Can I Get Back My Hacked Instagram Account?

Yes, you can recover your hacked Instagram account, but you need to act quickly. Hackers often change passwords, email addresses, or linked phone numbers, making it difficult to regain access. However, Instagram provides several recovery options to help you get your account back. This guide will walk you through the steps to recover your account, secure it, and prevent future hacks.

Signs Your Instagram Account Has Been Hacked

Before starting the recovery process, check for these signs that indicate your account has been hacked:

1. Login Issues – Your password no longer works.
2. Unauthorized Posts or Messages – You notice posts, comments, or messages that you didn’t create.
3. Email or Phone Number Changes – Instagram notifies you that your email or phone number has been updated without your permission.
4. Unknown Devices Logged In – Your account shows logins from unfamiliar locations.
5. Username or Profile Changes – Your username, bio, or profile picture has been altered.

Steps to Recover Your Hacked Instagram Account

1. Try Resetting Your Password

• Open the Instagram app or go to Instagram’s login page.
• Click “Forgot password?” and enter your username, email, or phone number.
• Follow the instructions sent to your email or phone to reset your password.
• If the hacker has changed your email and phone number, this option may not work.

2. Check Your Email for Security Notifications

• Instagram sends an email whenever account details change.
• Look for an email with the subject “Your email was changed” or “Your password was changed”.
• If you find this email and didn’t authorize the change, click “Secure your account here” to reverse the changes.

3. Request a Login Link

• If resetting your password doesn’t work, try requesting a login link:
  • Go to the login page and tap “Forgot password?”
  • Enter your username, email, or phone number.
  • Click “Send Login Link” and check your email or SMS for the link.
  • Follow the link to recover your account.

4. Verify Your Identity with Instagram

If the hacker has changed all recovery options, you’ll need to prove your identity:

• Open the Instagram app and go to the login screen.
• Tap “Get help logging in” (Android) or “Forgot password?” (iPhone).
• Select “Need more help?” and follow the prompts.
• Instagram may ask you to submit a photo of yourself holding a verification code to confirm your identity.
• If approved, you’ll receive an email with steps to regain access.

5. Report Your Account as Hacked

If you still can’t recover your account, report it to Instagram:

• Go to Instagram’s Help Center and click “Hacked Accounts”.
• Select “My account was hacked” and follow the instructions.
• Instagram will guide you through additional recovery steps.

How to Secure Your Instagram Account After Recovery

Once you regain access, take these steps to prevent future hacks:

1. Change Your Password Immediately

• Use a strong password with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Avoid using personal information like your name or birthdate.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

• Go to Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication.
• Turn it on and choose an authentication method:
  • Authentication app (Google Authenticator or Duo) – More secure.
  • Text message (SMS) – Less secure but better than nothing.

3. Review Account Activity

• Go to Settings > Security > Login Activity.
• Check if any unknown devices have accessed your account.
• Log out of any unrecognized devices immediately.

4. Remove Suspicious Third-Party Apps

• Hackers sometimes access accounts through third-party apps.
• Go to Settings > Security > Apps and Websites and remove any apps you don’t recognize.

5. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams

• Never click on suspicious links in emails, DMs, or messages claiming to be from Instagram.
• Instagram will never ask for your password via email or direct message.

What If You Can’t Recover Your Account?

If you’ve tried all the recovery steps but still can’t regain access, here are your options:

• Wait for Instagram’s response – Account recovery can take a few days. Check your email for updates.
• Create a new account – If your account was permanently deleted, you might need to start fresh. Notify your followers of the situation.
• Contact Instagram Support – If you have a business or verified account, you may get faster support by reporting the issue through Facebook’s Business Help Center.

Final Thoughts

Recovering a hacked Instagram account is possible, but you must act quickly. Try resetting your password first, check your email for recovery options, and verify your identity if needed. Once you regain access, secure your account with two-factor authentication and stay cautious of scams. Being proactive can prevent future hacks and keep your Instagram account safe.