Alex Ruben
How To Reset Your Instagram Password When You’ve Forgotten It (iPhone & Android)
If you’ve ever forgotten your Instagram password, you know how irritating it can be trying to get back in. Thankfully, the whole process is pretty straightforward, but I’ll admit, it can get a little confusing if you’re not sure where to look. This guide is designed to cover both iPhone and Android setups, and walks through how to recover your account using your email, phone number, or even your Linked Facebook account. After doing this, you should have a fresh password and access restored. Here’s what worked for me and some tips to avoid most hiccups!
How to Fix Instagram Password Reset and Change Issues
Using the Password Reset from the Login Screen
Okay, so this one is when you’re actually at the login page, but your mind’s blank about the password. If your account isn’t signed in yet, this is the way to go. It’s the most common route and usually what you end up doing first. The key is to use the “Forgot Password?” link below the login fields. Applying this often helps when your login info just isn’t working anymore or you’ve changed emails/phone details.
- Open the Instagram app. (Yes, even on Android or iPhone, the process is similar.)
- Tap your username or whatever’s in the username field to start typing.
- Locate and tap on Forgot Password? — it’s right there below the login form.
- If your account’s linked to Facebook, you can just tap on Log in with Facebook. Otherwise, tap Next (or “Send Login Link” depending on your version).
- Choose whether to get the reset link via email or SMS. Usually, this is where most people stumble, so make sure your recovery info is up-to-date! After picking, press Send Login Link.
- Keep an eye on your email inbox or phone messages for the verification code or reset link. Sometimes it’s in spam or junk folders—don’t forget to check there.
How the Verification Code Helps You Reset the Password
Once that email or SMS shows up, you’re halfway there. The process can feel a bit sneaky, like why does it require a code when I just want a new password? But it’s security stuff. Anyway, follow these steps:
- Open the email or message containing the code or link. If it’s a link, just tap on it.
- If it’s a code, you’ll need to enter it inside the app’s prompt.
- You’ll land on a page to set a new password—don’t make it obvious but not impossible to remember either. Something like a mix of words and numbers?
- Type your new password twice and confirm. Usually, that’s it. Expect the app or website to tell you your password has been reset successfully.
Already Signed in? Here’s How to Change Your Password
This applies if you’re already logged into Instagram—yeah, one of those lucky days. Changing it from inside means fewer hoops, but bugging out can happen if your account is acting weird or if you forgotten your current password. It’s worth double-checking your settings in Account Center, which is tucked away a bit.
- Open your profile (just tap the profile icon on the bottom right).
- Hit the menu icon in the top right (three lines or gear, depending on your app version).
- Go to Settings > Security > Password.
- Enter your current password — if you’ve forgotten it, this method might not work and you’ll need to rely on the reset above.
- Put in a new password, confirm it, then save.
Yep, it’s that simple if you’re already in. Just make sure your current password is correct, or you’ll get an error. Sometimes, this can send you in circles if your session is expired or something weird like that.
Extra Tips & Troubleshooting Hacks
Okay, some stuff I found helps avoid frustrations:
- If you don’t see the email or SMS, verify your linked email or phone number was actually correct in your account info — it’s in Settings > Account > Personal Information.
- Don’t reuse passwords from other sites. Keeps things safer, especially if you’re worried about account hijacking.
- If the verification code doesn’t come right away, wait a few minutes and double-check you’re not getting spammed or blocked mail. Sometimes, network issues cause delays.
- Two-factor authentication can be a pain to disable, but once you do, resetting is easier if your phone gets lost or broken. Think about enabling it afterward for extra security.
FAQs & Common Problems
Nothing works, and I can’t get into my email or phone
Yeah, that’s a tough one. If recovery options are shot, the best move is to check out the Instagram Help Center for more tailored advice or try one of their account recovery forms. Sometimes, it takes days, and other times they ask you to submit a selfie to verify your identity.
Why does the email take so long sometimes?
Because of course, email systems can be weird. It’s not unusual for the message to get stuck in spam, or your inbox filters to misfire. Also, on busy servers or during high traffic, delays happen. Just sit tight and refresh your inbox after a few minutes.
Can I make my passwords easier to remember, or is that risky?
Pick something memorable but unique. No passwords like “password123”. If you’re worried about remembering, use a password manager — it’s safer and saves a lot of headaches. But stay away from reusing the same passwords everywhere; that’s begging for trouble.
Just remember, all these steps are kind of annoying, but they’re there to keep your account safe. If things get weird, sometimes logging out, closing the app, and trying again after a reboot can clear up weird glitches. Because somehow, Instagram and your phone need to cooperate, which isn’t always smooth sailing.