You may have found this article in a heated frenzy, searching for answers. Pause and take a breath; we’re here to help! Changing your Instagram password is a straightforward series of steps you can take while logged in or locked out of your account. Whether you simply forgot or you suspect a hacking event, don’t panic! Here is how to reset your Instagram password and our recommendations for better password management in the future.
How often should you change your passwords?
Before we get into it, let’s discuss some basic best practices concerning changing passwords. For many years, cybersecurity experts believed that changing your passwords every 30-90 days was the best way to avoid hacking. However, they are now walking these claims back, citing a link between frequent password changes and weak passwords. Not everyone is fond of this advice. A more liberal touted routine suggests changing your password once a year, but similarly, this will only make your passwords weaker over time.
In most cases, it is only necessary to change your password if you’re alerted to a security breach, use duplicate passwords, or are required to for a different reason. Many think of Instagram as a precious vault holding hundreds of memories, a meticulously built following, perhaps your business, and direct access to your friends and family. Following widely accepted security practices is your best chance at avoiding mishaps, even if you are tempted to change your password regularly “for safe measure.”
How to change your Instagram password
Now that we know how often we should change our passwords, let’s dive into how to do so on Instagram. Follow the guides below for step-by-step instructions on how to change your Instagram password.
Changing your Instagram password: When you’re already logged in
In-app (iOS & Android)
- Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
- Tap the three lines in the top right corner and select Settings and Privacy.
- Tap Accounts Center under Your account at the top.
- Scroll down and tap Password and Security.
- Tap Change password under Login & recovery.
- Tap your account under Change password.
- Enter your current password and your new password, then retype your new password in the corresponding text box and tap Change password.
On desktop
- Select the three lines in the bottom left corner and select Settings.
- Select Accounts Center in the sidebar; you will be redirected.
- Select Password and security under Account settings.
- Select Change password under Login & recovery.
- Select your account under Change password.
- Enter your current password your new password, and retype your new password in the corresponding textboxes and tap Change password.
Changing your Instagram password: When you’re locked out
In-app (iOS & Android)
- From the login screen, tap Forgot password? under the login button.
- Enter your username and email/phone number, and tap Next.
- If you have previously linked the accounts, you can use your Facebook to log in; tap Log In with Facebook to reset your password.
- If not, tap Get help signing in.
- You will receive an email/phone number that prompts you to log in via a link or reset your password.
Desktop
- From the login screen, select Forgot password? under the Login button.
- Enter your username and email/phone number and select Send login link.
- You will receive an email/phone number that prompts you to log in via a link or reset your password.
Although you can access your Instagram account via the link sent to your email, we highly encourage you to change your password now. This ensures a smooth login process in the future and will log out any active sessions that may be unauthorized. For more information on regaining access to your account, or if you were hacked and still cannot access your account, visit help.instagram.com for guided steps.
Other ways to safeguard your passwords
Never use duplicate passwords. This makes you highly vulnerable to credential stuffing attacks, where hackers use purchased lists of passwords from one site to gain access to other sites that may have the same login credentials.
Use two-factor authentication. We recommend enabling 2FA on all of your accounts. It provides a simple, extra layer of security that could be the difference between being a victim and being safe. Here’s how to enable 2FA on Instagram:
In-app
- Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
- Tap the three lines in the top right corner and select Settings and Privacy.
- Tap Accounts Center under Your account at the top.
- Scroll down and tap Password and Security.
- Tap Two-factor authentication under Login & recovery and select your account.
- You will be prompted to choose a security method. Tap Next to set up your 2FA.
On desktop
- Select the three lines in the bottom left corner and select Settings.
- Select Accounts Center in the sidebar; you will be redirected.
- Select Password and security under Account settings.
- Select Two-factor authentication under Login & recovery and select your account.
- You will be prompted to choose a security method. Tap Next to set up your 2FA.
We highly recommend using an authentication app for 2FA, but Instagram allows you to use your phone number or WhatsApp.
Use a password manager. If you’re worried about remembering passwords designed to be complex, look no further. A good password manager allows you to store all your passwords in one place while accessing them with one master key.
Use a VPN. When connecting to public Wi-Fi or using Wi-Fi in your home that is not securely configured, you risk spectators getting ahold of your sensitive information. That’s why using a virtual private network is imperative to ensure you’re encrypting your traffic and blocking third parties from accessing your login information.