Instagram may keep logging you out because of a problem with the app, your browser or your connection. Your saved login may also no longer be valid. First, try checking whether you stay logged in to the same account in a regular browser. This will help you know where to look next. Being logged out alone does not mean that someone has taken over your account.
See which situation you recognize below and follow the steps that apply.
Instagram keeps logging you out: determine where it happens
Compare the app with a regular browser on your own device. Use the same account and do not change any settings yet. Do you have a second device of your own? Also test whether you stay logged in there.
The PhoneGrid guide to repeated logouts divides the checks into device, browser, network and account security. Use the table to choose where to start.
| What do you notice? | What should you check first? |
|---|---|
| Only the app logs you out | Update the app and restart your phone. |
| Only the browser logs you out | Check whether you are using a private window and whether your browser saves cookies. |
| It happens only on one connection | Compare your own Wi Fi with mobile data. |
| It happens on all your devices | Check your logged in devices and any security notifications. |
| You also see unfamiliar messages or changed account details | Go straight to the steps for securing your account. |
Suppose the app keeps asking for your password, but you stay logged in in your browser. Then start with the steps for the app. You do not need to log out everywhere or change your password immediately.
Instagram logs you out in the app: update the app
Do you stay logged in in the browser? Try these steps one at a time on your phone. Check after each step whether Instagram still logs you out.
- Close Instagram completely. Then open the app again.
- Check whether an update is available. Open the App Store on your iPhone or Google Play on Android.
- Restart your phone. Then open only Instagram to test it.
- Clear the cache on Android if necessary. These are temporary files from the app. Find Instagram among the apps in your phone settings. Do you see an option to clear the cache? Try it. Do not simply choose to clear all data.
- Reinstall Instagram if necessary. Only do this if the earlier steps do not help and you are sure you can log in again.
Cannot clear the cache, for example on your iPhone? Skip that step. The options differ by phone.
Before reinstalling, check that you have access to your recovery email, phone number and any login codes. Save important drafts outside Instagram first. Content stored only on your phone may be lost if you remove the app.
Does the app close by itself without showing a login screen? Instagram may then be crashing instead of logging you out. Read what you can do if Instagram keeps crashing.
Instagram logs you out in the browser: check cookies
Cookies are small files that allow a website to remember your login. Is your browser deleting these files? Instagram may then ask for your password again.
- Use a regular window. A private window usually does not save your login after you close all private windows.
- Check whether your browser automatically clears cookies. Check in the settings whether this happens when you close the browser.
- Try another browser. Do you stay logged in there? Then look further into the settings or extensions of your first browser.
- If necessary, clear only Instagram site data. You will then need to log in again. You do not need to clear all cookies from all websites immediately.
Do you use a browser extension, an extra program in your browser, that clears or blocks cookies? It may affect your login. If necessary, temporarily disable the extension for Instagram and test again. Leave the other privacy protection in your browser enabled.
Instagram keeps logging you out: test your connection
On the same device, first try your own Wi Fi and then mobile data. Use the same app and the same account during the test. This way, you change only one thing at a time.
Do you use a VPN? This is a service that routes your internet traffic through another connection. If necessary, briefly test without a VPN on a trusted network. Do not do this on public Wi Fi if you need the VPN for that reason.
The Dr.Fone checklist for Instagram that keeps logging out mentions temporary app files, network and VPN as possible points to check. This does not mean that your VPN is the cause.
Do you stay logged in only via mobile data? Make a note of that difference. It helps you investigate your connection further, but it is not proof that your account is unsafe.
Instagram logs you out everywhere: view your logged in devices
Are you logged out on multiple devices? Check which devices have access to your account. Using multiple devices yourself does not in itself indicate a problem.
In Instagram settings, look for the Accounts Center. Under security, look there for your logged in devices or login activity. This is the overview of logins to your account. The section may be called ‘Where you’re logged in’, for example. The name and location may differ by version.
Cannot find the overview? Search Instagram Help for ‘login activity’ or ‘logged in devices’.
Check each login for:
- Whether you recognize the device or browser.
- Whether the time matches when you used Instagram.
- Whether you used an old phone or shared computer.
Do not look only at the place name. A location based on your internet connection is not always precise. Do you see an unfamiliar device and activity that is not yours? Then follow the steps below.
Instagram logs you out with unusual activity: secure your account
Change your password if you see an unfamiliar login, find messages you did not post yourself or notice that your account details have changed. Being logged out repeatedly alone is not a reason to choose a new password every time.
- Choose a new, unique password. Use a password that you do not use anywhere else.
- Log out unfamiliar devices. Do this in the overview of logged in devices if you can still access it.
- Check your recovery details. Check whether the linked email address and phone number still belong to you.
- Turn on two factor authentication. You will then need an extra confirmation in addition to your password to log in. Store any recovery codes in a safe place outside your phone.
- Check connected services. Revoke access for apps you do not recognize or no longer use.
Did you enter your Instagram password on another service? Think of an app that claims to show who visits your profile. Then change your password there too. Deleting only that app does not make the shared password secret again.
Cannot log in anymore? Use the login or account recovery help in the Instagram app. Do not give your password or login codes to anyone who offers through a message to recover your account.
Instagram logs you out immediately after logging in: what now?
Do not keep logging in repeatedly. Try a regular browser once on a trusted connection. Do you stay logged in there? Then first check your logged in devices before reinstalling the app.
Does it happen in both the app and the browser, without unusual activity on your account? A temporary outage is possible. Try again later. Do you see an error message or security check? Read it first and follow the instructions within Instagram.
Does Instagram keep logging you out? Report the problem through Instagram Help as soon as you have access to it. Note down in advance:
- Which phone you use and which app version is installed on it.
- Whether it also happens in a browser.
- Whether you use Wi Fi, mobile data or a VPN.
- Whether you are logged out immediately or only after closing the app.
- The exact error message, without passwords or login codes.
This makes it clear what you have already tried and when the problem occurs. That provides more information than just ‘logging in does not work’. Once your account is working as intended, you can explore our Instagram services to compare packages for followers and likes for your public profile or content.
