Many of us have found ourselves locked out of a social media account like Instagram before. Although there’s usually a way to reset your password, getting back into your account if you forgot Instagram password information can sometimes be tricky.
Fortunately, Instagram offers several alternative login methods that can help you out when you can’t recall the magic word. Here’s what you should do if you forgot your password and are having trouble accessing your feed.
Reset Your Password Using Email
If you know the email address you used to create your Instagram account and can access its inbox, resetting your password won’t take more than a few seconds. Follow these steps.
- Launch Instagram for iPhone or Android.
- Find the Forgot password? option on iPhone or tap Get help logging in on Android phones.
- Make sure you’re in the “Username” tab on the next screen. If you are, you’ll have to enter your username or email address. Make sure you write it correctly and tap Next.
- Select Send an email.
- If you’ve entered the correct details, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to get back to your account. Tap the reset link in the email, and you’ll be able to create a new password without having to enter your old one.
Use Your Phone Number
You don’t necessarily need to use your email address to reset your Instagram password. If you’ve added your phone number to your Instagram account, getting back in will be a breeze. Follow the steps below.
- Open Instagram for iPhone or Android to be greeted with the login screen.
- Tap Forgot password? or Get help logging in, depending on your device.
- Switch to the Phone tab on the next screen.
- Enter the phone number linked to your Instagram account.
- Press Next. You’ll receive a text message with a temporary code in a matter of seconds.
- Enter the code you were sent in the appropriate field in the Instagram app, and you’ll be able to log back in.
This method doesn’t actually allow you to change your password. However, once you’re back in your account, you can ensure your email address is up-to-date and create a new password using that later.
Log In Through Facebook
If you’re having trouble with the methods mentioned above, a third login option might save you, depending on how your account is set up. Since Instagram has merged with Facebook, you can also log into the former with the help of the latter.
- Launch the Instagram app for iPhone or Android.
- Tap Log in with Facebook on the login screen.
Forgot Instagram Password (but Still Logged In)
So, you’ve been logged into the same Instagram account for years, and you suddenly realized you forgot Instagram password information related to your account. This may not be an issue if you keep using the same device. However, once you change your phone or get logged out because of an error, you might find yourself in a sticky situation. Unfortunately, you need your old Instagram password to create a new one, so this option is out. However, there are still things you can do to safeguard your account.
First, it’s important to make sure that all your data is up to date in the app.
- Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner.
- Select Edit profile on your profile page.
- Find Personal information settings at the bottom of the screen.
- Check that your email address and phone number are correct.
Once you’ve made sure that you can access the email account associated with your Instagram account, you can go ahead and request a password change.
- Tap your profile icon to go back.
- Press the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner of your profile page.
- Select Settings, then Security.
- Find the Password option.
- Tap Forgot your password? at the bottom.
You’ll receive an email from Instagram with a link to reset your password. Enter your new password, and you’re all set.
Can’t Access My Email & Forgot My Instagram Password
Resetting your Instagram password is usually hassle-free – except when you no longer have access to the email you created your account with. According to Instagram, there isn’t anything you can do in this case other than try to regain access to the email account in question. However, you should try a few other solutions before giving up.
Use an Alternative Login Method
You don’t always need your email address to log into your Instagram. You can also use a previously linked phone number or Facebook account to get back to your feed. All you need to do is pick this option on the “Forgot Password” screen.
- Open the iPhone or Android Instagram app and tap Forgot password? or Get help logging in.
- If you’ve linked your phone, tap the “Phone” tab at the top and enter your number. You’ll receive a login code to get you back to your account.
- If you’ve used the Facebook option, tap Log in with Facebook and enter your Facebook login info to access your Instagram.
Check Your Saved Passwords
If you’ve ever logged into your Instagram account through Google Chrome, there is a possibility that your password is saved. Try to find your password on your mobile in the following way.
- Open Google Chrome on your iPhone or Android and tap the three vertical dots next to the address bar.
- Select Settings, then Passwords. All your stored passwords will be on this page.
- Tap Instagram on the list. Your password might be stored there.
If it’s not there, it means your password wasn’t saved.
Lastly, if you can see the dots representing your password in the password space, pressing the eye icon next to it will reveal your password. You might need to enter your PIN code before you can see it.
If you managed to get your password this way, you’d be able to log back into your Instagram and even create a new password if you want.
Get Your Instagram Account Back
Although forgetting Instagram password information can be a serious problem, there’s no reason to panic immediately. So long as you can access your email or have linked your Facebook account or phone number to your Instagram, you’ll be able to get back into your feed in no time.
Did you manage to get back into your Instagram? Do you think this app should add more login options to safeguard our accounts? Let us know in the comments section below.