What to Do If Your Instagram Account Gets Hacked

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Technology Buyers Guide

Hacked Instagram accounts can be distressing, but acting quickly may save your account. Follow these steps to restore access and secure your profile in the future.

1. Signs Your Account Is Hacked

You’re suddenly logged out.
Unknown activity or posts appear.
Instagram emails you about changes to your account (email, password, etc.).

2. Try This First (If You Still Have Access)

Check Login Activity:
- Go to Settings > Security > Login Activity or click here.
- Log out of any suspicious devices.

Change Your Password:
- Go to Settings > Security > Password or click here.
- Create a strong, unique password.

Check Your Email:
- Look for a message from [email protected] about email changes.
- Click “Revert this change” if applicable.

3. Steps If You’re Locked Out

Use Instagram’s Recovery Tools:
- Visit the Hacked Accounts Help Page.
- Request a Login Link to your registered phone or email.

Submit a Support Request:
- Tap “I can’t access this email or phone number” in the recovery process.
- Instagram may ask for a video selfie for identity verification.

Last Resort:
- Use Instagram’s login support page.

Note: Success may take multiple attempts.

4. Avoid These Mistakes

Don’t Pay Scammers: Paying a ransom doesn’t guarantee your account’s return.
Beware of “Recovery Services”: Many are scams targeting already hacked users.

5. Protect Your Account Moving Forward

Use a Strong Password:

Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA):
- Use an MFA app instead of phone-based codes.

Monitor Instagram Emails:
- Set notifications for account changes only.

Be Wary of Links in Messages:
- Verify suspicious links with the sender via another platform.

Summing it up

Time is critical when recovering a hacked account.
Avoid scams and only use Instagram’s official recovery methods.
Proactively secure your account to reduce the risk of future hacking attempts.

Stay vigilant, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with others to spread awareness!