What to Do If Your Instagram Account is Hacked
Discovering that your Instagram account has been hacked is a terrifying experience. Hackers can lock you out, delete your photos, scam your followers, and access your private direct messages. The faster you act, the higher your chances of recovering your account. This guide provides a step-by-step action plan for what to do if your Instagram account is hacked, expanding upon the security principles in our Ultimate Guide to Instagram Account Security.
Table of Contents
- Immediate Action: Check Your Email
- Using the Instagram Recovery Process
- Verifying Your Identity
- Securing Your Account Post-Recovery
- Preventing Future Hacks
- Conclusion
Immediate Action: Check Your Email
The moment you suspect you are locked out, check the email associated with your Instagram account. When a hacker changes your login email or password, Instagram sends an email notifying you of the change. If you act quickly, this email contains a secure link that says "Revert this change" or "Secure my account." Clicking this link immediately reverts the hacker's changes and restores your original email. This is the fastest way to regain control. To understand how accounts are compromised in the first place, read our guide on common mistakes when trying to view private profiles, which covers phishing.
Using the Instagram Recovery Process
If the email revert link has expired, you must use the official Instagram recovery process. On the login screen, tap "Forgot password?" and enter your username or email. Instagram will send a recovery link to your email or phone number. If the hacker has changed your email, you will need to select "I can't access this email or phone number" and follow the on-screen prompts to submit a support request. This process is a critical component of Instagram account security. Be prepared to provide Instagram with the original email address or phone number used to create the account.
Verifying Your Identity
During the recovery process, Instagram may require you to verify your identity. They will ask you to enter the email address or phone number associated with your account. In some cases, they may ask you to take a video selfie holding a piece of paper with a code written on it to prove you are a real person. Do not skip this step. It is the most effective way to prove to Instagram support that you are the legitimate owner. Understanding how the platform verifies users is related to how Instagram API works, though hacking recovery relies on human support.
Securing Your Account Post-Recovery
Once you regain access to your account, your first priority is to secure it. The hacker may have left backdoors or connected malicious third-party apps. Immediately go to Settings > Security > Apps and Websites and revoke access to any unrecognized applications. Next, change your password to something strong and unique. Finally, check your login activity (Settings > Security > Login Activity) and log out of any unfamiliar devices or locations. Learning how to protect your own Instagram from viewers is essential immediately following a hack.
Preventing Future Hacks
Prevention is always better than recovery. The single most effective way to prevent your account from being hacked is to enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). With 2FA active, a hacker cannot access your account even if they have your password, as they would need the secondary code from your authenticator app. Furthermore, never enter your credentials into unverified "private viewer" sites. To understand how these sites steal your data, read our honest review of private viewer apps. Securing your account is the first step in protecting yourself from Instagram cyberbullying.
Conclusion
Having your Instagram account hacked is a stressful ordeal, but by acting quickly and utilizing the official recovery process, you can regain control. Checking your email for revert links, verifying your identity, and thoroughly securing your account post-recovery are the vital steps. Return to the Yzoms homepage to explore our digital security tools, or read our Complete Guide to Instagram Privacy for more comprehensive strategies.