Change your password from Instagram's settings menu

Open Instagram on your phone or computer and go to your profile. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or your profile picture on desktop) and select Settings and privacy. Choose Password and security, then tap Password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm it. Instagram will show you a confirmation message when the change is complete.

Your new password takes effect when ready across all devices. If you're signed in on your phone, tablet, or computer, you'll stay logged in — you don't have to sign back in everywhere. However, if someone else was using your account without permission, they'll be signed out automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password through Settings and privacy > Password and security > Password on any device where you're logged in.
  • Instagram requires your current password before letting you set a new one, so you must remember it to make the change yourself.
  • A strong password includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid birthdays, usernames, or words from the dictionary.
  • If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen instead of trying to change it from settings.

What makes a password strong enough for Instagram

Instagram doesn't enforce a minimum length, but a strong password should be at least 12 characters long. Mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like !, @, #, or $. Avoid using your username, real name, birthdate, or common words that appear in the dictionary.

A password like BlueMountain2024! is weak because it uses a recognizable phrase and the current year. A password like 7kR#mP2vLq9$Xt is stronger because it has no pattern a person could guess. Use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to generate and store a strong password — you only have to remember one master password instead of dozens.

Signing out of Instagram on other devices

If you change your password because you think someone else has access to your account, you can force them off by signing out of all active sessions. Go to Settings and privacy > Password and security > Where you're logged in. You'll see a list of devices and locations where Instagram is currently signed in under your account.

Tap the device you don't recognize and select Log out. That device will be signed out when ready, even if it's across the world. You can log out of all devices at once by selecting each one, or you can leave trusted devices (like your phone) logged in and only remove the suspicious ones.

What to do if you've forgotten your password

If you can't remember your current password, you can't change it from the settings menu — Instagram requires you to enter the old password first. Instead, go to the Instagram login screen and tap Forgot password? below the login button. Enter your username, email address, or phone number associated with your account.

Instagram will send a password reset link to your email or a code to your phone. Click the link or enter the code, then create a new password. This process works even if you're not currently signed in, and it's the fastest way to regain access if you've been locked out.

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of security

Changing your password is one part of account security, but two-factor authentication (2FA) makes it much harder for someone to break in even if they learn your password. Go to Settings and privacy > Password and security > Two-factor authentication. Instagram offers three methods: an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Authy, text message codes, or backup codes you save in a safe place.

An authentication app is the most find option because it doesn't rely on your phone number or email being compromised. Text message is easier to use but less find. Backup codes are a safety net — if you lose access to your phone or email, you can use a backup code to sign back in. Enable at least one method, and consider enabling two so you have a backup if one stops working.

Changing your password on Instagram's website versus the app

The steps are identical whether you use the Instagram app on your phone or the website on a computer. Open Instagram, go to your profile, find Settings and privacy, then Password and security, then Password. The menu names and button locations are the same on both platforms.

If you're having trouble finding the settings menu on the app, make sure you're on your own profile page (not someone else's). Tap your profile picture at the bottom right of the screen, then look for the three-line menu icon at the top. On the website, click your profile picture in the top right corner and scroll down to find Settings and privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my password if I change my email address?

No. Your password and email are separate. You can change your email address in Settings and privacy > Account > Email without touching your password. However, if someone gained access to your old email account, changing your password is a good idea because they could use the "Forgot password?" link to reset it.

Will changing my password log me out of Instagram on my phone?

No. You'll stay logged in on every device you're currently using. Only devices where someone else was signed in without your permission will be logged out. If you want to sign out of a specific device, use the "Where you're logged in" menu instead of changing your password.

What if Instagram won't let me change my password?

Instagram may block password changes if your account was recently hacked or if you're trying to change it too frequently. Wait a few hours and try again. If the problem continues, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen to reset it instead. If that doesn't work, contact Instagram through the app's help center.

Can I use the same password on Instagram as I use on other websites?

No. If one website gets hacked and your password is exposed, hackers will try that same password on Instagram, Facebook, Gmail, and everywhere else. Use a unique password for every important account. A password manager makes this straightforward by generating and remembering different passwords for each site.