Can’t Reset Instagram Password?

Not being able to reset your Instagram password can be frustrating, especially if you’re locked out of your account and the usual recovery methods aren’t working. Whether you’re not receiving the reset email, the reset link isn’t working, or you’ve lost access to the email or phone number associated with your account, this guide will help you find a solution.



Why Can’t You Reset Your Instagram Password?

There are a few common reasons why users encounter difficulties resetting their Instagram passwords:

  • Not receiving the password reset email or SMS.
  • The reset link isn’t working or has expired.
  • You’ve lost access to the email or phone number associated with the account.
  • Account security issues that may require additional verification.

Whatever the reason, let’s explore how you can troubleshoot and resolve these issues to regain access to your account.

Step 1: Check Your Email or SMS for the Password Reset Link

If you’ve requested a password reset but haven’t received the email or SMS from Instagram, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot:

  1. Check your spam/junk folder: Sometimes password reset emails get filtered into the spam or junk folders. Make sure to check these folders in your email.

  2. Ensure you entered the correct email or phone number: Double-check that the email address or phone number you entered matches the one linked to your Instagram account.

  3. Wait a few minutes: Sometimes there’s a delay in receiving the email or SMS, especially during periods of high activity on Instagram’s servers.

If after these steps you still haven’t received the reset email or SMS, try requesting it again.

Step 2: Use Your Username or Phone Number to Reset Password

If you don’t have access to your email or think you’re entering the wrong one, you can try resetting your password using your Instagram username or phone number. Here’s how:

  1. On the Instagram login page, tap “Forgot Password?”.
  2. Select “Use Username or Phone” instead of email.
  3. Enter your Instagram username or the phone number associated with your account.
  4. Instagram will send a reset link to your phone via SMS, or you can follow the reset instructions directly within the app.

This method is particularly useful if you no longer have access to the email address linked to your account.

Step 3: Check for Issues with the Reset Link

If you’ve received the password reset email or SMS but the link isn’t working, there are a few potential reasons:

  1. The link has expired: Password reset links often have a time limit, so if too much time has passed since you requested the link, it may no longer work. Try requesting a new reset link.

  2. Check your browser or app: If you’re opening the reset link on a browser, try switching to a different browser or clearing your browser’s cache. If using the Instagram app, ensure it’s updated to the latest version.

  3. Multiple reset requests: If you’ve requested the password reset multiple times, only the most recent link will work. Make sure you’re using the latest email or SMS received.

Step 4: Use Facebook to Reset Your Password

If your Instagram account is linked to your Facebook account, you can reset your Instagram password via Facebook. Here’s how:

  1. On the Instagram login page, select “Log in with Facebook”.
  2. Instagram will prompt you to sign in through your Facebook account.
  3. Once signed in, Instagram will allow you to reset your password.

This is a great option if you no longer have access to your email or phone number but still have control of your Facebook account.

Step 5: Recover Your Account Without Email or Phone Access

If you’ve lost access to both your email and phone number, recovering your account will require additional steps to verify your identity:

  1. On the Instagram login screen, tap “Need more help?”.
  2. Select “I can’t access this email or phone number”.
  3. Instagram will guide you through the recovery process, which may include:
    • Entering an old password that you remember.
    • Providing the original email address or phone number associated with your account.
    • Submitting a selfie video to confirm your identity (Instagram may request this for verification purposes).

After verifying your identity, Instagram will allow you to reset your password and regain access to your account.

Step 6: Ensure Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is Disabled Temporarily

If you have Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) enabled on your account, it might complicate the password reset process. If you can’t reset your password because of 2FA, you may need to temporarily disable it:

  1. Log into Instagram through Facebook (if linked) or use a device where you’re already logged in.
  2. Go to Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication and disable 2FA temporarily.
  3. Once 2FA is disabled, attempt the password reset process again.

After resetting your password, make sure to re-enable 2FA to keep your account secure.

Step 7: Contact Instagram Support for Further Help

If none of the above steps work, and you’re still unable to reset your password, your best option may be to reach out to Instagram’s support team:

  1. Visit the Instagram Help Center and select “Can’t log into Instagram”.
  2. Follow the steps to submit a support request detailing your issue.
  3. Instagram may request additional information to verify your identity and assist in the recovery process.

While Instagram support may take a few days to respond, this is often the best way to resolve more complex issues related to account recovery.

Step 8: Prevent Future Password Issues

Once you’ve regained access to your Instagram account, take steps to avoid facing password issues in the future:

  • Use a password manager: Tools like LastPass or 1Password can securely store your passwords and auto-fill them when needed, making it easier to manage your accounts.
  • Regularly update your password: Change your password periodically to maintain security and avoid breaches.
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a code in addition to your password when logging in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should I do if I’m not receiving the password reset email or SMS?

First, check your spam or junk folder and ensure the email or phone number you entered is correct. If you’re still not receiving it, try again or use your username to request the reset link via SMS.

Q: Why is my password reset link not working?

The link may have expired, or you might have requested multiple password resets. Try requesting a new reset link, and ensure you’re opening it on a browser or app that is up to date.

Q: Can I reset my password without email or phone access?

Yes, you can recover your account by verifying your identity through Instagram’s “Need more help?” option, which may include submitting a selfie video or answering account-related security questions.

Conclusion

Not being able to reset your Instagram password can be frustrating, but there are multiple ways to resolve the issue. Whether it’s using your username, phone number, or Facebook account to recover your password, following the steps outlined above will help you regain access to your account. To avoid future issues, be sure to enable Two-Factor Authentication and consider using a password manager for secure and easy access.