How to Change or Reset Your Instagram Password

To add an extra layer of security to your Instagram account, navigate to your profile and tap on the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner. Select ‘Settings' and then ‘Security'. Here, you'll find the ‘Two-Factor Authentication' option. You can choose to receive a security code via text message or use a third-party authentication app. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. This feature ensures that even if someone discovers your password, they won't be able to access your account without also having access to your phone.

If Instagram doesn't recognize your email or phone number, double-check for any typos or errors. If your account was created using Facebook, try using your Facebook information to log in and reset your password. If the issue persists, consider whether your account details may have been changed without your knowledge, indicating potential unauthorized access. In such cases, visit the Instagram Help Center and look for the option to report your account as hacked to get further assistance.

To review and manage third-party apps with access to your Instagram, go to ‘Settings' through your profile menu, then tap ‘Security', and select ‘Apps and Websites'. This section lists all the apps and websites you've authorized. Review this list periodically and remove any services you no longer use or recognize by tapping ‘Remove'. This prevents old or suspicious apps from retaining access to your Instagram data.

Yes, it's crucial to set up a recovery email or phone number. To do this, go to your Instagram profile, tap the menu icon, then ‘Settings', followed by ‘Account', and choose ‘Personal Information'. Here, you can add or update your email and phone number. These details are used for account recovery and to ensure you can reset your password if you get locked out of your account or need to verify your identity.

Logging out of Instagram ends your session on a device, which is useful if you're using a shared or public device. However, anyone with your password can still log in. Changing your password, on the other hand, ensures that only you know the current credentials to access your account. It's a critical step if you suspect someone else knows your previous password or if there's been a security breach.

Instagram provides a feature to review your account's login activity, which is a useful tool to spot unauthorized access. Go to ‘Settings' via your profile, select ‘Security', and then ‘Login Activity'. Here, you'll see a list of locations and devices that have accessed your account, along with dates and times. If you notice any unfamiliar activity, it's a strong indication that your account security may be compromised. Immediately change your password and review your account's security settings.

If you receive an unexpected password change email, do not click on any links within the email. Instead, directly navigate to the Instagram app or website and attempt to log in with your current password. If unsuccessful, use the ‘Forgot Password' feature to initiate a secure password reset. This approach ensures you avoid potential phishing attempts designed to steal your credentials.

Saving passwords in your browser offers convenience but can be less secure, especially on shared or potentially compromised devices. For enhanced security, consider using a dedicated password manager. These services encrypt your password database with a master password – the only one you need to remember. They also offer added features like generating strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.

A strong password doesn't have to be a random string of characters. Consider using a passphrase, which is a sequence of words or a sentence that you can remember easily but would be difficult for others to guess. For instance, “Banana8lue!” is long, includes various character types, and is more memorable than a random set of characters. Incorporating numbers and symbols can further enhance security.

If you're certain about entering the correct password but still facing errors, start by checking your keyboard's language settings and Caps Lock status. If the problem persists, it could be a sign of account compromise. Attempt to reset your password using the ‘Forgot Password‘ option. If you're unable to reset via email or phone, you may need to seek help through Instagram's support channels, as this could indicate unauthorized changes to your account details.

Changing your password does not automatically log you out of all devices. However, for security reasons, especially after a suspected compromise, it's advisable to manually log out from all devices except the one you're currently using. You can do this through the ‘Security‘ section in your Instagram settings under ‘Login Activity‘, where you can see all active sessions and log out from each individually.

After you change your password, go to ‘Settings‘, tap ‘Security‘, and select ‘Login Activity‘. Here, you'll see all the devices where your account is logged in. Use the ‘Log Out‘ option next to each session to secure your account. This step is particularly important if you've changed your password in response to suspicious activity or a security concern.

Instagram requires your password to be at least 6 characters long. However, for enhanced security, it's recommended to use a longer password (at least 8 characters) that includes a mix of letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and symbols. This complexity makes your password more resistant to brute-force attacks and guessing.

Even if you primarily use Facebook to log into Instagram, having a separate Instagram password is essential, especially if you decide to unlink your Facebook account in the future or if Facebook experiences its own security issues. To set or update your Instagram password, go to your profile settings and select ‘Security‘, then ‘Password‘, and follow the prompts.

Instagram periodically prompts users to verify their account information, especially when logging in from an unfamiliar device or location, or in response to unusual activity. These verifications help secure your account against unauthorized access. Always ensure your contact information is up-to-date in your account settings to facilitate these verifications and account recovery if needed.