Forgetting your Instagram password can be frustrating, especially when you need quick access to your account. Fortunately, Instagram provides several account recovery options that can help you reset your password and sign back in.
You can recover your Instagram account using your email address, phone number, username, or a login link. If you no longer have access to the email or phone number connected to your account, Instagram also provides additional recovery options depending on your situation.
In this post, we will explain how to recover a forgotten Instagram password in 2026, reset your password, recover an account without access to your email or phone, and secure your Instagram account after regaining access.
How to Reset Your Instagram Password
The easiest way to recover your Instagram account is to reset the password from the Instagram login screen.
Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your Android phone or iPhone.
Step 2: On the login screen, select Forgot password? or Get help logging in.
Step 3: Enter your Instagram username, email address, or phone number.
Step 4: Select Continue and choose the available password recovery option.
Step 5: Open the password reset link or enter the security code sent by Instagram.
Step 6: Create a new, strong password for your Instagram account.
Step 7: Log in to Instagram using your username and new password.
Recover Instagram Account Using Your Email
If you still have access to the email address connected to your Instagram account, password recovery is usually straightforward.
Instagram can send a login link or security code to the registered email address. Open the message and follow the instructions to regain access to your account.
Make sure you use the official Instagram app or website when entering your login information. Avoid clicking password-reset links received from unknown people or suspicious websites.
Recover Instagram Password Using Your Phone Number
If your phone number is linked to your Instagram account, you may be able to receive a login code through SMS.
Step 1: Open Instagram and select the password recovery option.
Step 2: Enter the phone number associated with your account.
Step 3: Request the login or recovery code.
Step 4: Enter the code received on your phone.
Step 5: Follow the instructions to create a new password.
How to Recover Instagram Account Without Email or Phone Number
Recovering an Instagram account can be more difficult if you no longer have access to the email address or phone number connected to it.
Step 1: Open Instagram and select Forgot password? or Get help logging in.
Step 2: Enter your username or other requested account information.
Step 3: Select the option indicating that you need additional help if it is available.
Step 4: Follow Instagram’s account recovery instructions.
Step 5: Provide any information Instagram requests to verify that the account belongs to you.
Instagram may offer different recovery options depending on the account and information available. Not every recovery method will be available for every account.
What to Do If Your Instagram Account Was Hacked
If you believe someone has changed your Instagram password or gained unauthorized access to your account, use Instagram’s official hacked-account recovery options.
Check your email for security messages from Instagram, particularly notifications about changes to your email address or password. If you received an unexpected account-change notification, follow the instructions in the legitimate Instagram security email where available.
Avoid sharing your password, security codes, or recovery links with anyone claiming that they can recover your account for you.
How to Change Your Instagram Password
If you can still access your account but simply want to replace an old or forgotten password, you can change it from Instagram’s account settings.
Step 1: Open Instagram and go to your profile.
Step 2: Open the menu and select Accounts Center.
Step 3: Select Password and security.
Step 4: Choose Change password.
Step 5: Select the Instagram account you want to update.
Step 6: Enter your current password and create a new password.
Step 7: Save the new password and use it the next time you log in.
How to Create a Strong Instagram Password
A strong password can help protect your account from unauthorized access.
Use a password that is unique to Instagram and avoid using easily guessed information such as your name, birthday, phone number, or common words.
A password manager can also help you create and store a different password for each online account.
Turn On Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an additional security layer to your Instagram account. When enabled, Instagram can require an additional authentication method when someone attempts to log in.
Step 1: Open Instagram and go to your profile.
Step 2: Open the menu and access Accounts Center.
Step 3: Select Password and security.
Step 4: Choose Two-factor authentication.
Step 5: Select your Instagram account.
Step 6: Choose an available authentication method and follow the instructions to complete setup.
Avoid Instagram Password Recovery Scams
Many websites and social media accounts claim that they can recover hacked or locked Instagram accounts for a fee. Be careful with these services.
Never give another person your Instagram password, security code, authentication code, or recovery link. Instagram will not require you to send sensitive login information to a random person through a direct message.
Always use Instagram’s official account recovery options instead of third-party recovery services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover my Instagram password without knowing my old password?
Yes. If you can verify your account using an available recovery method, you can reset your password without knowing the old one.
Can I recover Instagram without my phone number?
You may be able to recover your account using another available recovery method, such as your email address or Instagram’s additional account recovery options.
What if I forgot my Instagram username?
Try using the email address or phone number associated with your account when starting the password recovery process. You can also check old Instagram emails or messages for information about your account.
How do I secure my Instagram account after recovering it?
Change your password, enable two-factor authentication, review logged-in devices, and make sure your email address and phone number are up to date.
Should I pay someone to recover my Instagram account?
Avoid giving money or sensitive account information to unofficial account-recovery services. Use Instagram’s official recovery process instead.
Conclusion
Forgetting your Instagram password does not necessarily mean you have lost your account. You can usually start the recovery process using your username, email address, or phone number and then follow Instagram’s instructions to reset your password.
If you have lost access to your usual recovery methods or believe your account has been hacked, use Instagram’s official account recovery options. After regaining access, create a unique password and enable two-factor authentication to improve your account security.