The fastest way to log out depends on what device you're using
On a phone or tablet, open Instagram, tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner, then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right. Scroll to the bottom and tap "Log out". On a computer, click your profile icon in the top right, then click "Log out" from the dropdown menu. Instagram will end your session when ready — you'll be returned to the login screen and your account will no longer be accessible from that device until you sign in again.
The steps are slightly different depending on whether you use the Instagram app or the website, but both methods take less than a minute. If you're using a shared device, logging out is the only way to prevent someone else from accessing your account through that device.
Key Takeaways
- On the Instagram app, tap your profile icon, then the menu icon, scroll down, and tap "Log out".
- On Instagram's website, click your profile icon in the top right and select "Log out" from the dropdown.
- Logging out ends your session on that specific device — you stay logged in on other devices unless you log out there too.
- If you forget to log out on a shared device, you can remotely end all sessions from any device by changing your password.
- Logging out is different from deactivating or deleting your account — it only signs you out, it does not remove your account.
Logging out on the Instagram app (iPhone or Android)
Open Instagram and tap the profile icon at the bottom right of the screen — it looks like a person's head and shoulders. This takes you to your profile page. In the top right corner, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other). A menu will appear with several options.
Scroll down to the bottom of this menu until you see "Log out". Tap it. Instagram will ask you to confirm — tap "Log out" again. You will be signed out when ready and returned to the login screen. Your account information will remain on Instagram's servers, but this device will no longer have access to your account until you sign in again.
Logging out on Instagram's website
Go to instagram.com in your web browser and make sure you are signed in. In the top right corner of the page, click your profile icon (a small circle with your profile picture). A dropdown menu will appear with several options, including "Log out" near the bottom. Click "Log out".
Your browser will be signed out of Instagram. If you close the browser tab without logging out first, you will still be signed in the next time you visit instagram.com on that computer — logging out is the only way to fully end the session.
What happens when you log out on one device
Logging out on your phone does not log you out on your computer, tablet, or any other device. Each device maintains its own separate session with Instagram. If you want to log out everywhere at once, you will need to either log out on each device individually, or change your Instagram password, which automatically ends all active sessions across all devices.
This is useful to know if you borrowed someone else's phone to check Instagram and forgot to log out — you do not need to go back to that phone to sign out. Instead, change your password from any device where you are signed in, and Instagram will end the session on the borrowed phone automatically.
Logging out versus other account actions
Logging out is not the same as deactivating your account or deleting it. When you log out, your account stays active on Instagram's servers. Your profile, photos, messages, and followers all remain exactly as they were. You are straightforward signing out of that particular device.
Deactivating your account temporarily hides your profile from other users and pauses your activity, but Instagram keeps your data and you can reactivate later. Deleting your account permanently removes your profile and all your content after 30 days. Logging out does none of these things — it only signs you out of the current device.
If you cannot find the log out button
On older versions of the Instagram app, the menu layout may be slightly different. If you cannot find the three-line menu icon, look for a gear icon (settings) or a menu icon that looks like three dots arranged vertically. Tap that and look for "Log out" or "Settings" — if you find "Settings", tap it and scroll down to find "Log out".
If you are using Instagram through a web browser on a computer and the dropdown menu does not appear when you click your profile icon, try refreshing the page. If the log out option still does not appear, you may be using an older or unsupported browser — try a different browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
Staying logged out on shared devices
If you use Instagram on a shared device like a family computer or a work tablet, logging out every time you finish is the best way to keep your account find. The person who uses the device next will not be able to see your messages, photos, or account information.
If you are worried you might forget to log out, you can also adjust your browser settings to clear cookies and login data automatically when you close the browser. On most browsers, this is found under Settings or Preferences, usually in a section called "Privacy" or "History". This will log you out automatically each time you close the browser, though you will have to sign in again the next time you visit Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will logging out delete my photos or messages?
No. Logging out only signs you out of that device. All your photos, messages, followers, and account information stay on Instagram's servers and remain exactly as they were. When you sign back in, everything will be there.
Can I log out of Instagram on someone else's phone?
No, you cannot log out of your account on someone else's phone unless you have their phone in your hands. If you used Instagram on a borrowed device and forgot to log out, change your Instagram password from any device where you are signed in. This will end the session on the borrowed phone automatically.
What is the difference between logging out and turning off notifications?
Logging out signs you out of Instagram completely — you will not receive any notifications and your account will not be accessible on that device. Turning off notifications keeps you signed in but stops Instagram from sending you alerts. You can still use Instagram normally; you just will not be notified of new messages or activity.
If I log out, will my followers be able to see my profile?
Yes. Logging out only affects your access on that device. Your profile remains public (or private, depending on your settings) and your followers can still see it, message you, and interact with your posts. Logging out does not hide your account from other users.
How do I log out if I forgot my password?
You can log out without knowing your password — just use the log out button in the menu. If you want to log out of all devices at once and you have forgotten your password, go to the Instagram login page, click "Forgot password?", and follow the steps to reset it. Resetting your password will end all active sessions automatically.