Have you ever faced that frustrating moment when you try to reset your Instagram password, and all you see is: “Something went wrong, please try again”? You’re not alone. Many users across the globe face this glitch, and it can feel pretty annoying—especially if you’re trying to get back into your account urgently.
In this blog, let’s talk in detail—point by point—about why Instagram password reset is not working, what ‘something went wrong’ actually means, and what you can do step-by-step to solve it. We’ll keep it informative, simple, and helpful, and include tables for clarity. Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
1. What Does “Something Went Wrong” on Instagram Really Mean?
This vague message often pops up when there’s a hiccup in Instagram’s system or your device’s connection. But here’s what it could actually mean behind the scenes:
| Possible Reason | What It Means in Simple Terms |
|---|---|
| Server glitch | Instagram’s servers are temporarily down or busy |
| Connectivity issue | Your device is not connected properly to the internet |
| Cache error | Your app/browser has stored corrupted data |
| Outdated version | Your Instagram app is outdated or bugged |
| Blocked activity | Instagram suspects suspicious activity on your account |
2. Common Reasons Why Instagram Password Reset Is Not Working
Before fixing anything, it helps to know why it’s not working in the first place. Here’s a point-wise breakdown of common causes:
✔ Poor Internet Connection
A weak or unstable internet connection can prevent the password reset link from loading properly.
✔ Outdated App Version
If you’re using an old version of Instagram, password reset links may not function properly due to bugs.
✔ Incorrect Email or Phone Number
If you entered the wrong email or phone number linked to your account, Instagram can’t send you the reset link.
✔ Cache Overload
Too much saved data (cache) on your device can interfere with Instagram’s normal functioning.
✔ Server Outage from Instagram
Sometimes the issue isn’t on your end at all—Instagram servers might be temporarily down.
✔ Spam Filters in Email
Your reset link email might have landed in the spam or junk folder.
✔ Account Suspended or Disabled
Instagram may have restricted your account, which disables password reset functionality.
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3. Step-by-Step Solutions: What to Do When Instagram Password Reset Isn’t Working
Let’s now walk through actionable solutions, step-by-step. Try these one by one for best results.
✅ Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection
Make sure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data network.
Tip: Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data or vice versa to test the issue.
✅ Step 2: Clear App Cache
If you’re using the Instagram app, clearing cache often fixes common bugs.
| Device | How to Clear Cache |
|---|---|
| Android | Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache |
| iPhone | Uninstall and reinstall the Instagram app (iOS doesn’t allow manual cache clearing) |
✅ Step 3: Use a Different Device or Browser
Try logging in or resetting the password from a different browser or device.
Example: If your phone isn’t working, try on a laptop browser like Chrome or Firefox.
✅ Step 4: Update Instagram
Make sure your app is updated to the latest version.
How to Check:
- Open Google Play Store / App Store
- Search Instagram
- Tap Update if available
✅ Step 5: Check Your Spam or Junk Folder
Sometimes the reset email is sent but ends up in your spam folder.
Pro Tip: Search your inbox using the keyword “Instagram”.
✅ Step 6: Try Incognito or Private Mode
Open a private browsing window and request the reset link again. It bypasses cookie/cache issues.
✅ Step 7: Recheck Your Email or Phone Number
Double-check if you’ve entered the correct email ID or phone number associated with your account.
✅ Step 8: Use the Username Instead
Sometimes typing your username instead of email works better while requesting the reset link.
4. Alternative Ways to Reset Instagram Password
If the normal method isn’t working, try these alternative ways:
| Alternative Method | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Via Facebook Login | If your Instagram is linked to Facebook, use Facebook login to access your account |
| Forgot Password from Browser | Visit Instagram.com on browser and click Forgot Password? under the login form |
| Using Help Center Form | Report the issue directly via Instagram Help Center |
| Using ‘Get Help Logging In’ | Available only on mobile app; tap it below the login form |
5. How to Use the ‘Get Help Logging In’ Option
If you’re on mobile, this is your best bet.
Steps:
- Open Instagram App
- Tap ‘Get Help Logging In’
- Enter username, email, or phone
- Choose Send an Email or SMS
- Follow the link received
If it says “Something went wrong” again, continue with other solutions or try again after some time.
6. When Should You Wait and Try Again Later?
Sometimes, Instagram servers are genuinely overloaded or undergoing updates. In such cases, the issue is temporary.
| When to Wait | Why It Happens |
|---|---|
| Instagram outage globally | Too many users at once or server maintenance |
| Account temporarily locked | Security filters flag suspicious login attempts |
| High traffic hours | Server processing delays |
Tip: Try resetting again after 30 minutes to 2 hours if everything else fails.
7. Still Not Working? Report the Problem to Instagram
When nothing else works, it’s time to report the issue directly.
How to Do It:
- Open the Instagram app (use another account if needed)
- Go to Settings > Help > Report a Problem
- Choose “Something Isn’t Working”
- Describe the password reset issue
Instagram usually reviews such requests in a few business days.
8. Preventive Tips to Avoid This Issue in Future
| Preventive Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Keep app updated | Prevent bugs that interfere with login |
| Link email + phone | Helps with multiple recovery options |
| Avoid third-party login apps | These often lead to security flags |
| Don’t log in on public devices | Can cause account lockouts |
9. What If Your Account Is Hacked or Phished?
In case you suspect your Instagram has been hacked, here’s what to do:
Step-by-step:
- Visit Instagram Help Center > Hacked Accounts
- Click on “I think my Instagram account has been hacked”
- Request support and verify your identity
- Wait for instructions from Instagram via email
Note: You might be asked to upload a selfie video for verification.
10. When to Contact Instagram Support as a Last Resort
If you’ve tried everything and still cannot access the reset link or login page, reach out to Instagram Support via Help Center or Meta Business Suite if it’s a business account.
Expected Response Time: Usually 3-5 business days.
Quick Recap Table:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check network connection |
| 2 | Clear cache or reinstall app |
| 3 | Try a different device/browser |
| 4 | Use updated version |
| 5 | Check spam/junk folders |
| 6 | Try with username instead |
| 7 | Use ‘Get Help Logging In’ |
| 8 | Try after a few hours |
| 9 | Report to Instagram |
| 10 | Use alternative login options |
FAQs –
Q1: Why is Instagram password reset not working?
Due to app bugs, server issues, or incorrect login info.
Q2: What to do if reset email is not received?
Check spam/junk folders or try a different method.
Q3: Can I reset password without email?
Yes, use phone number or Facebook login if linked.
Q4: Is it safe to use third-party reset tools?
No, they can compromise your account security.
Final Thoughts
It’s incredibly frustrating when you need to access your Instagram and the password reset feature fails with ‘Something went wrong’. But now, you’re well-equipped with every possible solution. Whether it’s a minor connectivity glitch or a deeper server issue, this guide has you covered point-by-point.
Keep calm, follow the steps, and don’t panic—your Instagram is just a few clicks away from being accessible again.
I’m Pratiksha, your guide to the digital world. I review tech and debunk internet trends.