Recover a Hacked Instagram Account

Losing access to your Instagram account due to hacking can be a stressful experience, but don’t worry you’re not alone. Instagram accounts are increasingly targeted by hackers, and many users face the issue of losing control of their profiles. This guide will walk you through the steps to recover a hacked Instagram account and secure it to prevent future incidents.



Why Do Instagram Accounts Get Hacked?

Instagram accounts are typically hacked for various reasons, including:

  • Weak Passwords: Easy-to-guess passwords make your account an easy target.
  • Phishing Scams: Hackers may send fake emails or messages to trick you into providing your login details.
  • Third-Party Apps: Some untrusted apps might request access to your Instagram account and steal your credentials.
  • Reused Passwords: If you use the same password across multiple platforms, hackers can gain access to multiple accounts.

Understanding why hacking happens is crucial to preventing future attacks. Now, let’s get into the recovery process.

Step 1: Change Your Password Immediately

The very first thing you should do if you suspect your Instagram account has been hacked is to change your password. Here’s how:

  1. Go to the Instagram login page and select "Forgot password?".
  2. Enter your email address, phone number, or username associated with the account.
  3. Follow the instructions sent to your email or phone to reset the password.
  4. Choose a strong password—one that is unique and not used for any other accounts.

A strong password includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

Step 2: Verify Your Identity with Instagram

If you’re unable to reset your password or the hacker has changed your email or phone number, you’ll need to verify your identity with Instagram:

  1. Open the Instagram app and go to the login page.
  2. Tap “Need more help?” below the login field.
  3. Choose “My account was hacked” and follow the on-screen instructions.
  4. Instagram may ask you to provide information to prove your identity, such as:
    • A selfie video to verify that you are the rightful owner of the account.
    • The original email address or phone number associated with the account.
    • A security code sent to your email or phone.

After submitting your information, Instagram will review it, and if verified, they will help you recover your account.

Step 3: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

To protect your account from future hacking attempts, it's essential to activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code in addition to your password when logging in.

Here’s how to enable 2FA on Instagram:

  1. Go to your profile and tap the three lines in the top-right corner.
  2. Select “Settings” > “Security” > “Two-Factor Authentication”.
  3. Tap “Get Started” and choose either:
    • Authentication App: Use an app like Google Authenticator.
    • Text Message: Receive codes via SMS to your phone.

2FA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if someone has your password.

Step 4: Check Your Account Activity

After securing your account, it’s a good idea to review recent activities to ensure no further suspicious actions have been taken:

  1. Go to Settings > Security > Login Activity.
  2. Check all the devices and locations where your account has been logged in.
  3. If you notice any unfamiliar logins, log out of those sessions immediately and change your password again.

This will ensure that any lingering access points from the hacker are closed off.

Step 5: Revoke Access to Suspicious Third-Party Apps

Sometimes, hackers gain access to your account via third-party apps that you may have authorized unknowingly. Here’s how to check and revoke access to such apps:

  1. Go to Settings > Security > Apps and Websites.
  2. Review all the apps that have access to your account.
  3. Revoke access to any suspicious or unnecessary apps.

This step is crucial for blocking any backdoor entry points that hackers may use to regain access to your account.

How to Prevent Future Hacks

Once you've recovered your Instagram account, it's important to take the following steps to prevent future hacking attempts:

  • Use a Strong, Unique Password: Ensure your password is complex and not reused across other platforms.
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication: As mentioned earlier, 2FA provides an additional layer of security.
  • Be Cautious with Emails and Messages: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information through emails or direct messages.
  • Regularly Check Account Activity: Monitor your account for unusual login attempts or activities.
  • Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi: Hackers can easily access data on unsecured public networks.

Why You Should Act Quickly

The longer a hacker has control of your account, the more damage they can do. They may send inappropriate messages, delete important content, or change account settings in ways that make it harder for you to regain control. Acting quickly increases the chances of successfully recovering your account with minimal damage.

Final Thoughts

Having your Instagram account hacked can be a nerve-wracking experience, but following the steps outlined above will help you regain control of your account and ensure it remains secure. By changing your password, verifying your identity, enabling two-factor authentication, and staying vigilant about security, you can protect your account from future attacks.

FAQs

Q: What should I do if I can't recover my account through Instagram's support?

If Instagram’s recovery steps don’t work, consider reaching out directly to their Help Center or through their social media channels for further assistance.

Q: Is it possible to recover an Instagram account if the hacker has changed my email and phone number?

Yes, by verifying your identity through Instagram’s account recovery process, you can reclaim your account even if the email and phone number have been changed.

Conclusion

With Instagram being a major platform for sharing moments and connecting with others, losing access to your account can feel overwhelming. However, following these recovery steps will put you back in control. Stay vigilant about your security, and always take proactive steps to keep your account safe.