How to Log Out of Instagram on a Phone & Computer
Last Update:
6 mins
Navigate the simple process of logging out from Instagram on various devices to protect your privacy and account security.
Reviewed by Chloe Bidle
Creative social media strategist, driving engagement and innovation.
Logging out of your Instagram account on various devices is an essential step to ensure your security and privacy. Whether you're using a shared device or simply want to disconnect, knowing how to sign out correctly prevents unauthorized access to your personal information and activities. On mobile phones, it's especially crucial to log out if you're in the habit of lending your phone to others, or if you've signed into Instagram on a friend's device temporarily.
On your computer, signing out of Instagram is just as important as on mobile. Despite being a less frequent target for prying eyes compared to mobile devices, leaving your account accessible on a desktop or laptop can still pose a risk. It's particularly true if you're using a public or workplace computer where multiple individuals might have access.
Understanding the steps to log out of Instagram ensures that your account remains private and under your control. Whether switching between accounts or securing your personal data, the process is straightforward and fast on both phones and computers. Familiarizing yourself with this process will maintain the integrity of your digital presence on the platform.
Steps to Follow
When you want to secure your Instagram account, logging out is a crucial step, especially on shared devices. Below are the clear steps to log out of your Instagram account from both a mobile device and a desktop computer.
On Mobile Device
To log out of Instagram on your mobile device, follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner to go to your profile.
- Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the upper-right corner.
- Select Settings at the bottom of the menu that appears.
- Scroll down to the bottom and tap Log Out.
Your account will be signed out from the mobile app, preventing unauthorized access.
On Desktop
To log out of Instagram on your desktop or computer, the process is slightly different:
- Visit the Instagram website and ensure you're logged in.
- Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner to access your profile.
- Click the gear icon to open Settings.
- Scroll to find the Log Out button and click it.
Now, your Instagram session will be closed on your computer.
How to Log Out of Instagram on All Devices
Logging out of Instagram on all devices can protect your privacy and secure your account. If you suspect an unauthorized person has access to your account or you've logged in on a shared device, it's wise to sign out from every device.
On Your Phone:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap on your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
- Hit the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings > Security > Login Activity.
- You will see a list of devices where your account is currently logged in.
- To log out of all sessions at once, tap Log Out next to each device or select Log out of all sessions (if available).
On Your Computer:
- Visit Instagram on your web browser.
- Click on your profile icon to access your profile.
- Choose Settings from the drop-down menu.
- Locate and click on Login Activity within the settings.
- Similar to the mobile process, a list of all active sessions will be displayed.
- Click on Log Out next to each active session or choose Log out of all to end all active sessions.
Remember, after you log out from all devices, you will need to log in again on the device you wish to continue using Instagram. Keep your login credentials secure and change your password regularly to maintain account security.
Can I Remotely Log Out of My Instagram Account?
Yes, you can remotely log out of your Instagram account from an individual device or from all devices. Instagram's security features allow you to manage your sessions effectively.
To remotely log out from your phone:
- Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
- Select the menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings > Security.
- Access Login Activity.
- Here, you’ll see a list of all the devices where you’re logged in.
- Find the session you want to end and tap Log Out.
To remotely log out from your computer:
- Visit the Instagram website and sign in.
- Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner and select Settings.
- Navigate to Security and then Login Activity.
- You will see all active sessions along with their locations and device types.
- Click on the session you wish to end and select Log Out.
Tips for maintaining account security:
- Regularly review your Login Activity to monitor for unauthorized access.
- Log out from devices that you no longer use or recognize.
- Change your password if you suspect your account security is compromised.
By following these steps, you ensure that you maintain control over where and how your Instagram account is accessed, thereby safeguarding your privacy and security.
What Happens When I Log Out of Instagram?
When you log out of Instagram, your account remains active, and your content, such as photos, videos, and profile information, stays intact. Logging out simply means that your session ends on the device from which you've logged out.
Security and Privacy
Logging out is a basic but essential step for maintaining your privacy and security. Your login activity is crucial to keep track of to prevent unauthorized access to your account. When you log out:
- Your session ends, making your account inaccessible without re-entering your login details.
- If you have used a public or shared computer, logging out ensures others cannot access your profile without your password.
Login Details
- Auto-fill information: If auto-fill is enabled, your username and password may be saved for future logins, posing a potential security risk.
- Login Info: It's advised to turn off 'Remember Login Info' when using shared devices to prevent accidental or unauthorized access to your Instagram account.
Overall Account Status
Your account's content remains unaffected when you log out:
- Posts: They are still visible to other Instagram users according to your privacy settings.
- Messages: Your direct messages and conversations are preserved and will be available upon your next login.
- Notifications: You will not receive notifications until you log back in, but once you do, all your missed notifications will appear.
Remember, logging out does not delete anything from your account nor does it remove any prior activity. It is simply a measure to ensure that you control who has access to your account and to safeguard your privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating the various ways to log out of your Instagram account is straightforward whether you are on a phone, computer, or browser.
What are the steps to log out of an Instagram account on an Android phone?
To log out of Instagram on an Android phone, tap your profile picture in the bottom right, then the three lines in the top right. Select 'Settings,' scroll down to the bottom, and tap 'Log out.' Confirm by tapping 'Log out' on the prompt.
How to Log Out of Instagram on a Mac
On a Mac, click the profile icon in the lower right of the Instagram website, then click on the gear icon next to 'Edit Profile.' Scroll down and click 'Log out.' Confirm the action if prompted.
Can You Log Out of Instagram on a Web Browser?
Yes, you can log out of Instagram on a web browser by clicking your profile picture in the top right and selecting 'Log out' at the bottom of the dropdown menu.
How can I sign out of my Instagram account on an iPhone?
To sign out on an iPhone, go to your profile, tap the menu icon in the top right corner, select 'Settings,' scroll down, and tap 'Log out.' Confirm by selecting 'Log out' again.
Can I log out from my Instagram account on all devices through a computer?
You can't directly log out of all devices at once through a computer. You must change your password to sign out of all sessions or log out from each device individually.
What should I do if my Instagram account still appears after logging out?
If your account appears after logging out, clear your browser's cache and cookies, or try logging out again to resolve the issue.
How can I sign out from my Instagram account on other devices without changing my password?
To sign out from other devices without changing your password, you must access Instagram on each device and manually log out from your account settings.
Is it possible to log out from Instagram on a desktop and will it affect sessions on other devices?
Logging out from Instagram on a desktop will only affect that specific session. Sessions on other devices will remain active until you log out from them individually.