How to Log Out a Device on Instagram: A Comprehensive Guide

Lost your phone? Switched to a new device? Or maybe you’re just being extra vigilant about your account security? Whatever the reason, knowing how to log out of Instagram on various devices is a crucial skill in today’s digital landscape. Here’s the definitive guide, broken down into clear, actionable steps. The process itself is straightforward:

To log out of a device on Instagram, you primarily have two options: You can log out of the specific device you’re currently using, or you can remotely log out of other devices that are logged into your account.

Logging out on the device you’re currently using (phone or tablet):

1. Open the Instagram app: Launch the Instagram application on your device.
2. Go to your profile: Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
3. Access the menu: Tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right corner.
4. Go to Settings and privacy: Scroll down and tap on Settings and privacy.
5. Scroll down and tap Log out: Near the very bottom you will see the option to Log out. Tap it. You will be prompted to confirm the logout; do so, and you will be logged out of the app on that device. You may see an option to save your login information to make future login faster. Choose wisely.

Remotely Logging Out of Other Devices (phone, tablet, or computer):

This method is incredibly useful if you suspect someone else has access to your account, or if you’ve simply forgotten to log out on a public computer.

On your mobile device (phone or tablet):

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile: As before, launch the app and navigate to your profile.
2. Access the menu: Tap the hamburger menu in the top right corner.
3. Go to Settings and privacy: Scroll down and tap on Settings and privacy.
4. Tap Account Center: Select Account Center at the top of the screen.
5. Tap Password and security: Find and tap on Password and security.
6. Tap Where you’re logged in: Look for and select the “Where you’re logged in” option.
7. Select your Instagram account: You might see a list of accounts. Choose the Instagram account you want to manage.
8. Select the device(s) to log out: A list of devices currently logged into your account will appear. Tap on the device(s) you wish to log out of.
9. Tap Log out: Tap the log out button. A prompt to confirm that you wish to log out will appear.

On your computer (via the Instagram website):

While the Instagram website offers limited functionality compared to the app, you can still manage logged-in devices.

1. Go to the Instagram website: Open your web browser and navigate to www.instagram.com.
2. Log in to your account: Enter your username and password.
3. Click your profile picture: Click your profile picture in the top right corner.
4. Click Settings: Choose Settings from the dropdown menu.
5. Click Password and security: On the left-hand menu, click on Password and security.
6. Click Where you’re logged in: Click on “Where you’re logged in”.
7. Select your Instagram account: You might see a list of accounts. Choose the Instagram account you want to manage.
8. Select the device(s) to log out: A list of devices currently logged into your account will appear. Click on the three dots beside the device(s) you wish to log out of.
9. Click Log out: Tap the log out button. A prompt to confirm that you wish to log out will appear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify the process and address common concerns.

Can I log out of all devices at once on Instagram?

Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t provide a single “Log out all devices” button. You need to manually select and log out of each device individually. While it’s a bit more time-consuming, this process ensures you have control over which devices are removed from your account. This granular control is actually beneficial for security reasons.

What happens when I log out of a device on Instagram?

When you log out of a device, that device will no longer have access to your Instagram account without you re-entering your login credentials. Any saved login information on that device might be removed, depending on your settings and the device’s operating system. You will cease to receive notifications on that device.

Will the person using the other device know I logged them out?

While they won’t receive a direct notification saying, “You have been logged out,” they will be prompted to enter their login information the next time they try to access Instagram. They will undoubtedly realize they have been logged out. They might suspect something, but they won’t know for sure if you intentionally logged them out or if there was some other issue.

How often should I check “Where you’re logged in” on Instagram?

It’s a good practice to check “Where you’re logged in” periodically, perhaps once a month or even more frequently if you suspect unauthorized access. This simple check can help you identify any unfamiliar devices and promptly remove them, bolstering your account security.

What if I don’t recognize a device listed under “Where you’re logged in”?

If you see a device you don’t recognize, immediately log it out. Then, change your Instagram password to something strong and unique. It’s also advisable to enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. A password manager can assist with generating and storing secure passwords.

Is it possible to log out of Instagram from a web browser if I only have the app available?

Yes, you can log out of Instagram devices using a web browser, even if you primarily use the app. The process is outlined above in the “On your computer (via the Instagram website)” section. This is a valuable backup option if you lose your phone or need to manage your account from a public computer.

What does “This session” mean in the “Where you’re logged in” list?

“This session” usually refers to the current device and browser you’re using to view the “Where you’re logged in” list. It simply identifies the active session.

Can I see the location of the devices logged into my Instagram account?

Instagram provides approximate locations based on the IP address of the device. However, this information might not be perfectly accurate. It’s more of a general indication of where the device is located. Exact locations are not typically provided for privacy reasons.

What is two-factor authentication, and how does it help with security?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your Instagram account. When enabled, you’ll need to enter a code sent to your phone or a separate authentication app in addition to your password when logging in from a new device. This makes it much harder for someone to access your account even if they know your password.

How do I enable two-factor authentication on Instagram?

1. Go to Settings and privacy: Open the Instagram app, go to your profile, tap the hamburger menu, and select Settings and privacy.
2. Tap Account Center: Select Account Center at the top of the screen.
3. Tap Password and security: Find and tap on Password and security.
4. Tap Two-factor authentication: Look for and select the “Two-factor authentication” option.
5. Choose a security method: Follow the on-screen instructions to set up 2FA using either text messages (SMS) or an authentication app (like Google Authenticator or Authy).

What should I do if I suspect my Instagram account has been hacked?

If you believe your Instagram account has been hacked, immediately change your password. Then, check “Where you’re logged in” and log out of any unfamiliar devices. Enable two-factor authentication and review your profile information for any unauthorized changes. You should also report the hack to Instagram through their help center.

My logged-in devices list shows “Unknown” for some devices. What does this mean?

When a device shows as “Unknown,” Instagram might not have enough information to identify it accurately. This could be due to various reasons, such as the device using a VPN or having limited tracking capabilities. The best practice is to log out any “Unknown” devices as a precaution.

By following these steps and keeping these FAQs in mind, you can effectively manage your logged-in devices and maintain the security of your Instagram account. Remember, a proactive approach to account security is always the best defense against unauthorized access.