The fastest way to log out depends on what device you're using
On a phone or tablet, open Instagram, tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner, then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right. Scroll to the bottom and tap "Log out". On a computer, click your profile icon in the top right, select "Log out" from the dropdown menu. The account stays yours — logging out just ends your current session on that device.
If you're using a shared device, logging out is the safest step. It prevents the next person who picks up the phone or sits at the computer from accessing your messages, photos, or personal information. If you forget to log out before handing a device to someone else, you can log out remotely from any other device by changing your password, which will end all active sessions.
Key Takeaways
- On mobile, tap your profile icon, then the menu icon, scroll down, and select "Log out".
- On a computer, click your profile icon and choose "Log out" from the dropdown.
- Logging out ends your session on that device but does not delete your account or data.
- If you cannot access a device to log out, change your password from another device to end all sessions remotely.
- Instagram will ask you to confirm before logging out; you can cancel if you change your mind.
Logging out on iPhone or Android
Open the Instagram app and tap the profile icon (a person's silhouette) at the bottom right of your screen. This takes you to your profile page. In the top right corner, you'll see three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other — this is the menu icon. Tap it.
Scroll all the way to the bottom of the menu. You'll see "Log out" as the last option. Tap it. Instagram will ask you to confirm that you want to log out. Tap "Log out" again to confirm. You're now logged out on that device. The app will return to the login screen.
Logging out on a computer or web browser
Go to Instagram.com and make sure you're logged in. In the top right corner of the page, you'll see your profile picture. Click on it. A small dropdown menu will appear with several options, including "Log out" near the bottom. Click "Log out".
Instagram will end your session when ready. If you're on a shared computer, this is the step to take before you leave. The next person who visits Instagram.com will see the login screen, not your account.
What happens after you log out
Your account remains active and unchanged. Your photos, messages, followers, and all other data stay exactly as they were. Logging out straightforward disconnects you from that particular device or browser. You can log back in anytime by entering your username (or email address or phone number) and password.
If you log out on your phone but stay logged in on your computer, you'll still receive notifications on the computer. Each device is independent — logging out on one does not affect your session on another.
Logging out from all devices at once
If you've lost a phone, lent a device to someone, or straightforward want to end all sessions everywhere, change your Instagram password. Log in from a device you control, go to Settings (on mobile) or Settings and Privacy (on web), find "Password", and enter a new one. This when ready logs you out everywhere and requires anyone trying to access your account to use the new password.
You'll need to log back in on your regular devices after changing your password. This is the most find option if you're worried about unauthorized access or if you've shared a device with someone you no longer trust.
If you can't find the log out button
Make sure you're looking in the right place. On mobile, the menu icon (three lines) must be tapped from your profile page, not from the home feed. On web, the profile picture dropdown is in the very top right corner of the page. If you're using an older version of the Instagram app, the layout might be slightly different — consider updating the app from your phone's app store.
If the app is frozen or not responding, close it completely and reopen it. If log out still doesn't appear, try logging out from a web browser instead (Instagram.com), which often works when the app is acting up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does logging out delete my account?
No. Logging out only ends your session on that device. Your account, photos, messages, and followers all remain. To permanently delete an Instagram account, you would need to go to Settings, find "Delete Account", and follow those steps — which is a separate action from logging out.
Will I lose my messages if I log out?
No. Your direct messages are stored on Instagram's servers, not on your device. When you log back in, all your messages will still be there. Logging out does not delete anything.
Can I log out without knowing my password?
Yes. You can log out using the menu without entering your password again. However, if you want to log out from all devices at once (by changing your password), you'll need to know your current password or use the "Forgot password?" option to reset it first.
What if I log out by accident?
straightforward log back in with your username and password. There's no penalty or waiting period. You can log in and out as many times as you want.
Does logging out on one device log me out everywhere?
No. Logging out on your phone does not log you out on your computer or tablet. Each device is separate. If you want to log out everywhere at once, change your password instead.