Don’t remember your Instagram password? Follow this useful guide to reset your Instagram password and regain access to your account.
Table of Contents
- Quickest Way to Reset Instagram Password (Standard method)
- Method 1: Instagram Password Reset with Mobile or Desktop
- Method 2: How to Reset Instagram Password Without Email or Phone Number
- Method 3: Recovering a Hacked Account (The “Video Selfie” Flow)
- Common Issues During Instagram Password Reset or Logging In
- “User Not Found”
- Reset Link Not Working
- Not Receiving SMS/Email
- How to Secure Your Account After After Instagram Password Reset
- Common Questions Users Ask While Resetting Instagram Password
- Final Words
How to Reset Instagram Password: Common Challenges & Effective Ways
Ever wonder how much it can be frustrating or irritating to reset your Instagram password when you don’t know the existing one or when you’re not able to access your account? It might be due to security reasons, or the account got hacked, or it might need recovery from any unethical activity.
In this guide, we will explore multiple ways to help you access your account while resetting your Instagram password. We understand multiple factors that play a crucial role in securing your account from suspicious activities.
That’s why this blog lists all the possible ways to help you reset Instagram password with a strong combination, and also secure your account.
Quickest Way to Reset Instagram Password
If you have access to your email or phone number, follow these steps for the fastest reset:
- Open the Instagram Login screen.
- Tap “Forgot password?” (iOS) or “Get help logging in” (Android).
- Enter your username, email, or phone number and tap Next.
- Select your delivery method: Email or SMS.
- Click the link in the message you receive to create a new password.
This is a standard method to reset your Instagram account password. We have elaborated on other ways to do this, where you might be facing some issues with your email or phone number.
Method 1: Instagram Password Reset with Mobile & Desktop
There are two ways to reset Instagram password of your account: either through the mobile app or using a web browser on a desktop. If you remember all your credentials like email address, phone number, and username, then the process will be smooth.
Option a: Instagram Password Reset on Mobile App (Android & iOS)
- Open the Instagram App
- On the login screen, look below the login fields.
- Android: Tap “Get help logging in.”
- iOS: Tap “Forgot password?”
- Fill in your username, email address, or phone number.
(If you have a complex username, you should go with your phone number or email to avoid typing mistakes.)
- Click on “Send Login Link”. Instagram will send a login link to your linked email ID.
- Click on the link. A screen will open where you need to enter a new password and then confirm it. Make sure you enter the same characters in both fields to avoid any mismatch.
Option b: Instagram Password Reset via Desktop
- Go to www.instagram.com.
- Click “Forgot password?” on the login screen.
- Enter your email, phone, or username and click “Send Login Link.”
After this, the steps are the same as above. Trying to reset your Instagram password through desktop will offer a smoother experience than doing it on the mobile app.
Option C: Resetting Instagram Password If Already Logged In
If you are actively using your Instagram account but only want to change its password for security purposes, then follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram App, click on your profile icon in the bottom right corner.
- Tap on “three lines” (menu bar) on the top right corner.
- Click on “Accounts Center” to see more options.
- Click on “Password and security”, and then on “Change password.”
- Select the Instagram account for which you need to reset password
- Fill in your current password accurately, then your new password, and then retype your new password for confirmation.
- There will be an option below the fields: “Log out of other devices”. Selecting it will automatically log you out of all other devices until you log in with the new password.
- Click on “Change Password”, and you will be logged out of the device to log in again with the new password.
Method 2: How to Reset Instagram Password Without Email or Phone Number
This is a common issue. Maybe you signed up ages ago with an email that you might have made in college, and you couldn’t access it, or perhaps you’ve changed your phone number.
In case you didn’t get the Instagram password reset link then you need to follow the manual recovery process:
- Go to the Instagram login page and type in your username.
- Then click on “Forgot password?” or “Get help logging in.”
- Choose the option from the bottom that says “Need more help?”. Don’t click on “Next” to receive a link.
- Instagram will show you multiple reasons to choose. Click on “I can’t access this email or phone number.”
- Submitting a Support Request:
- If you’ve got selfies on your account, you’ll be taken to the Video Selfie verification step (details below).
- If your account is faceless (like brand pages, pet accounts, or themed pages), Instagram will ask for info like the original email you used to sign up or the kind of device you access it from.
- Wait for a Manual Review: This isn’t an instant fix. Your request will be checked by support agents or AI systems. Make sure to provide a working email where they can reach you.
The Video Selfie Verification
This method is the best option for getting back into personal accounts.
Instagram will ask you to shoot a brief video, turning your head to the left, right, and up. Meta uses AI to match your video selfie with the pictures on your Instagram profile.
This works really well for accounts that feature selfies. Also, Meta deletes the video after 30 days, and it won’t show up on your profile.
Method 3: Recovering a Hacked Account
What if your account is hacked and you can’t reset Instagram password. Even if you remember credentials, standard methods won’t help. Because every time you click on “Send login link”, the hacker will receive it and make the changes.
The Necessary Step: Check Your Email
When someone changes the email address for an Instagram account, the platform sends a notification to the original email with the subject line “Secure your account here” or “Revert this change.” If you spot this email, click that link ASAP to protect your account.
In 2024 and 2025, Instagram introduced a special support hub specifically for accounts that have been compromised.
- Open a web browser and go to instagram.com/hacked.
- Enter your username, phone number, or email.
- Follow the prompts. This is the one legitimate way to start the recovery process for affected accounts.
Common Issues During Instagram Password Reset or Logging In
Sometimes, following the above steps isn’t enough. Some issues require a different approach to reset the Instagram Password. Here are common issues and their solutions you should follow:
1. “User Not Found”
You might enter your username correctly, but Instagram insists it doesn’t exist.
Why this occurs: Your account could have been disabled or deleted, or you might be blocked. Often, it’s just a caching issue with the app.
The Fix:
- First, ask a friend or a known person to look for your username on their app. If they can find your profile, that’s a good sign your account is alright.
- Uninstall and Reinstall the Instagram app.
- Try logging in using a Desktop Browser or Incognito Mode. Browsers can often work around problems that apps have.
2. Password Reset Link Not Working
Sometimes, Instagram sends link that might not be working accurately. Either it opens the Instagram app (and not the login page), or a broken page.
The Fix:
- Avoid clicking the link directly. Instead, press and hold the “Reset Password” button in the email, and choose “Copy URL.”
- Next, open a web browser like Chrome or Safari and paste the link there.
- This way, you can ensure that the reset happens in the browser, which helps dodge any glitches in the app that might redirect you incorrectly.
3. Not Getting SMS or Email
For SMS:
Make sure you’re in a place with a decent signal. Also, check if you have blocked any “shortcode” numbers in your phone settings.
For Email:
- Look in your Spam/Junk and Promotions folders (if you’re using Gmail).
- You might want to whitelist the emails from security@mail.instagram.com and no-reply@instagram.com.
- Give it about 30 minutes. If you request codes too quickly, the system might slow down sending them to avoid spam.
How to Secure Your Account After Instagram Password Reset?
Once you regain access, secure your fortress so this doesn’t happen again.
1. Update Your Email & Phone
Ensure the email in your settings is one you check regularly.
2. Enable 2FA (Correctly):
Avoid using SMS for 2-factor authentication, as it is susceptible to SIM swapping. Use an Authenticator App (like Google Authenticator or Duo).
3. Saving Security Codes
- Go to your profile, open Menu (three lines)
- Click on “Accounts Center”, then open “Password and Security”
- Choose “Two-Factor Authentication”, click “Additional Methods”, and click on “Backup Codes”.
- Take a screenshot or save these codes in a document on your cloud storage.
4. Link Your Facebook
Linking your Instagram to a secure Facebook profile provides a “backdoor” login method if you ever forget your Instagram credentials.
Common Questions Users Ask While Resetting Instagram Password
Q: Can I reach out to Instagram support directly through email or phone?
Not possible. Instagram doesn’t offer a public support email or phone number. You’ll need to start support requests through the app or at instagram.com/hacked. Any phone numbers you see on Google are probably scams, so be careful.
Q: My account was disabled for breaking the rules. Can I just reset my password to fix it?
Unfortunately, no. If your account is disabled, a password reset isn’t going to do anything. You have to appeal the decision by logging in and following the steps on the screen.
Q: How long does it take to verify my Video Selfie?
Usually, the automated system of Instagram is pretty quick, often around 20 minutes. But if it needs a manual review, that could stretch to 2 to 4 business days. You’ll get a notification at the email address you provided when you made the request.
Q: I don’t have any photos of myself on my account (since it’s a business account). How do I get verified?
That’s a bit trickier. You’ll need to choose “No, I do not have photos of myself” during the “Need more help” process. Instagram might ask for proof that you own the domain or some business documents, but keep in mind that it’s usually harder to get verified this way compared to personal accounts.
Final Words
Losing access to your Instagram can be really stressful, but don’t panic. Most accounts can be recovered if you keep your cool and follow the proper steps. The key point is to steer clear of making too many attempts in a row, as that can set off Instagram’s spam filters and keep you locked out for longer.
Here at eSearch Logix, our experts handle professional business accounts with utmost care. We offer comprehensive support throughout the journey while providing growth opportunities and streamlining other activities like content handling, optimization, and security management.
Keep your Instagram account safe and passwords secure always with Meta’s updated guidelines. In case you need support from experts, we can help you set up a secure profile, handle it, and maintain a prosperous growth campaign. Reach out to us today!