If you forgot your Threads password, you cannot reset it directly inside the Threads app. Threads relies on your Instagram account for authentication. When you change your Instagram password, your Threads password updates automatically. This article explains the exact steps to reset your Threads password by changing your Instagram password on both mobile and desktop.
Key Takeaways: Reset Your Threads Password via Instagram
- Instagram Settings > Password: Changing your Instagram password also changes your Threads password.
- Instagram app or website: You can reset the password from either the Instagram mobile app or the Instagram website on a computer.
- Login link or SMS code: If you cannot remember your Instagram password, use the “Forgot password” option to receive a reset link or code.
How Threads Authentication Works With Instagram
Threads does not have its own login system. When you create a Threads account, you log in using your Instagram credentials. The Threads app stores a session token that keeps you signed in. If you ever log out or need to re-enter your password, you must use the same Instagram password. Changing your Instagram password immediately updates the password used by Threads. There is no separate Threads password field in any settings menu.
This design means that resetting your Threads password always requires going through Instagram. The process is identical whether you use an iPhone, Android phone, or a computer. The only difference is the interface you use to access Instagram settings.
Steps to Reset Your Threads Password on Mobile
Follow these steps on your iPhone or Android device. You need the Instagram app installed.
- Open the Instagram app
Tap the Instagram icon on your home screen. Make sure you are logged into the Instagram account that is linked to your Threads profile. - Go to your profile
Tap your profile picture icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen. - Open Settings
Tap the three-line menu icon in the top-right corner, then tap Settings and privacy. - Select Accounts Center
Scroll down and tap Accounts Center. This section manages passwords and login info for all Meta accounts linked to your Instagram. - Tap Password and security
Inside Accounts Center, tap Password and security. - Tap Change password
Select Change password. Instagram will ask you to enter your current password first. If you do not remember it, tap Forgot password? to receive a reset link via email or SMS. - Enter your new password
Type your new password twice to confirm. Use a strong password that you have not used on other sites. Tap Change password or Save. - Open Threads and log in
Switch to the Threads app. If you are still logged in, you can continue using the app. If you were logged out, tap Log in with Instagram and enter your new Instagram password.
Steps to Reset Your Threads Password on Desktop
If you prefer using a computer, you can change your password through the Instagram website. The result is the same for Threads.
- Go to Instagram.com
Open your browser and navigate to instagram.com. Log in with your Instagram account credentials. - Open Settings
Click your profile picture in the top-right corner, then click Settings from the dropdown menu. - Go to Accounts Center
In the left sidebar, click Accounts Center. - Click Password and security
Under Accounts Center, click Password and security. - Click Change password
Click Change password. Enter your current password. If you forgot it, click Forgot password? and follow the email or SMS reset process. - Set your new password
Type your new password twice. Click Change password to save. - Use the new password in Threads
Open Threads on your phone. If you are logged out, tap Log in with Instagram and enter the new password.
Common Issues When Resetting the Threads Password
Threads Shows “Incorrect Password” After Changing Instagram Password
This usually happens because the Threads app still has an old session token. Close the Threads app completely by swiping it away from the recent apps list. Reopen Threads and log in again with your new Instagram password. If the problem continues, uninstall and reinstall the Threads app, then log in fresh.
Instagram Says “Current Password Incorrect” During Reset
If you do not remember your current Instagram password, you cannot use the “Change password” option. Instead, use the Forgot password link on the Instagram login screen. Instagram will send a password reset link to your email or a code via SMS. After resetting your password through that link, the new password will apply to Threads as well.
Threads Account Locked After Password Reset
If you changed your password and then tried to log into Threads multiple times with the wrong password, your account may be temporarily locked. Wait 30 minutes before trying again. You can also log into Instagram first using the new password to verify it works. Then log into Threads.
Instagram Password Reset vs Threads Password Reset Compared
| Item | Instagram Password Reset | Threads Password Reset |
|---|---|---|
| Where to change | Instagram app or Instagram website | Not available in Threads |
| What changes | Instagram password only | Threads password updates automatically after Instagram change |
| Forgot password option | Yes, via email or SMS | No direct option; must use Instagram forgot password |
| Effect on other Meta services | Also changes password for Facebook if accounts are linked | Only affects Threads login |
You can now reset your Threads password by changing your Instagram password on mobile or desktop. After the change, log into Threads using the new password. If you use two-factor authentication on Instagram, you will need to enter your 2FA code when logging into Threads after the password change. To avoid future lockouts, store your Instagram password in a password manager.