Instagram is a massive part of our social and professional lives. It’s a platform where we share memories, connect with friends, promote businesses, and even make a living. But with its popularity comes a growing risk: hacking. If your Instagram account gets hacked, it can feel devastating—your personal info, followers, and content can all be at risk.
But don’t worry! In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to recover a hacked Instagram account. Time is of the essence, so the quicker you act, the better your chances of regaining control.
Step 1: Check for Suspicious Emails from Instagram
When an Instagram account is hacked, the hacker may change your email or phone number linked to the account. Instagram will send an email to your original address notifying you about this change. Here’s what you should do:
- Search your email inbox (including spam/junk) for any message from Instagram.
- Look for an email titled: “Your email address was changed.”
- If you see it, and you didn’t make this change, click the “Revert this change” link immediately to reverse the hacker’s actions.
This step can sometimes resolve the issue instantly, getting you back into your account.
Step 2: Request a Login Link from Instagram
If the hacker changed your password and you can’t log in, requesting a login link (also known as an “Account Recovery Link”) can help. This method verifies your identity and helps recover your account.
To do this:
- Open Instagram on your phone or go to Instagram.com on a browser.
- Tap or click “Forgot password?” on the login page.
- Enter your username, email address, or phone number linked to the account.
- Instagram will send you a login link via email or SMS. Use that link to reset your password and log in.
If you no longer have access to the linked email or phone number, proceed to the next step.
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Step 3: Use Instagram’s Account Recovery
If you cannot use your email or phone number to receive the recovery link, Instagram provides a built-in account recovery option.
- On the login screen, tap “Need more help?”
- Choose your account if it appears on the list. If not, input your username.
- Select “Can’t reset your password?” This will direct you to additional options to verify your identity.
- Instagram may ask you to provide the original email or phone number associated with the account. If successful, they’ll send a new recovery link.
- If all else fails, you can click on “Try another way,” which might prompt you to complete a verification process, like uploading a video selfie to prove your identity.
Step 4: Report the Hacked Account to Instagram
If you’re still unable to regain control, the next step is to report the account as compromised to Instagram.
- Go to the Instagram Help Center on a browser or through the app.
- Search for “My account was hacked” or use this direct link to access Instagram’s support page for hacked accounts.
- Follow the instructions to file a report. Instagram might ask for details like your username, previous email, and other account-related information.
In some cases, you may need to prove your identity with an ID or verification process to restore your access. Be patient during this step as it may take some time for Instagram to review your case and respond.
Step 5: Secure Your Account After Recovery
Once you’ve successfully recovered your Instagram account, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to prevent future hacking attempts. Here’s what you should do:
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Go to your profile, tap the menu (three lines), then Settings > Security > Two-factor authentication.
Choose either SMS or an authentication app (like Google Authenticator) to add an extra layer of security.
- Update Your Password: Use a strong password that includes a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names.
- Revoke Access to Third-Party Apps:
Some third-party apps can lead to your account being compromised. Go to Settings > Security > Apps and Websites to review and revoke permissions for any suspicious apps.
Monitor Account Activity:
Regularly check your Login Activity under Security to ensure no unauthorised logins have occurred.
Change Your Linked Email and Phone Number: If the hacker accessed your email or phone, consider creating a new email or updating your phone number linked to Instagram.
Dealing with a hacked Instagram account can be frustrating, but by following these steps, you should be able to regain control. Quick action and securing your account once you’re back in is the key to a successful recovery.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Stay vigilant with your online security by enabling two-factor authentication, using strong passwords, and being cautious of suspicious links or apps. Your Instagram account holds many valuable personal and professional data—keeping it safe should be a priority!
