Free Guide to Resetting Your Instagram Password

Understanding Instagram Password Reset Basics

An Instagram password reset is a process that lets you change or recover your account password if you've forgotten it or want to update it for security reasons. Instagram provides several ways to reset your password depending on your situation. Whether you can't remember your current password or simply want to choose a stronger one, Instagram's password reset system walks you through the steps needed to regain or update your account access.

Learn About Cash App Tap to Pay Features →

The password reset process works differently depending on how you access Instagram. If you use the Instagram mobile app on your phone, the reset steps differ slightly from using Instagram's website on a computer. Both methods ultimately accomplish the same goal: changing your password so you can log back into your account. Understanding which method applies to your situation helps you navigate the process more smoothly.

Instagram password resets are separate from two-factor authentication, which is an additional security layer. A password reset only changes your login password. Two-factor authentication requires a second verification step, like a code from your phone, when you log in. You can have both password protection and two-factor authentication active at the same time for stronger account security.

Password resets can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on how you're resetting and whether Instagram needs to verify your identity. If you're locked out of your account and can't remember your email address or phone number, the process may take longer because Instagram will ask you to provide additional information to confirm you own the account.

Practical takeaway: Before you start a password reset, gather information you might need, such as the email address or phone number associated with your Instagram account, so the process moves forward without delays.

Resetting Your Password When You're Logged In

If you're currently logged into Instagram and want to change your password, this is the straightforward path. You don't need to prove you own the account because Instagram already recognizes you as the account holder. This method takes only a few minutes and requires just your current password plus a new password of your choosing.

Learn About Costco Visa Card Account Login →

On the Instagram mobile app, open your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right. Then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select "Settings and privacy." From there, choose "Security and login," then "Password." Instagram will ask you to enter your current password to confirm your identity. After you type it correctly, you can create your new password. Your new password must be at least six characters long and should include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to make it stronger.

On Instagram's website, the steps are similar. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select "Settings." Then go to "Security and login" and find the "Password" section. Click "Change password" and follow the same process: enter your current password, then create and confirm your new password. Instagram will tell you whether your new password is strong or weak based on its length and character variety.

When creating a new password, Instagram shows you password strength feedback. A password with just letters is weak. A password that combines uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols is stronger. Examples of stronger passwords include "BlueMountain$42Tree" or "Coffee@Sunrise2024." Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, or common words that appear in dictionaries, as these are easier for others to guess.

After you change your password, you'll be logged out of Instagram on all your devices. You'll need to log back in using your new password. This logout happens as a security measure to make sure that if someone else was using your account without permission, they lose their access when you change the password.

Practical takeaway: Change your password every few months, especially if you use the same password on other accounts or if you've shared your login information with anyone in the past.

Resetting Your Password When Locked Out

If you can't remember your password and you're locked out of your Instagram account, Instagram provides a recovery process. When you try to log in but enter the wrong password multiple times, Instagram prevents further login attempts and offers a "Forgot password?" option. Clicking this link starts the account recovery process.

Learn About Gastric Balloon Clinical Trial Participation →

Instagram's password recovery works through the email address or phone number connected to your account. When you click "Forgot password?" on the login screen, Instagram asks you to enter your username, email address, or phone number associated with the account. Enter whichever information you remember. Instagram then sends a password reset link to your email or a code to your phone, depending on what recovery method is set up on your account.

If you receive a password reset link by email, open the message and click the link inside. This takes you to a page where you can create a new password. The email link typically works for a limited time, usually 30 minutes to a few hours. If the link expires, you can request a new one by going through the "Forgot password?" process again. If you receive a code by text or phone call instead, enter that code on Instagram's password reset page, then create your new password.

Sometimes Instagram asks additional questions during the password reset process to confirm you own the account. You might need to provide information like the date you created the account, recent usernames you've used, or details about your profile photo. Answer these questions as accurately as you remember them. If you can't remember these details, Instagram may ask for a photo of you or other identification to confirm ownership.

The timeline for recovering a locked-out account varies. If you have recovery email or phone set up, the process usually takes minutes. If Instagram needs to verify your identity through additional steps, it can take hours or even a few days. During this time, you won't have access to your account, so any messages or notifications will wait until you regain access.

Practical takeaway: Keep your recovery email and phone number current in your Instagram settings so that if you get locked out, you can regain entry quickly without needing additional verification.

Updating Your Recovery Information

Your recovery information is the email address or phone number Instagram uses to contact you if you need to reset your password. Having multiple recovery options increases your chances of regaining account access if one method becomes unavailable. You can update your recovery email and phone number at any time while you're logged in, which takes just a few minutes.

Learn How To Review Your Search History Online →

On the Instagram mobile app, go to your profile, tap the menu icon, select "Settings and privacy," then "Account information." From there, you can see and edit your registered email address and phone number. You can add a backup email address or phone number so you have more than one way to recover your account. Instagram will verify any new email or phone number you add by sending a confirmation code.

On the Instagram website, the process is similar. Go to Settings, then "Account," then "Email" or "Phone" depending on which you want to update. Enter your new email or phone number, and Instagram sends a confirmation code. Type the code you receive to verify that the email or phone number belongs to you. Once verified, that information becomes part of your account's recovery options.

You should also consider connecting other login methods to your Instagram account. Some people use Facebook to log into Instagram, or they use Google to verify their identity. These alternative login methods give you another way to access your account if you forget your password. Even if you don't use these methods regularly, having them set up provides a backup option in emergencies.

Review your recovery information every few months, especially if you've changed your phone number or email address. If an email address in your recovery information no longer works, update it to one you actively use. If you've changed phone numbers, remove the old number from your account and add your current one. Keeping this information current prevents situations where Instagram tries to send you a recovery code to a phone or email you no longer have access to.

Practical takeaway: Set up at least two recovery methods (such as email and phone number) so that if one becomes unavailable, you still have another way to recover your account.

Creating a Stronger Password for Long-Term Security

After you reset your password, choosing a truly strong one protects your account from unauthorized access. A strong password combines different types of characters and avoids predictable patterns. The longer your password, the harder it is for others to guess or break into your account through automated tools.

Learn About Verizon Phone and Internet Plans for Seniors →

Instagram requires passwords to be at least six characters long, but security experts recommend using at least 12 characters. A 12-character password that mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols is substantially harder to crack than a 6-character password. Examples