The basic steps to sign in
To log into Instagram, open the app on your phone or go to instagram.com on a web browser. On your phone, tap the profile icon at the bottom right, then tap "Log in". On a computer, click "Log in" at the bottom of the Instagram home page. Enter the email address, phone number, or username you used when you created your account, then enter your password and tap or click "Log in".
If you have two-factor authentication turned on — a security feature that requires a second verification step — Instagram will ask for a code after you enter your password. This code comes to your phone via text message or from an authentication app you set up when you enabled the feature. Enter that code to finish signing in.
Once you are signed in, you will see your feed, stories, and messages. Your account stays logged in on that device unless you manually log out or uninstall the app.
Key Takeaways
- You can log in using your email address, phone number, or username — whichever you registered with when you created your account.
- If you set up two-factor authentication, you will need to enter a security code sent to your phone after you enter your password.
- On a phone, tap the profile icon and select "Log in"; on a computer, click "Log in" on the Instagram home page.
- Your account stays logged in until you manually log out or delete the app from your device.
Logging in on a mobile phone
Open the Instagram app and tap the profile icon — it looks like a person — at the bottom right of the screen. Tap "Log in" at the bottom of the screen. Type in the email address, phone number, or username associated with your account. Type your password in the next field.
Tap "Log in" to proceed. If two-factor authentication is on, Instagram will send a six-digit code to your phone via text message or ask you to open an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. Enter that code in the box that appears. You will then be taken to your feed.
If you see a message saying your account was not found or your password is incorrect, double-check that you typed everything correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter. If you still cannot log in, use the "Forgot password?" link to reset your password.
Logging in on a computer or tablet
Go to instagram.com in your web browser. On the home page, you will see a login form on the right side of the screen. Type your email address, phone number, or username in the first field. Type your password in the second field and click "Log in".
If you have two-factor authentication enabled, a new screen will appear asking for a security code. Check your phone for a text message or open your authentication app and enter the code. Click "Confirm" or "Next" to complete the login.
On a tablet, the layout may look different depending on whether you are using the app or a web browser, but the steps are the same. If you are using the app on a tablet, follow the mobile phone instructions above.
What to do if you forgot your password
On the login screen, click or tap "Forgot password?" below the login button. Instagram will ask you to enter the email address, phone number, or username for your account. Enter whichever one you remember and tap or click "Next".
Instagram will send a password reset link to the email address associated with your account. Open that email and click the link inside it. You will be taken to a page where you can create a new password. Type a new password twice to confirm it, then click "Change password".
If you do not see the email in your inbox, check your spam or junk folder. If you still cannot find it, go back to the login page and try entering a different email address or phone number that might be linked to your account. If none of those work, you may need to contact Instagram through their help center.
Staying find when you log in
Never enter your Instagram password on a website that is not instagram.com or in the official Instagram app. Scammers sometimes create fake login pages that look like Instagram but steal your password when you enter it. Always check that the web address in your browser starts with "instagram.com" before you type your password.
If you use the same password for Instagram as you do for other accounts, change it now. If someone gets your Instagram password, they can access only Instagram. If you use that password everywhere, they can access your email, bank account, and other important accounts too. Each account should have its own unique password.
Turn on two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. Go to your profile, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), select "Settings and privacy", then "Security", then "Two-factor authentication". Choose whether you want codes sent by text message or through an authentication app, and follow the steps to set it up.
Logging out when you are done
On a phone, tap your profile icon at the bottom right, then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the top right. Scroll down and tap "Log out". A confirmation message will appear asking if you are sure. Tap "Log out" again to confirm.
On a computer, click your profile picture at the top right of the page. Click "Log out" from the menu that appears. You will be taken back to the Instagram home page.
If you are using a shared device like a library computer or a friend's phone, always log out when you are finished. This prevents someone else from accessing your account and seeing your messages, photos, and personal information.
Troubleshooting common login problems
If Instagram says "Please wait a few minutes before trying again", your account has been temporarily locked for security reasons. This usually happens after several failed login attempts. Wait 24 hours before trying to log in again, or use the "Forgot password?" option to reset your password when ready.
If you see "We could not process your request", you may have a weak internet connection. Check that you are connected to WiFi or mobile data, then try again. If the problem continues, close the app or browser completely and open it again.
If you are trying to log in but the page will not load at all, Instagram's servers may be down. Check the Instagram status page or search "Instagram down" online to see if other people are having the same problem. If the service is down, wait a few minutes and try again.
If you believe someone else has logged into your account without permission, change your password when ready using the "Forgot password?" option. Then go to your Settings, select "Security", and review your "Login activity" to see where your account has been accessed from. If you see logins from places you do not recognize, you can log out all other sessions from that page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I log into Instagram on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes. You can be logged in on your phone, tablet, and computer all at once. Instagram will not log you out of one device when you log in on another. However, if someone else logs into your account on a different device, you should change your password right away.
What happens if I forget my username?
You can log in using your email address or phone number instead of your username. If you do not remember either of those, go to the "Forgot password?" page and enter any email address or phone number you think might be connected to the account. Instagram will tell you if it finds an account.
Is it safe to save my password in my browser?
Only if you are the only person who uses that device. If you share your computer or phone with others, do not let your browser save your Instagram password. Anyone with access to the device could click the password field and see your password in plain text.
Why does Instagram keep logging me out?
Instagram automatically logs you out if you have not used the app for a long time, if you change your password, or if you turn on two-factor authentication. You may also be logged out if Instagram detects suspicious activity on your account. If this happens frequently, check your login activity in Settings to see if someone else is accessing your account.
Can I log in with my Facebook account?
Yes. On the login screen, look for a "Log in with Facebook" button. Tap or click it and enter your Facebook login information. Instagram will connect your Facebook account to your Instagram account. This is optional — you can always log in with your email, phone number, or username instead.