How to Change Your Instagram Password if You Forgot It
Step 1: Recover Your Account
If you’ve forgotten your Instagram password, the first step is to recover your account. This process will help you regain access to your account and prevent others from using it. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the Instagram login page and click on "Forgot account?"
- Enter your email address or phone number associated with your account.
- Click on "Send" to receive a recovery email or SMS.
- Follow the instructions in the email or SMS to reset your password.
Step 2: Use the Recovery Email or SMS
If you receive a recovery email or SMS, you can use it to reset your password. Here’s how:
- Open the email or SMS and click on the "Reset password" link.
- Enter your current password and click on "Reset password".
- Create a new password and confirm it by re-entering it in the next field.
- Click on "Save" to save your new password.
Step 3: Use the Recovery App (Optional)
If you have the Instagram app installed on your device, you can use it to reset your password. Here’s how:
- Open the Instagram app and tap on the three horizontal lines (≡) in the top left corner.
- Tap on "Settings" and then tap on "Account".
- Tap on "Forgot account?" and follow the same steps as before to recover your account.
Step 4: Use Two-Factor Authentication (Optional)
If you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled on your account, you’ll need to use it to reset your password. Here’s how:
- Go to the Instagram login page and click on "Forgot account?"
- Enter your email address or phone number associated with your account.
- Click on "Send" to receive a 2FA code.
- Enter the 2FA code to complete the password reset process.
Important: Do Not Use Your Current Password
It’s essential to note that you should not use your current password to reset your account. This is because your current password is the same as your Instagram password, and using it will not provide any additional security.
Why Use a New Password?
Using a new password is crucial to prevent unauthorized access to your account. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long, contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, and be unique to each account.
Tips for Creating a Strong Password
Here are some tips for creating a strong password:
- Use a combination of characters, such as a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Avoid using easily guessable information, such as your name, birthdate, or common words.
- Use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for each account.
- Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when creating a strong password:
- Using a password that is easily guessable, such as your name or birthdate.
- Using a password that is too long, such as 20 characters or more.
- Using a password that contains only numbers, such as 123456.
- Using a password that contains only special characters, such as !@#$%^&*()_+.
Conclusion
Changing your Instagram password if you forgot it is a relatively straightforward process. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to recover your account and create a strong password to prevent unauthorized access. Remember to use a new password and avoid using your current password to ensure the security of your account.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you stay safe online:
- Use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for each account.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account to add an extra layer of security.
- Keep your device and software up to date to ensure you have the latest security patches.
- Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks, as they may not be secure.
By following these tips and taking the necessary precautions, you can help protect your account and stay safe online.