Instagram Login: Steps, Password Recovery and Security

You can log in to Instagram in the mobile app or in a browser at instagram.com: enter your username, e-mail address or phone number, your password, and confirm by tapping the Log in button. If you forget your password, select “Forgot password?” and Instagram will send you a login link by e-mail or SMS. Then protect your account with two-factor authentication.

How do I log in to the Instagram app?

In the app, you only need to enter one of your account identifiers and your password. Instagram accepts as a login credential your username, e-mail address, or phone number linked to your account.

1. Open the Instagram app on your phone or tablet (iPhone, iPad, Android or, where applicable, Instagram Lite).
2. In the first field, enter your username, e-mail address or phone number.
3. In the second field, enter your password.
4. Tap Log in.
5. If you have two-factor authentication enabled and are logging in from a new device, also enter the code from your authentication app, SMS or WhatsApp.

The exact button labels may vary slightly depending on the app version and language.

How do I log in to Instagram on a computer or in a browser?

On a computer and in a mobile browser, you log in at instagram.com with the same details as in the app. Instagram's Help Center gives separate steps for computers and mobile browsers, but the principle is the same.

1. Type instagram.com into the address bar yourself (do not look for the login page via a link in an e-mail or message).
2. Enter your username, e-mail address or phone number, and your password.
3. Confirm the login and, if necessary, enter the two-factor authentication code.

On a shared or public computer, according to the Instagram Help Center on securing your account after use, always log out and do not tick the “Remember me” option.

What to do if you forget your password or username?

You can reset a forgotten password via the login link that Instagram sends to your e-mail or phone. The procedure according to the page Recover your Instagram password (status as of November 2026) is as follows:

1. On the login screen, select “Forgot password?”.
2. Enter your username, e-mail address or phone number.
3. Select Send login link and confirm.
4. Open the e-mail or SMS from Instagram and log in via the link.
5. After logging in, choose a new password in the settings.

If you do not remember your username, try entering the e-mail address or phone number you use for the account in the same field. The Instagram Help Center has a separate guide for a forgotten username on the page I Can't Log In.

According to the Help Center, a new password should be unique, have at least six characters and combine numbers, letters and special characters (for example ! $ @ %). Do not use your name, date of birth or common phrases in it, and do not use the same password as elsewhere.

Why can't you log in to Instagram and how can you fix it?

The most common causes are forgotten details, a recovery e-mail that was not delivered, lost access to your e-mail or phone, and a hacked account. The Instagram Help Center has a separate procedure for each situation; an overview according to the page “I Can't Log In” (status as of November 2026):

Situation	What to do
Forgotten password	“Forgot password?” and a login link by e-mail or SMS
The password recovery e-mail did not arrive	Follow the separate guide in the Help Center; also check your spam folder and whether you are entering the correct e-mail address
The link in the e-mail does not work	The Help Center has a separate article on this; you can also request a new link
You have no access to your e-mail or phone	Use account recovery at instagram.com/hacked or the guide for lost access in the Help Center
Someone has changed your email or password	Look for a message from security@mail.instagram.com with an option to revert the change, otherwise instagram.com/hacked
Instagram wants to verify your identity	Follow the instructions, for example by submitting a video selfie or uploading an identity document
Your account has been blocked	Follow the notice in the app and the information in the Help Center about blocked accounts

The Help Center page also states that you can open it on a computer or in a mobile browser and try to recover your account from there, and it offers a chat with the Meta AI support assistant. If the app reports restricted features rather than a login problem, the article will help Instagram has restricted your account: what to do step by step.

What if you suspect that your account has been compromised?

According to Instagram Help Center articles on compromised accounts first check your email to see whether you have received a message from security@mail.instagram.com. If someone has changed your email address, you can revert the change using the account security option in that message.

If the login link does not work either, you can request a security code or support in the mobile app. Instagram may ask you for a video selfie in which you turn your head in different directions; according to the Help Center, the video is not published anywhere and is deleted within 30 days. You can find the detailed step-by-step procedure in the article Hacked Instagram: How to Recover Your Account and Secure It. If you have lost money or are being blackmailed, please also contact the Policie ČR.

How can I secure my Instagram login?

The most effective protection is two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication is a security feature in which Instagram, in addition to your password, requires a one-time code when someone logs in from a device it does not recognise. The Instagram Help Center describes it as the most effective step for protecting your account.

To turn it on, follow these steps (according to the Two-factor authentication Help Center article, as of November 2026):

1. In the app, tap More and then Settings.
2. Select See more in Accounts Center.
3. Open Password and security, then Two-factor authentication.
4. Select the account and verification method, then follow the on-screen instructions.

Method	How it works	Note
Authentication app	Codes are generated by an app such as Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile	Instagram recommends it; setup is only available in the app for Android and iPhone
SMS	The code is sent to the phone number linked to the account	You need an active phone number
WhatsApp	The code is sent via WhatsApp	You must first enable verification by SMS

When turning it on, store your backup codes in a safe place outside your phone. They will help you log in if you lose your phone or access to your number. After logging in, you can mark the device as trusted so that a code is not required every time, but never do this on a public or shared computer.

Further principles for secure login

• Also secure the email address linked to your Instagram account; anyone who controls your email can also reset your Instagram password.
• In the settings, please check that the phone number and e-mail address linked to your account are up to date.
• Regularly review your linked accounts and third-party apps, and remove any that you do not recognise.
• Never share your password or two-factor authentication codes with anyone, and do not enter them into apps that promise statistics, follower tracking or "who viewed your profile" features. According to Instagram's Help Center, doing so gives them full access to your account.

When paid promotion makes sense and when it does not?

Paid promotion is not related to logging in and will not resolve any account issues. However, if your account is secure and you regularly publish good content, a follower package can serve as an initial social proof for a new profile or as support for a specific campaign alongside your own content work. Your account password is not required for the order; you can find the offer on the page followers on Instagram and prices at price list.

It does not make sense if you are dealing with a warning, restriction or account recovery, if you have no content, or if you are waiting for sales or genuine audience reactions. Purchased interactions do not guarantee reach or genuine interest from people and may worsen your ratio of interactions to followers. Instagram Community Guidelines require that likes, followers and shares not be collected artificially, so restrictions on reach or on the account cannot be ruled out; Section 3.3 expressly states this too terms and conditions.