Forgetting passwords happens to the best of us, and it can be quite frustrating, especially when we need to access our accounts urgently. One such account that many people use on a daily basis is Instagram. With its popularity, it is essential to know how to change your Instagram password when you have forgotten your old one. This blog post will guide you through the steps of changing your Instagram password, providing you with multiple methods to do so. By following these methods, you can regain control of your account and ensure the security of your personal information.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change Your Instagram Password:
Changing your Instagram password is an important step to protect your account from potential hacking, unauthorized access, or identity theft. With the increasing number of cyber threats and data breaches, it is crucial to take proactive measures to secure your personal information, including your social media accounts. By changing your Instagram password regularly, you can minimize the risk of your account being compromised.
Additionally, changing your Instagram password can help protect your privacy. If you suspect that someone else knows your password or if you have shared it with someone you no longer trust, changing it is necessary to maintain the privacy and security of your account. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your personal information.
Method 1. How to Change Instagram Password Via the App:
Before we dive into the steps, let’s first understand the process of changing your Instagram password using the mobile app. Follow the instructions below to change your password:
Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.
Step 2: Tap on your profile icon located at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Tap on the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) at the top-right corner of the screen.
Step 4: From the menu that appears, select "Settings" at the bottom.
Step 5: In the Settings menu, tap on "Security" or "Security and Login."
Step 6: Tap on "Password" or "Change Password."
Step 7: Enter your current password followed by your new desired password. Ensure that your new password is strong and unique.
Step 8: Once you have entered your new password, tap on "Save" or "Change Password" to confirm the changes.
Pros:
1. Easy and convenient process to change your Instagram password directly from the app.
2. Provides immediate control over your account’s security.
3. Can be done quickly on-the-go without the need for a computer.
Cons:
1. Requires you to remember your current password to proceed with the change.
2. Limited functionality compared to using a computer for advanced security settings.
Method 2. How to Change Instagram Password Via the Website:
If you prefer using a computer or if you are unable to access the Instagram app, you can change your Instagram password through the website. Follow the steps below to change your password using a web browser:
Step 1: Go to the Instagram website and log in to your account using your username and current password.
Step 2: Click on your profile icon located at the top-right corner of the screen.
Step 3: From the drop-down menu, click on "Settings."
Step 4: On the left-hand side, click on "Security."
Step 5: Under the "Login Security" section, click on "Change Password."
Step 6: Enter your current password and your new desired password. Make sure your new password is strong and secure.
Step 7: Click on "Save Changes" to confirm the password change.
Pros:
1. Provides additional options and settings for account security compared to the mobile app.
2. Allows you to change your password even if you don’t have access to your mobile device.
Cons:
1. Requires access to a computer and an internet connection.
2. May be less convenient for users who primarily use the Instagram app.
Method 3. How to Change Instagram Password If You Forgot Your Old Password:
If you have forgotten your Instagram password and cannot remember it to proceed with the password change, don’t worry! Instagram provides an option to reset your password. Follow the steps below to change your password when you have forgotten your old one:
Step 1: Open the Instagram app or go to the Instagram website and click on "Forgot Password?" or "Get help signing in."
Step 2: Enter the email address or phone number associated with your Instagram account.
Step 3: If you entered your email address, check your inbox for an email from Instagram with instructions to reset your password. If you entered your phone number, you will receive a text message with instructions.
Step 4: Follow the instructions in the email or text message to reset your password. This usually involves clicking on a link provided in the message.
Step 5: Once you have accessed the password reset page, enter your new desired password.
Step 6: Click on "Reset Password" or "Change Password" to confirm the changes.
Pros:
1. Allows you to change your password even if you cannot remember your old one.
2. Provides a straightforward process to regain access to your account.
Cons:
1. Requires access to the email address or phone number associated with your Instagram account.
2. May take some time to receive the password reset email or text message.
Method 4. How to Change Instagram Password If You Forgot Your Email or Phone Number:
What if you have not only forgotten your Instagram password but also no longer have access to the email address or phone number associated with your Instagram account? In such cases, you can try the following steps to recover your account:
Step 1: Open the Instagram app or go to the Instagram website and click on "Forgot Password?" or "Get help signing in."
Step 2: Tap on "Need more help?"
Step 3: Select "I don’t have access to this email address" or "I don’t have access to this phone number."
Step 4: Enter an email address or phone number that you currently have access to. This will be used for Instagram to contact you regarding your account recovery.
Step 5: Follow the instructions provided by Instagram to recover your account. This may involve answering security questions or providing additional information to verify your identity.
Pros:
1. Provides a potential solution in cases where you have forgotten your email address or phone number.
2. Gives you a chance to regain access to your account by going through the account recovery process.
Cons:
1. Success in recovering your account may not be guaranteed, depending on the information provided and the outcome of the verification process.
2. May take some time and effort to complete the account recovery process.
What to Do If You Can’t Change Your Instagram Password:
In rare cases, you may encounter difficulties or limitations when attempting to change your Instagram password. Here are a few things you can try as fixes:
1. Clear your browser cache and cookies: If you are using a web browser to change your password and experience issues, try clearing your browser cache and cookies. This can help resolve any temporary technical glitches.
2. Update the Instagram app: If you are using the mobile app and encounter difficulties, make sure you have the latest version of the Instagram app installed on your device. Updating the app may fix any bugs or issues.
3. Contact Instagram support: If none of the above methods work, reach out to the official Instagram support team for assistance. They can provide you with guidance and further instructions to resolve the issue.
Bonus Tips:
1. Use a unique and strong password: To enhance the security of your Instagram account, choose a password that is difficult to guess. A combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters is recommended.
2. Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account. Consider enabling this feature in your Instagram account settings to protect your account from unauthorized access.
3. Regularly update your password: Changing your password periodically is a good practice to maintain the security of your account. Aim to change your Instagram password every few months or whenever you suspect any potential security risks.
5 FAQs:
Q1: Can I change my Instagram password without logging in?
A: No, you need to log in to your Instagram account to change your password. If you have forgotten your password, you can follow the password recovery process outlined in Method 3 of this blog post.
Q2: How often should I change my Instagram password?
A: It is recommended to change your Instagram password every few months or whenever you suspect any potential security risks. Regularly updating your password helps enhance the security of your account.
Q3: What should I do if someone hacked my Instagram account?
A: If you suspect that your Instagram account has been hacked, take the following steps:
1. Change your password immediately.
2. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
3. Review your account settings for any suspicious activity.
4. Contact Instagram support to report the hacking incident.
Q4: Will changing my Instagram password log me out of other devices?
A: Yes, when you change your Instagram password, you will be logged out of all other devices that were previously signed in to your account. This is done to ensure the security of your account and prevent unauthorized access.
Q5: Why can’t I change my Instagram password after following the methods?
A: If you are unable to change your Instagram password using the provided methods, try the following:
1. Clear your browser cache and cookies.
2. Update the Instagram app on your mobile device.
3. Contact Instagram support for further assistance.
Final Thoughts:
Changing your Instagram password is an essential step to protect your account’s security and maintain your privacy. By following the methods mentioned in this blog post, you can easily change your Instagram password, even if you have forgotten your old one. Remember to choose a strong and unique password, enable two-factor authentication, and periodically update your password for optimal security. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy a safe and secure Instagram experience.