You cannot see your current Instagram password, but you can reset it in minutes

Instagram does not show you your password anywhere — not in settings, not in email, not anywhere. This is intentional and protects your account. What you can do instead is reset your password to something new, and you can do this from the login screen even if you cannot get into your account right now.

The fastest route is to use the email address or phone number connected to your account. If you still have access to either one, you can reset your password in under five minutes. If you have lost access to both, Instagram has a backup process that takes longer but still works.

Key Takeaways

  • You reset your Instagram password from the login screen by tapping "Forgot password?" and entering your email or phone number.
  • Instagram sends a reset link to your email or a code to your phone, and you use that to create a new password.
  • If you cannot access your email or phone number, you can request a code through Instagram's account recovery form, which takes one to three business days.
  • Keep your recovery email and phone number current in your Instagram settings so you can always get back in.
  • If someone else has changed your password and email, contact Instagram's support team with a photo ID to prove you own the account.

Reset your password using your email address

Go to Instagram.com and look for the login screen. Below the password field, tap or click "Forgot password?" You will see a box asking for your username, email, or phone number. Type in the email address you used when you created your Instagram account, or any email you added to your account later in settings.

Instagram will send a link to that email. Open your email inbox (check spam if you do not see it right away), click the link, and you will be taken to a page where you can type a new password. Make it something you have not used before and something you can remember. Once you save it, you can log in with your username and the new password.

Reset your password using your phone number

If you do not remember which email you used, or if that email no longer works, use your phone number instead. On the "Forgot password?" screen, enter the phone number connected to your account. Instagram will send a six-digit code to that phone as a text message.

Type that code into the box on Instagram, and you will be taken to a screen where you can create a new password. This works the same way as the email reset — once you save your new password, you can log in right away.

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

If the email address is no longer active or you no longer have the phone number, you will need to use Instagram's account recovery form. On the login screen, tap "Forgot password?" and enter your username. Instagram will show you a message saying it cannot send a reset link, with a button that says "Need more help?" Tap that button.

You will be taken to a form where Instagram asks you to confirm your identity. You may need to upload a photo of yourself holding a piece of paper with your username written on it, or a photo of your ID. Instagram uses this to make sure you actually own the account and not someone pretending to be you. This process usually takes one to three business days, and Instagram will email you when your account is ready to reset.

Check what email and phone number are on file right now

If you can still log into your account, go to Settings, then Account, then Email or Phone Number. You will see what contact information Instagram has for you. If any of it is wrong or outdated, update it now. This is the fastest way to make sure you can always get back in if you forget your password later.

If you see an email or phone number you do not recognize, someone else may have access to your account. Change your password when ready, then remove that contact information and add your own.

If someone else changed your password and email

If you cannot reset your password because the email address on your account is not yours, or because someone else changed it, you will need to contact Instagram directly. Go to Instagram's Help Center, find the "Hacked Accounts" section, and fill out the support form. You will need to provide a photo ID that shows your face and name.

Instagram will review your request and, if they confirm you own the account, they will lock it temporarily so the other person cannot use it. Then they will give you a way to reset your password and regain control. This can take several days, so be patient and check your email for updates from Instagram.

Make your new password strong and write it down safely

When you create your new password, use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, birthday, or anything someone could guess from your Instagram profile. A strong password is at least 12 characters long.

Write your new password down in a safe place — a notebook you keep at home, a password manager app like Bitwarden or 1Password, or a locked document on your computer. Do not email it to yourself or text it to anyone. Do not use the same password for Instagram that you use for your email, bank, or other important accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a password reset email from Instagram?

The email usually arrives within a few minutes. Check your spam or promotions folder if you do not see it in your inbox after five minutes. If it does not show up after 15 minutes, try using your phone number to reset instead, or use the account recovery form.

Can I reset my Instagram password on my phone?

Yes. Open the Instagram app, tap "Forgot password?" on the login screen, and follow the same steps. You can use your email, phone number, or the account recovery form just like you would on a computer.

What if I do not remember my username?

If you remember the email or phone number on your account, you can still reset your password without your username. On the "Forgot password?" screen, enter your email or phone number instead, and Instagram will find your account.

Do I need to know my old password to set a new one?

No. You only need access to your email or phone number. Instagram does not ask for your old password when you reset.

What if I reset my password but still cannot log in?

Make sure you are using your username or email address, not your display name. If you changed your password very recently, wait a few minutes for the change to sync across Instagram's servers. If you still cannot log in after 10 minutes, try resetting your password again.