How to change an Instagram password: A step-by-step guide

Beware: Someone could hack your Instagram handle!

Yes, it’s all too possible. While we hope no one steals your personal information, note that cybercrime is a real and booming business. Luckily, you can help prevent strangers from accessing your Instagram account by frequently changing the password and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security.

Whatever the reason for resetting your password, complete this task in just a few steps. Here’s everything you need to know about how to change an Instagram password.

How to change your Instagram password

If you’re locked out or want to change your password for cybersafety’s sake, follow these steps.

On the Instagram app (iOS and Android)

If you remember your password and want to change it to keep your account safe, here’s how to do it.

1. Open the Instagram mobile app on your iPhone or Android device.
2. Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.
3. Select the three horizontal lines (the hamburger icon) in the top right corner of the screen.
4. From the pop-up menu, select Settings.
5. On the Settings page, tap Security.
6. On the Security page, tap Password.
7. Enter your current password and enter your new password twice to confirm it.
8. Tap Save (on iOS) or the checkmark (on Android).

On Desktop

Desktop Instagram users, here’s how to create a new password.

1. Open the Instagram website and log in to your account.
2. Click on the three horizontal lines (the hamburger icon) that read “More” in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click Change Password from the menu on the left side of the page.
5. Enter your current and new passwords.
6. Click Change Password to save your changes.

How to enable two-factor authentication

Don’t just leave the app or sit relaxed after only updating your password. Add a final seal on your account’s privacy by leveraging the app’s 2FA. Here’s how.

1. Click on your profile picture in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.
2. Tap on the hamburger icon again.
3. Select Settings.
4. Click Security.
5. Tap on Two-factor authentication
6. Tap on Get started.
7. Choose between WhatsApp, Text message and Authentication app to receive the login code. (Note: If you choose “Authentication app” and haven’t downloaded any yet, Instagram will suggest you options to download.)

What to do if you forget your Instagram password

Users with automatic logins or who take a break from Instagram for a while may forget their password when it’s time to log in manually. Learn how to reset your IG password if you find yourself in such a situation.

1. Open Instagram on your mobile device or in a web browser.
2. On the login screen, tap on Forgot Password?
3. Enter your username. If you don’t remember your username, enter your email address or phone number.
4. Click Log in with Facebook.
5. Tap on Next, and follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Instagram sends a link to your phone or email address for setting a password.

If you’ve tried the steps above and are still locked out, recover your password by asking Instagram for help. The app will ask why you’re unable to log in, and you can respond that you’ve forgotten your old password, been hacked or that Instagram sent a two-factor authentication code to a phone number or email address you can’t access. You can also cite other reasons, such as another person using your personal information to create an account or you have a deactivated profile.

FAQs

If you’ve hit a tech wall and are having trouble changing your account password, the answers to the following provide a few workarounds.

I requested a password reset email from my Instagram account but didn’t receive it. What can I do?

If you requested a password reset email and can’t find it, first rule out that it’s not in your spam folder. If the email isn’t there, you may have signed up with another email or mistyped the address when registering for the app. Instagram can’t reveal which email address you used to sign up or how you spelled it, but you can regain access to your account by resetting the password via Facebook. However, this option only works if you’ve previously linked these two social media accounts.

Instagram is asking me to send selfies to confirm my identity. Is this normal?

If you’ve asked Instagram for additional help logging in to your account, the team may ask for selfies to confirm you’re the person in your profile’s gallery pictures. They ask for selfies because ID images and other types of photographs can be manipulated to look like yours when they aren’t. Once you send the selfies, you’ll hear back from the app within two business days.

How can I recover my password if I can't access my email or cell phone?

If you’ve locked yourself out of an Instagram account and can’t access the email address or cell phone you used to sign up with, contact the app for assistance. But according to Instagram’s help page, there won’t be much they can do. If you no longer have reasonable access to your old phone or number, the best course of action is to try restoring your email account by reaching out to the hosting service. If you can’t access this email address even after contacting support, you’ll have to create a new Instagram account to enjoy the app. Remember, you can only change the email associated with your account if you can log in and know the address.

How do I find my Instagram password on my iPhone?

If you’re signed out from the app, forgotten your password and tried every possible way to regain access to your account, there’s another easy method to find your IG password. iPhone allows you to access every password in the Passwords menu, provided you saved the password on the app. Here’s how.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down to find the Passwords menu, and tap on it.
3. The phone asks for facial recognition. Note that you’ll have to enter your phone’s passcode after two failed face scan attempts.
4. Once you get through, look for “Instagram.”
5. Jot down your password and sign in to the app.

Sharpen your Instagram skills

Once you’ve logged back into your IG account, make the most of your time there. Become a pro at using this app by reading up on editing features that make posts and stories shine. Also, check out methods that help you increase user engagement.

Head to Linktree’s blog and learn how to add multiple links to your IG bio, make some extra cash on this app and take advantage of hacks such as seeing who’s liked your content. As you make it big on the ’gram, read up on how to get that coveted blue tick denoting a verified account.

And don’t forget to get your hands on the free Linktree URL that helps you manage all your social media accounts in one place!