Ever thought about changing your Instagram password or username? Whether it’s for added security, personal branding, or simply a fresh start, there are plenty of valid reasons to update your credentials. Instagram is one of the most-used social platforms in the world, and with such popularity comes the risk of hacking, impersonation, or just outdated usernames that no longer reflect your identity or business.
Maybe you signed up with a quirky name as a teenager and now you’re trying to look more professional. Or maybe you’ve reused the same password for years and finally realized that’s not a great idea. Whatever your reason, keeping your account details up-to-date is critical not just for security but also for maintaining a strong digital presence.
This guide walks you through, step-by-step, how to change your Instagram password and username on mobile and desktop, whether you remember your current credentials or not. We’ll also give you insider tips on keeping your account secure and resolving common issues that might pop up during the process.
Let’s dive in.
How to Change Your Instagram Password
Updating your password regularly is one of the easiest ways to protect your Instagram account from hackers. If you think your account may be compromised, or you simply want to refresh your login credentials, here’s how to do it.
Changing Password via Mobile App (Android & iOS)
Changing your Instagram password on your smartphone is quick and intuitive. Here’s how:
- Open the Instagram app on your Android or iOS device.
- Tap on your profile icon at the bottom-right corner.
- Hit the hamburger menu (☰) in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings and Privacy.
- Select Accounts Center → then choose Password and Security.
- Tap Change Password.
- Select the account you want to update (if you manage multiple).
- Enter your current password, followed by your new password, and confirm it again.
💡 Pro Tip: Choose a password that’s at least 12 characters long, combining upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal info like your birthdate or pet’s name.
Once confirmed, you’ll receive a notification from Instagram that your password has been changed. If you didn’t initiate the change, act immediately it could mean someone else has access to your account.
Changing Password via Desktop/Browser
Prefer updating your Instagram settings on your computer? Here’s how to do it from your browser:
- Visit Instagram.com and log in.
- Click your profile picture in the top right, then select Settings.
- Choose See More in Accounts Center.
- Navigate to Password and Security → then click on Change Password.
- Input your current password, then your new password, and confirm.
Don’t forget to hit Save once you’re done.
You’ll also be prompted to log in again on all your devices. This is a good time to review any suspicious sessions or devices that may have had access to your account.
What to Do If You Forgot Your Password
Forgot your Instagram password? Don’t stress, it happens to the best of us. Fortunately, Instagram offers multiple ways to recover access:
- Open the app or browser login page.
- Tap “Forgot password?” or “Trouble logging in?”
- Enter your email, username, or phone number.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to receive a reset link.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re connected to Facebook, you can also use your Facebook credentials to reset your password directly.
Once you receive the reset link via SMS or email, click it and enter a new, strong password. Make sure this one is unique—you don’t want to repeat old mistakes.
🛑 Important: If you don’t receive the email or SMS, check your spam folder or confirm that you have access to the correct recovery account.
How to Change Your Instagram Username
Your username is how people find and tag you on Instagram. Changing it can be a big deal, especially if you’ve built a brand or large following. But Instagram makes it pretty simple to update when needed.
Steps to Update Username
Whether you’re using the mobile app or web, the process is straightforward.
On Mobile:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap on your profile picture (bottom right).
- Click Edit Profile.
- Tap on the Username field.
- Enter your new desired username.
- Tap Done or Save (top right).
On Desktop:
- Go to Instagram.com and log in.
- Click your profile icon → select Profile.
- Choose Edit Profile.
- Under the Username field, type in your new handle.
- Scroll down and click Submit.
You’ll be notified if the username is available. If it’s not, Instagram will prompt you to try a variation.
How to Check Username Availability
When you type a new username in the “Edit Profile” section, Instagram immediately checks if it’s available. If it is, you’ll be able to save the change instantly. If not, try:
- Adding numbers or periods
- Using underscores
- Trying a shortened version of your name or brand
💡 Pro Tip: Want to make sure a username is available before logging in? You can try typing instagram.com/yournewusername into your browser. If it says “Sorry, this page isn’t available,” it might be up for grabs.
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Username Change Limitations
Instagram allows users to change their usernames as often as they like, but there are a few caveats:
- If your account is large or verified, frequent changes can trigger suspicious activity flags.
- After changing your username, your old handle becomes available to others.
- You may not be able to switch back to the original name immediately if someone else claims it.
🕒 Time-sensitive Tip: Instagram may reserve your old handle for 14 days after a change—but this isn’t guaranteed.
How Username Change Affects Profile Links & Mentions
One of the most overlooked consequences of changing your Instagram username is how it impacts your existing links and tags across the platform and even outside it.
Let’s break it down:
1. Profile Links
When you change your username, your profile URL changes immediately. For example:
- Old:
https://www.instagram.com/youroldusername - New:
https://www.instagram.com/yournewusername
This means:
- Any external links (in blogs, email signatures, YouTube bios, etc.) that point to your old username will no longer work.
- Visitors to that outdated link will get an error page saying, “This page isn’t available.”
✅ What you should do:
- Update your Instagram link wherever it’s published: website bios, LinkedIn, TikTok, business cards, etc.
- If you’re a business or influencer, notify collaborators or clients about the change.
2. Tagged Posts and Mentions
- If someone previously tagged you using
@youroldusername, those tags won’t auto-update to your new handle. - The post will still exist, but clicking the tag won’t lead to your profile anymore.
- Your previous comments and DMs will still show up, but without a valid link.
✅ Solution:
- Consider posting a story or feed update letting your followers know about the new handle.
- Reach out to collaborators or friends to update your tag in key posts if necessary.
3. Instagram Search and Discovery
- After changing your username, there may be a brief delay before your new name starts appearing in search results.
- Your followers won’t lose you, you’ll still show up in their following list, but it might confuse new users trying to find you.
Also Read: How to change Facebook Password
Security Tips for Your Instagram Account
Your Instagram password and username are like the keys to your digital house. Losing them or exposing them to the wrong hands can be disastrous. Thankfully, a few best practices can make your account virtually hacker-proof.
How to Create a Strong Password
Instagram suggests using a combination of at least six characters, including numbers, letters, and special characters. But that’s just the beginning.
Here’s what makes a password strong in 2025:
- 12+ characters minimum
- Mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
- At least one symbol (like
!,#,&) - At least one number
- No dictionary words, pet names, or birthdays
❌ Avoid:
- Reusing passwords from other sites
- Using simple patterns like
abc123orpassword1 - Storing passwords in plain text on your phone or email
✅ Do this instead:
- Use a password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden.
- Set reminders to change passwords every 6–12 months.
- Enable login alerts in Instagram’s Settings > Password and Security.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t use your Instagram username in your password. It’s a common trick hackers try first.
Avoiding Instagram Scams & Phishing
Social engineering scams have become more sophisticated. These aren’t just Nigerian princes asking for money—many look exactly like real Instagram emails.
Here’s how to stay safe:
1. Beware of Phishing Links
- Never click on suspicious DMs or email links claiming you’ve “violated policy” or “won a prize.”
- Always double-check URLs, Instagram’s real domain is
instagram.com, notinsta-support.coor similar lookalikes.
2. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Turn this on in Settings > Password and Security > Two-Factor Authentication.
- Choose between:
- Text message (SMS)
- Authentication app (like Google Authenticator)
3. Monitor Account Activity
- In Settings > Login Activity, you can view where and when your account was accessed.
- Log out of unknown devices immediately.
4. Know What Instagram Will Never Do:
- They’ll never ask for your password.
- They won’t send account warnings via DMs.
- You can view all real Instagram communications in Settings > Security > Emails from Instagram.
Taking a few moments to secure your account today can save you hours or even years of headache down the road.
Troubleshooting Common Instagram Issues
Even though changing your password or username on Instagram is usually smooth, it doesn’t always go as planned. Let’s look at some common problems users run into, and how to fix them fast.
Username Not Available
You typed in the perfect handle, but… Instagram says it’s “not available.” Don’t panic.
There are several reasons this happens:
1. Someone Else is Using It
- The username is active on another profile, even if that profile is private or inactive.
2. It Violates Instagram Guidelines
- Usernames with offensive words or impersonation potential are auto-blocked.
3. It Was Recently Used (Including by You)
- Instagram sometimes locks usernames for a period after they’ve been changed, making them temporarily unavailable even to the original owner.
✅ Fixes:
- Add a period, number, or underscore (
@your.name,@yourname_123) - Wait 14 days and try again (for recently used handles)
- Reach out to Instagram Support if you believe the account holding your preferred name is inactive or violating terms
Password Reset Not Working
You’ve tried to reset your password, but nothing happens? No email, No SMS and No success?
Possible reasons:
- You no longer have access to the registered email or phone number.
- Instagram’s email got stuck in your spam or junk folder.
- There’s a temporary glitch on Instagram’s end.
✅ Fixes:
- Go to the Help Center: help.instagram.com
- Use your Facebook login if your accounts are connected
- Ask a friend to check if your profile is still visible
- Fill out the Instagram recovery form if you’re completely locked out
💡 Pro Tip: Always keep your account recovery options up to date under Settings > Personal Information.
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Conclusion
Changing your Instagram password and username isn’t just about tweaking your profile, it’s about taking control of your personal or business brand and securing your online identity. Whether you’re updating a weak password, rebranding your username, or recovering from a potential security breach, knowing how to navigate Instagram’s settings confidently is essential in today’s digital landscape.
We’ve walked you through every aspect of this process from changing your password via mobile and desktop to resetting it if you’ve forgotten it, and even the finer details like how often you can change your username and how it impacts your profile links and mentions.
The key takeaways?
- Always use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication.
- Think strategically before changing your username, it affects links, mentions, and discoverability.
- Keep your contact and recovery information up-to-date.
- Act quickly if you suspect unauthorized access or account issues.
Instagram is a powerful tool for personal expression, networking, and business. Don’t let a weak password or outdated username hold you back. Bookmark this guide so you can come back to it whenever you need a refresher.
And remember—securing your Instagram profile isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing habit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I revert to my old username?
Yes, you can but only if it’s still available. Instagram doesn’t guarantee that your old username will be held for you. Sometimes it becomes immediately available to others, and other times it’s locked for 14 days before being released. If you’re thinking about switching back, act fast.
Will my followers be notified of the changes?
No, Instagram doesn’t send an official notification when you change your password or username. However, your new username will automatically reflect in your followers’ lists and DMs. If you’re a business or creator, consider posting an update so your followers aren’t confused.
How often can I change my password?
There’s no official limit to how often you can change your password. In fact, changing it regularly is encouraged for security. Just don’t forget to log in on your devices again after updating it.
Will changing my username delete my content?
Nope. Changing your username does not delete any of your posts, comments, likes, or DMs. However, old mentions using your previous handle will no longer link to your profile, so plan ahead if you’re a public figure or brand.
Is it safe to use third-party apps to manage Instagram?
Be extremely cautious. Many third-party tools violate Instagram’s Terms of Use and can lead to account suspensions or hacks. Only use trusted platforms with official Instagram API access, and never share your password with unofficial services.