How to change an instagram password without knowing it


How to Reset or Change Your Instagram Password

  • You can change your Instagram password from the Settings menu of the mobile app or website.
  • If you log into Instagram via Facebook, you'll need to update your password on Facebook.
  • You can reset your Instagram password from a link under the password field on the login screen.

Maintaining security for online sites and services — particularly social media accounts — takes diligence. If you still log into Instagram with a weak password, a password that is duplicated on other sites, or one that might have been compromised in a hack or data breach, it might be time for a change.

Thankfully, whether you want to change your Instagram password on your computer or mobile device, you can do it in just a few steps. 

Note: If you log into Instagram using Facebook, you need to change your password through Facebook's settings, not through Instagram.

How to change your Instagram password on the mobile app

The steps to change your password in the mobile app are essentially the same for both iOS and Android.

1. Open the Instagram app.

2. Tap your account icon in the lower-right corner to go to your profile page.

Quick tip: If you have multiple Instagram accounts and want to change the password for a different account, tap and hold the account icon at the bottom of the screen and choose the account you want from the pop-up window.

3. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right of the screen and tap Settings.

After tapping the three horizontal lines, select "Settings." Stefan Ionescu/Insider

4. Tap Security.

The password controls are on the "Security" page of the "Settings" menu. Stefan Ionescu/Insider

5. On the Security page, tap Password.

Select "Password" at the top. Stefan Ionescu/Insider

7. Enter your current password and then type the new password you want to use. When you're done, tap Save (if you're using iOS) or the checkmark (on Android).

How to change your Instagram password on the desktop site

1. Open the Instagram website.

2. Click the hamburger menu (the three-dot icon) in the bottom-left corner, and in the menu that appears, click Settings.

Click the account icon and then select "Settings" in the dropdown menu. Stefan Ionescu/Insider

3. In the left side menu, click Change Password.

Click "Change Password." Stefan Ionescu/Insider

4. On the right side, enter your current password and then type the new password you want to use. When you're done click Change Password.

How to reset your Instagram password if you've forgotten it

If you've lost or forgotten your password, you may need to reset it. You can do that from the login screen on the mobile app or in a browser on desktop.

On the Android app:

1. On your Android device, open Instagram so you can see the login screen. 

2. Under the username and password fields, tap Get help logging in.

3. Enter your email address, phone number, or username, and then tap Next.

4. You'll get a message with instructions on how to reset your password.

On the iOS app:

1. On your device, open Instagram so you see the login screen.

2. Under the username and password fields, tap Forgot password?

3. Choose which tab you want to use — Username or Phone — and enter the appropriate credentials associated with your account, then tap Next.

4. Follow the instructions in the message you receive to reset your password.

On the desktop site:

1. Go to the Instagram website in a browser and on the login screen, under the username and password fields, click Forgot password?

2. Enter your email address, phone number, or username and tap Send Login Link.

3. You'll get a message with instructions on how to reset your password.

Dave Johnson

Freelance Writer

Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.

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How to Change Instagram Password Without Old Password

With over a billion users, Instagram is one of the biggest social media platforms online. First launched in 2010, the photo-sharing service was purchased by Facebook in 2012. You can use the same details to log into both services, or keep your accounts separate. It all depends on how you want to manage your presence on various social media platforms.

But whether you’re an ordinary user or an Instagram influencer, losing your password is no fun. You won’t be able to log into your account from any new devices. Worse, you’ll eventually get logged out on your existing devices because of upgrades or glitches. You need to change your password immediately! Unfortunately, the standard password changing form requires you to enter your old password.

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So, how do you change your Instagram password without the old one? Here’s everything you need to know.

Reset Your Password From the Instagram App or Browser

If you’re like most people, you probably use Instagram’s phone app. Here’s how to reset your password on various apps, as well as a browser.

On Android:
  • Go to the login screen, and touch the “Get help logging in” link below the “Log In” button.
  • Enter your email, phone number, or Instagram username.
  • Hit “Next,” then follow the instructions.
  • Choose whether you want to receive an email link or a text link.
  • Click the link to reset your password.

Note: The process is the same if you’re using the Instagram Lite app.

On iOS:
  • Open the app, and select the “Forgot password” link above the “Log In” button.
  • Select “Username” or “Phone.”
  • Enter your email, phone number, or Instagram username, and proceed as you would with the Android app.
From your desktop or mobile browser:
  • Go to Instagram.com, and click the link that says “Forgot Password?”
  • Enter your email address, phone number, or Instagram username.
  • Select “Next,” and choose to receive a link via email or text.
  • Open the link and create your new password.
Or, Log in With Facebook

Since Facebook owns Instagram, they’ve made it even easier to log in. If you’ve linked your Facebook and Instagram accounts, you can log into Instagram with Facebook. Of course, this will only work if you’re able to log into Facebook. Assuming you can, here’s how to log into Instagram:

  • Open the Instagram app on your phone, or go to Instagram.com in your browser.
  • Select “Log in with Facebook,” and follow the prompts.

Once you’re logged in, it’s easy to reset your password. But if you’re trying to gain followers, you’ll want to post the best possible content now that you’ve regained access. For more help in that area, check out our guide to enabling high-quality Instagram uploads.

What if I Don’t Have Access to My Instagram Email Address?

Suppose you don’t have access to your email address? How are you going to recover your password? If you’re still logged into the app on one of your devices, you’ll be able to. If you’re locked out on your phone, check your tablet. Maybe you even have an old “emergency” phone lying around in a drawer. Assuming you’re able to find a device that’s logged in, here’s how to reset your password.

On Android:
  • Launch the Instagram app, and verify that you’re logged in.
  • Click on the profile icon, then select the menu icon in the top right corner.
  • Tap “Settings,” then “Privacy and Security.”
  • Choose “Password,” then click the link that says “to create a new one.”
  • If you’ve linked your Instagram account with Facebook, there will be an option to reset with Facebook. This is the easiest method, and all you have to do is follow the prompts. You’ll have your password reset in just a couple minutes. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.
  • Select “Get help signing in.” Since you don’t have access to email, enter your phone number. Then tap “Next.”
  • Wait for the confirmation text. It should arrive in under a minute.
  • Click the link in the text, and it will take you to a page where you can enter a new password. Type the password into the field, confirm it, and you’ll be good to go.
  • In some cases, you’ll receive a confirmation code instead of a text. Enter the code into the field in the app, and hit the “Next” button. Enter your new password twice on the next screen, tap “Next” once more, and you’re done.
On iOS:
  • Open the Instagram app, and select “Forgot password.”
  • If your account is linked with Facebook, you’ll have an option to use Facebook for recovery. We strongly recommend this option if it’s available. Otherwise, you’ll have to go on to the next step.
  • Click the link that says “password reset option.” Then enter your phone number in the corresponding field.
  • Instagram will send a confirmation code to your phone. Copy it to your clipboard, then return to the Instagram app and paste it.
  • Enter your password twice on the next page, then select “Reset Password.” That’s all there is to it.
Use Your Web Browser

Many people use Instagram in the browser on their PC or Mac. If you’re still logged in on your browser, you can change your password from there.

  • Open your browser and go to Instagram.com.
  • Click your account icon in the top right corner of the window, and choose the Profile link. Then select the gear icon where it says “Edit Profile.”
  • This will open up a popup window. Select the “Change Password” link at the top.
  • You’ll have to enter your current password to be able to change it. However, most browsers these days will automatically remember your passwords. Let your browser autofill your old password, and manually enter your new one.
  • Select “Change Password” to confirm your choice.

What if I Also Lost My Phone?

If you can’t access your email or phone, you’re going to have to find some way to log in. Hopefully, you’ve already linked your Instagram account with Facebook so you can log in that way.

Either that, or you may still be able to get into Instagram via a tablet, PC, or old phone. If you have no way of getting in whatsoever, you may be out of luck. Instagram does not provide any way to get your account back without a password, email address, or linked Facebook account.

Assuming you can find some way to get in, the next step will be to change your Instagram email address and phone number. After that, you’ll be able to reset your password as normal.

How to Change Your Instagram Email Address
  • Open the Instagram app or visit their website.
  • Navigate to your profile using the button at the top right. Then select “Edit Profile.”
  • Click on the email address field, and enter your new address. Then hit “Submit.”
  • You’ll get a confirmation email at your new address. Open it and click the link.

At this point, your email has been updated with Instagram. You can now use your new address to receive a password reset link.

How to Change Your Instagram Phone Number

Changing your phone number is just as important as updating your email address. In fact, it’s arguably more important, since you need SMS access in order to take advantage of two-factor authentication.

  • Click your profile picture in the top right, but don’t go to your profile. Instead, select the “Settings” option in the menu.
  • On the next screen, open the “Security” tab, then select “Two-Factor Authentication.”
  • Provided two-factor authentication is active, there should be an area next to where it says “Text message.” Click that area.
  • It should prompt you to enter a code. Instead, click the link below the “Next” button that says “Change phone number.”
  • Type in your new phone number, then hit the “Next” button.
  • You’ll receive an SMS with a six-digit security code. Copy and paste it into the app, then hit “Next” again.
  • You’ll see a screen of recovery codes you can use if you ever lose access to your phone. It’s a good idea to write these down or copy and paste them into a text file.
  • Hit the “Done” button when you’re finished.
  • Congratulations! You’ve successfully updated your Instagram phone number, and you’re ready to reset your password.

Can I Reset My Instagram Password With a Fake Email Address?

No. If the email address is fake, you’ll have no way of accessing the recovery link. You’ll need to use your phone number or Facebook account. This is why you should always use a real email address to create your Instagram account. If you’d rather not use your personal address, you can always create a secondary address.

What if I get a Password Reset Email, but I Didn’t Ask to Reset it?

If you receive a reset link you didn’t ask for, someone has tried to reset your password. Whether or not you want to change your password at this point is up to you. On the one hand, someone may be trying to get into your Instagram account.

On the other hand, they clearly don’t know your password or they wouldn’t have requested a reset. Besides which, it’s likely that someone just made a typo when entering their own email address. If you’re JSmith98 and they’re JSmith99, it’s an easy error to make!

Do I Need My Email or Password to Delete My Instagram Account?

Yes. You will need this information. If you’ve lost your password, follow the guide above to retrieve it. After that, you’ll be able to delete your account.

What Does “Instagram User” Mean?

If someone’s name shows up as “Instagram User” in your DMS, it could mean a couple of things. They may have blocked you, or their account may be deleted or temporarily deactivated. Read our guide if you want to find out what’s going on.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your Instagram password isn’t always easy. But by following the right steps, you can eventually regain access. And if you’ve linked your account with Facebook, it’s even easier. Even if you haven’t done that, you can use an email link or the app to solve your problem.

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How to change your password on Instagram if you don't remember the old one

Users of social networks regularly face password problems: passwords are forgotten, accounts are hacked, passwords are confused and the account is blocked, etc.

And Instagram is no exception. One of the methods for solving most of the problems that arise is to change the password. But how to change it if the old one is forgotten or lost?
Why can't I use the change password function?

In the profile editing settings, a password change button is available, which allows you to change the password for entering 9 without unnecessary manipulation0006 account . Its main feature is that it requires you to enter a valid password. If it is forgotten, it will not be possible to bypass the system in this form.

The function is inconvenient for forgetful users, but instead, it protects the account from unauthorized visits.

It is possible to solve the problem, but the path will not be the closest. The easiest way to change your password on Instagram if you don't remember the old one is to use the "Forgot your password?" button. You can find it on the application login form.

To use the "Forgot your password?" you will need to enter the email address or username that is registered with your Instagram account and linked to the mailbox. It is recommended to enter the mail in advance, as problems with a forgotten password may appear there as well. nine0003

Ask a friend/mother/brother/etc. You won't be able to log in to your email. You will not receive a confirmation code, but an active link, by clicking on which you will find yourself in a window with a special form to fill out. Alternatively, ask a friend / mother / brother, etc. go through password re-registration instead of you, but there is a high probability that the new password will be forgotten, entered incorrectly, etc.

No matter what you enter - username or mailbox, a notification will be sent to your email associated with your account. This allows you to create an additional layer of security and prevent account hacking. nine0003

The whole process consists of three main parts:

  • log out of the account;
  • use the "Forgot your password?" button;
  • go through the password reset procedure.

How to log out of your account

Find the "person" icon on the main page of your account. By definition, it is located in the upper right corner. Click on it.

You will be on the page for editing your profile. Find the wheel-gear on the page and click on it. The menu will open. nine0003

In the menu, ignore the "Change password" button, as the form will require you to enter the current password. You need an "Exit" button. By clicking it, you will be logged out of your account, which will allow you to use the original login form.

Login form

By clicking on the "Log out" button, you are on the start page with a login and registration form. Under the registration form, find the inscription "Login" and click on it.

Where can I find the "Forgot your password?" nine0048

After clicking the "Login" button, an empty form will open for filling in registered users. The phone or computer will automatically fill in the fields and you only need to click the “Login” button, but you cannot do this. Ignoring the auto-login, you must click on the inscription under the form "Forgot your password?".

Password Reset

After clicking the button, you will be taken to the password reset page. To reset your password, you will need to go through three mandatory steps:

  1. enter the username or email address to which the password reset confirmation code will be sent;
  2. go through the standard procedure for confirming that you are not a robot - select the requested elements from the puzzle picture. Tip - use the rounded arrow and select "road" signs. They are most clearly shown in the picture, which will help to avoid repeating the procedure due to the wrong choice;
  3. after the mail or mobile phone number is specified, and the program confirms that you are not a robot, the "Reset password" button will be highlighted. Click on it. nine0027

Advice! It is recommended to enter the e-mail that is linked to the account. Otherwise, a conflict may occur.

Immediately, at the bottom of the window, a system message will appear informing you that an email with a password reset link has been sent to the specified email address.

Your next task is to enter the mail and use the active link to go to the new password entry form.

Clicking the "Reset Password" button in the email will take you to the form. It contains only 2 fields and one button. nine0003

You must enter a new password in the fields: enter and confirm, and the button is needed to connect a new password to the account and reset the old one. When you enter a new password in the fields, click on the "Reset password" button

Done! The application returns you to the start page of your account as an already logged in user. The system automatically remembers the password change and prompts you to resave it. This can be considered a confirmation that the password has been changed.

Forgot your Instagram password: how to recover, reset or change your Instagram password on a computer or smartphone

You may want to change your Instagram password to improve its security and further protect your profile from being hacked. Another reason may be much more prosaic - you simply forgot your current password. To ensure maximum security, it is necessary to create a unique combination in which, along with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters should also be present, if possible. nine0003

Apple in Telegram and YouTube. Subscribe!

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How to reset (recover) your Instagram password if you forgot it

Periodically, a situation arises when a user cannot remember his password to the service at all. In this case, you can request a password reset (recovery). nine0003

1. On the instagram.com app or website, go to the login page.

This may require you to tap or click on the " Login " button (if using the web version of Instagram).

2. Click on " Forgot password ?".

App:

Desktop:

3. Enter your account name or phone number. nine0003

Mobile:

Desktop:

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How to change your Instagram password using the mobile app on iPhone or Android

1. Launch the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android device.

2. Click the account icon in the lower right corner to go to your profile page.

3. Click on the three horizontal lines (so-called hamburger menu) in the upper right corner of the screen, and then select " Settings ".

4. Click on " Security ".

5. On the next page, select " Password " to change it.

6. Enter your current password followed by the new one you plan to use. After completing these steps, click the " Save " button.

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How to change your Instagram password on a web page in a browser

1. Go to the Instagram page in a web browser at instagram.com.

2. Click the account icon in the upper right corner of the window to go to your profile page.


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