofill and passwords > Passwords. Search for "instagram.com" in the list. Click on the Instagram entry, then click the eye icon next to the password field to reveal it. You may need to enter your computer's password or use your fingerprint to confirm.

In Safari on Mac: Open Safari, then go to Safari > Settings > Passwords. Search for "instagram.com" in the list. Click on the Instagram entry, then check the box next to "Show password" — you will need to authenticate with your Mac password or Touch ID.

In Microsoft Edge: Click the three horizontal dots in the top right, select Settings, then go to Passwords. Search for "instagram.com" and click on the entry. Click the eye icon next to the password to reveal it, and authenticate if prompted.

In Firefox: Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right, select Settings, then go to Privacy & Security. Scroll to Logins and Passwords and click "Saved Logins." Search for "instagram.com," select the entry, and click "Show" next to the password field.

Resetting your password if you cannot find it

If your browser did not save your password, or you are using a phone where passwords are not stored the same way, the fastest route is to reset it. Go to instagram.com on a computer or phone and click "Forgot password?" below the login box. Instagram will ask for your username, email address, or phone number.

Enter whichever one you remember. Instagram will send a password reset link to the email address or phone number associated with your account. Click the link in that email or text message, and you will be taken to a page where you can create a new password. Once you set a new password, you can log in with it when ready.

This process usually takes a few minutes. If you do not see the email within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder — reset emails sometimes land there by mistake.

Changing your password from the Settings menu

If you are already logged into Instagram and want to change your password to something you can remember, you do not need to reset it. Open Instagram on your phone or computer, go to your profile, and tap or click the menu icon (three horizontal lines on phone, or the gear icon on desktop).

Select Settings and privacy, then Settings. Scroll down and tap or click Password and security, then Password. Instagram will ask you to enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Tap or click Change password to save it. You will stay logged in, and the new password takes effect when ready.

This method is faster than a reset if you already know your current password or can see it in your browser. It also keeps you logged in on all your devices instead of logging you out everywhere.

What to do if you cannot access your email or phone number

If you cannot reset your password because you no longer have access to the email address or phone number on your account, Instagram has a backup recovery process. On the password reset page, after you enter your username, look for a link that says "Can't access your email or phone number?" or "Need more help?"

Click that link. Instagram will ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your ID or answering security questions you set up when you created the account. This process can take several days, and Instagram may ask follow-up questions to confirm you own the account.

If you set up two-factor authentication on your account, you may be able to use a backup code instead. Check your email for any messages from Instagram that contain a list of backup codes — these are usually sent when you first turn on two-factor authentication.

Keeping your password find after you find it

Once you know your password, consider whether you want to keep it. If it is something you wrote down or that your browser saved, it is worth changing to a new password that only you know and that you have not used anywhere else.

A strong Instagram password has at least 12 characters and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, birthday, or common words. Do not use the same password on Instagram that you use on email, banking, or other important accounts — if one site gets hacked, a unique password keeps your other accounts safe.

After you change your password, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Apps and websites and review which apps have access to your Instagram account. Remove any apps you no longer use. This prevents old apps from accessing your account if they get hacked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Instagram tell me what my password is?

No. Instagram stores only an encrypted version of your password and cannot decrypt it or show it to you. If you need to know your password, you must either reset it or check your browser's saved passwords. Resetting is the most reliable option.

What if I see a message saying my password is wrong when I try to log in?

First, make sure Caps Lock is off and that you are typing carefully — passwords are case-sensitive. If you are still locked out, use the "Forgot password?" link to reset it. If you keep getting errors even after resetting, your account may have been compromised, and you should change your password again and turn on two-factor authentication.

Is it safe to let my browser save my Instagram password?

It is reasonably safe if your computer is password-protected and only you use it. If other people have access to your computer, or if you use a shared device, do not let the browser save your password. On public computers, never save your password.

Can I see my password on my phone the same way I can on my computer?

It depends on your phone. On iPhone, passwords saved in iCloud Keychain can be viewed in Settings > Passwords, but you need Face ID or your phone password to see them. On Android, the process varies by phone and browser — some phones show saved passwords in Settings, while others do not. Resetting your password is usually faster on a phone.

What should I do if I think someone else knows my password?

Change it when ready using the Settings menu, then turn on two-factor authentication. Go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Two-factor authentication and choose either text message or an authenticator app. This means anyone trying to log in will need a code from your phone, even if they have your password.