Staying logged in on Instagram can have both positive and negative effects depending on how you use the app. On one hand, staying logged in can save you time and the hassle of entering your credentials every time you want to access your account. It can also allow you to receive notifications and updates from your favorite accounts and interact with them more easily.
On the other hand, staying logged in can also expose you to some risks such as hacking, phishing, or unauthorized access to your personal information. This might happen if someone has access to your (unlocked) phone or PC if you are using Instagram there. Additionally, Instagram and Facebook might gather usage information via tracking cookies, even if you browse on other web pages.
If someone accesses your Instagram account without your permission, they also might post anything from your account, access your chats and private details, and even change your password or settings. You can prevent this from happening by logging out of Instagram, which adds an extra layer of security.
You might also want to know how to log someone out of your Instagram app/account if you want to use Instagram with your own profile.
How to Log Out of Instagram on Your Computer / Web Browser
To log off on Instagram on your PC from the Instagram web app, just do the following steps. Please note that this will only log you out of Instagram for the specific browser you are doing this with. If you use more than one web browser, you might have to repeat these steps also in the other browsers to completely log out. To log out of Instagram from the official Windows app works the same way than the mobile apps (see below) but will not affect any logged-in account on your web browser.
- Click on your Instagram profile picture
- Select “Log Out” to sign off from Instagram
How to Log Out of Instagram on Your Mobile Device
- Tap your Instagram profile picture
- Tap on the menu button on the upper right
- Select “Settings”
- Tap “Log out <your account name>”
Alternatively, you can also choose “Log out of all accounts” if you have more than one Instagram account linked with the Instagram app.
- Confirm with “Log out”, and you will be signed off from Instagram
How to Log Out of Instagram on All Devices via PC / Web Browser
You can log out of all devices on Instagram from any app/device you are currently using. Using the web app on a PC you can do this even from devices of other people which is useful in case you might have lost your phone, tablet, notebook etc. and want to log out of Instagram there to protect your account.
- Click on your Instagram profile picture
- Click on the wheel button on top
- Select “Login activity”
This will open a timeline where you can see the recent login sessions and which device was logged into Instagram at what exact time.
- Click “Log out” for each active Instagram session you want to end
The map shows where the device that is logged into your Instagram account was seen/tracked the last time.
- Wait for the confirmation screen “Session Logged Out”
Once you see this screen, you can be sure that the device you wanted to log out of Instagram has been disconnected from your Instagram account. If you see the need for it, you can click “Change Password” to avoid any future unwanted login into your Instagram account from another device.
How to Log Out of Instagram on All Devices using the Mobile App
- Tap your Instagram profile picture
- Tap the menu button on the top right
- Select “Settings”
- Select “Security”
- Open “Login activity”
- Tap the three dots for the session/device you want to log out of Instagram
- Confirm tapping on “Log out”
The map shows where the device that is logged into your Instagram account was seen/tracked the last time.
- Wait for the confirmation screen “Session Logged Out”
Once you see this screen, you can be sure the device you wanted to log out of Instagram has been disconnected from your Instagram account. If you see the need for it, you can click “Change Password” to avoid any future unwanted login into your Instagram account from another device.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Logging Out From Instagram
How can I secure my Instagram account after logging out from a public or shared device?
After logging out from a shared or public device, change your Instagram password by navigating to Settings > Security > Password on your personal device. Enable two-factor authentication under Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication for an extra security layer. Regularly check your ‘Login activity‘ for any unauthorized logins.
Can I log out of Instagram on a device that I’ve lost to prevent unauthorized access?
Yes, use the “Login activity” feature from another device or web browser to remotely log out of your lost device and secure your account. Change your password immediately to ensure your account’s security.
What steps should I take if I notice unfamiliar locations or devices in my Instagram ‘Login activity’?
Log out of unfamiliar sessions through ‘Login activity‘, change your password, and enable two-factor authentication to prevent future unauthorized access.
If I’m having trouble logging out of Instagram, what troubleshooting steps can I take?
Clear your browser’s cache or the app’s cache in your device settings. If the problem persists, reinstall the Instagram app or try logging out from another device.
How can I remove saved login information from Instagram on a shared device?
Go to the login screen, find your account name, and tap on “Remove“. Also, clear the browser’s cookies and saved passwords to fully remove your account information.
Is there a way to log out of Instagram on all devices with a single action?
Instagram does not offer a single-action logout for all devices. Use the “Login activity” section to manually log out from each session to secure your account on all devices.
How does logging out of Instagram affect the app’s background activities like notifications?
Logging out stops all notifications and background activities for your account on that device. You will not receive any Instagram notifications until you log back in.
Will logging out of Instagram impact my scheduled posts or stories?
Logging out does not affect scheduled posts or stories set through third-party tools. However, you won’t be able to manage them through Instagram until you log back in.
Can I still receive direct messages on Instagram if I log out of the app?
Upon logging out, you will not receive notifications or have access to your direct messages. However, your account will still receive messages, which you can access upon logging back in.
How can I ensure my Instagram account doesn’t automatically log in on a shared device?
To prevent automatic logins, ensure the “Remember me” or “Save login info” options are unchecked at login. Also, regularly clear the device’s browser cookies or app cache to remove saved credentials.
What happens to my active Instagram stories if I log out?
Your active stories will remain visible to your audience for 24 hours, even after logging out. You will not be able to interact with your stories until logging back in.
Is it necessary to log out of Instagram if I use two-factor authentication?
While two-factor authentication enhances account security, logging out from shared or public devices is still advisable to ensure your account remains secure.
Does Instagram offer a feature to automatically log out after a certain period of inactivity?
Instagram does not currently provide an auto-logout feature based on inactivity. Users are encouraged to manually log out, especially when using devices that are not their own.
How do I manage multiple Instagram accounts without logging out frequently?
Instagram’s account switching feature allows you to manage up to 5 accounts. You can switch accounts without logging out by tapping your username at the top of your profile and selecting the account you wish to switch to.
Can logging out of Instagram help resolve issues with the app’s functionality?
Logging out and back into Instagram can help fix temporary glitches by refreshing your session. This is akin to restarting the app or device and may resolve minor performance issues.
Related: How to Share an Instagram Post in an Instagram Story
Instagram Stories and Instagram posts are both powerful tools for connecting with an audience and growing one’s online presence. Sharing an Instagram post within an Instagram story can serve multiple purposes. In our other guide, we show you how to repost on an Instagram story and how to post your Instagram memories in an Instagram story. As an extra, we also show you how to share an Instagram post with select users privately if you don´t want all your followers to see it inside a story.
Related: How to Add a Link to an Instagram Story
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Last Updated on November 7, 2024 10:31 pm CET
