How to Recover a Hacked Instagram Account: Step-by-Step Guide
Having your Instagram account hacked can be stressful, especially if you have spent years building your profile, followers, photos, and conversations. A hacker may change your password, email address, phone number, username, or even try to contact your followers.
The good news is that you may still be able to recover a hacked Instagram account. Instagram provides account recovery options for people who cannot log in, have lost access to their email or phone number, or believe someone has taken control of their account.
In this guide, we explain how to recover a hacked Instagram account, what to do if your email was changed, how to secure your account after recovery, and what mistakes you should avoid.
Table of Contents
Signs Your Instagram Account Has Been Hacked
Sometimes you may notice immediately that someone has accessed your Instagram account. In other cases, the hacker may quietly change important settings while leaving your profile looking normal.
Some common warning signs include:
- You suddenly cannot log in with your usual password.
- Your Instagram email address or phone number has changed.
- Your username or profile information has been changed without your permission.
- Unknown posts, Stories, or messages appear on your account.
- You notice unfamiliar login activity.
- People tell you that your account is sending them strange messages.
- You receive security emails about changes you did not make.
- Your account starts following unfamiliar profiles.
If you notice any of these signs, act quickly. The sooner you try to regain control, the better your chances of stopping further changes.
What to Do First After Your Instagram Account Is Hacked
Don't panic and don't start clicking random recovery links sent through messages. Scammers often target hacked-account victims by pretending to be Instagram support.
Start by checking whether you still have access to your Instagram account.
If you can still log in, immediately change your password and review your account settings. Remove unfamiliar information and check whether the email address and phone number connected to the account are yours.
If you cannot log in, use Instagram's official account recovery process rather than relying on third-party "Instagram recovery" services.
You should also secure the email account connected to Instagram. If the hacker has access to your email, simply changing your Instagram password may not be enough to protect the account.
For broader digital security, you can also review these simple ways to protect your home network and connected devices.
How to Recover a Hacked Instagram Account
Instagram's Help Center provides recovery options for people who cannot log in, have forgotten their password, have lost access to their email or phone number, or believe their account has been hacked.
Start with Instagram's login and recovery options and choose the option that best matches your situation.
Step 1: Try to Log In
Open Instagram and try logging in with your normal username, email address, phone number, and password.
If your password still works, change it immediately and check the account's security settings. This can sometimes stop the hacker from maintaining access.
Step 2: Use the Password Recovery Option
If your password no longer works, select the option for help with logging in or recovering your account.
Instagram may ask you to provide information connected to the account. Follow the recovery instructions shown on your screen.
Step 3: Check Your Email
If the hacker changed your Instagram email address, check the original email account that was connected to Instagram.
Instagram may send security notifications when important account information is changed. If you receive an email about a change you did not make, follow the security instructions provided in that message.
Step 4: Complete Any Security Checks
Depending on your account and situation, Instagram may ask you to confirm your identity. The available verification process can vary from one account to another.
Instagram may use information such as your account details or, in some cases, a video selfie to help confirm that you are the legitimate account owner.
Step 5: Follow the Recovery Instructions Carefully
Once Instagram gives you a recovery path, complete each step carefully. Avoid repeatedly submitting random information or using unofficial websites that claim they can recover your account for a fee.
What If the Hacker Changed Your Email Address?
Changing the email address is a common tactic used by attackers because it can make normal password recovery more difficult.
First, check the original email account connected to your Instagram profile. Look for a genuine security notification from Instagram about the email address being changed.
If Instagram provides an option to reverse or secure the change, follow that process.
Also change the password of your email account if you suspect that someone may have accessed it. Turn on two-factor authentication for your email as well.
Remember that recovering Instagram is only half of the job. You also need to make sure the email account associated with Instagram is secure.
What If Your Instagram Password Was Changed?
If the hacker changed your password, your normal login details may no longer work.
Use Instagram's password recovery and account access options rather than trying passwords repeatedly.
If you receive a password-reset message that you did not request, don't share the code or link with anyone. A person pretending to be an Instagram employee should never need your password or security code.
Once you regain access, create a new password that you have not used on another website or social media account.
What If You Lost Access to Your Email or Phone?
Losing access to both Instagram and the email or phone number connected to it can make recovery more complicated, but it does not necessarily mean the account is permanently lost.
Instagram provides separate help options for people who have lost access to their email or phone number. Follow the recovery route that matches your situation.
You should also try to recover your original email account or phone number through your email provider or mobile service provider if possible. Regaining access to the original contact method can make account recovery easier.
Do not send your personal information to random people who promise to recover the account through private messages.
Instagram Identity Verification
In some cases, Instagram may ask you to confirm that you are the legitimate owner of the account.
The verification process can depend on the circumstances of the account. Some users may be asked for account information, while others may be offered additional identity checks.
Instagram can also use a video selfie verification process in certain recovery situations.
Follow only the instructions shown through Instagram's official recovery process. Never send your verification information to someone claiming to be an unofficial Instagram recovery agent.
How to Secure Your Instagram Account After Recovery
Getting your account back is not the final step. You should immediately strengthen its security so the same problem does not happen again.
Change Your Password
Create a strong, unique password that you don't use anywhere else.
Avoid using easily guessed information such as your name, birthday, phone number, or common words.
Turn On Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, adds another security layer to your Instagram account.
Even if someone discovers your password, an additional verification step can make it much harder for them to access the account.
Check Login Activity
Review the devices and locations associated with your Instagram account. If you see a login you don't recognize, secure the account and remove access where Instagram provides that option.
Review Your Email and Phone Number
Make sure the email address and phone number connected to your account belong to you.
Remove Suspicious Third-Party Access
Review apps, websites, and services that have access to your Instagram account. Remove anything you don't recognize or no longer use.
It's also worth reviewing your wider online habits because an insecure device or reused password can put multiple accounts at risk.
How to Prevent Your Instagram Account From Being Hacked Again
Most account-security problems become easier to avoid when you build a few simple habits.
- Use a unique password: Never reuse your Instagram password on other websites.
- Enable 2FA: Add an extra layer of protection to your account.
- Protect your email: Your email account is an important part of your Instagram recovery process.
- Avoid suspicious links: Don't enter your Instagram login details on unfamiliar websites.
- Be careful with DMs: Scammers may pretend to be brands, friends, or Instagram employees.
- Don't share security codes: Treat login and verification codes as private information.
- Review login activity: Check for unfamiliar devices or locations.
- Keep your phone updated: Install operating system and app security updates regularly.
- Use trusted apps: Be careful when giving third-party services access to your Instagram account.
It's also important to think carefully before clicking links received through social media. A convincing-looking message can still lead to a fake login page designed to steal your credentials.
If you're trying to build a safer digital routine overall, making a habit of small daily lifestyle changes can also help you create more consistent online and offline habits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When people lose access to an Instagram account, they often make the situation worse by reacting too quickly.
Try to avoid these mistakes:
- Paying strangers who claim they can recover your account.
- Sharing Instagram passwords with anyone.
- Sharing login codes or verification codes.
- Clicking recovery links sent by unknown people.
- Installing unknown apps that promise account recovery.
- Giving remote access to your phone or computer.
- Using the same password again after recovering the account.
- Ignoring security warnings from your email provider.
Be especially careful with anyone who contacts you after your account has been hacked. Attackers know that worried users are more likely to trust someone who promises a quick solution.
Final Thoughts
Recovering a hacked Instagram account can take patience, but you should start with Instagram's official recovery process rather than relying on unofficial services.
If you can still access the account, change your password, check login activity, verify your email and phone number, and enable two-factor authentication as soon as possible.
If you cannot log in, use Instagram's account recovery options and follow the identity-verification instructions available for your situation. Instagram's Help Center specifically provides recovery guidance for hacked accounts, changed email addresses, password problems, and identity confirmation.
Once you recover your account, don't stop at changing the password. Securing your email, using a unique password, enabling 2FA, and staying alert to suspicious messages can significantly improve your account security.
And if you use Instagram professionally or as a creator, protecting your account is even more important because losing access can also affect your audience and income. You can learn more about building income from an Instagram audience without depending only on a huge follower count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a hacked Instagram account?
Yes, you may be able to recover it through Instagram's official account recovery process. The available options depend on whether you still have access to your email, phone number, password, or other account information.
What should I do if a hacker changed my Instagram email?
Check the original email account connected to Instagram for a security notification about the change. Follow Instagram's official instructions to secure or reverse the change if that option is available.
Can Instagram verify my identity?
Instagram may ask some users to complete identity verification during account recovery. Depending on the situation, this can include additional account information or a video selfie verification process.
Should I pay someone to recover my hacked Instagram account?
No. Be extremely careful with people who claim they can recover your account for money through private messages. Use Instagram's official recovery process instead.
How can I protect my Instagram account from future hacks?
Use a unique password, enable two-factor authentication, secure your email account, avoid suspicious links, review login activity, and never share your password or security codes.
What if I no longer have access to my Instagram email or phone?
Instagram provides recovery guidance for users who have lost access to their email or phone number. Use the official account recovery options and follow the verification steps provided for your account.