Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, making it a prime target for hackers. If your Instagram account has been hacked, it's crucial to act quickly to regain control. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you recover a hacked Instagram account.
Step 1: Check for an Email from Instagram
If your Instagram account has been hacked and the email address linked to it has been changed, Instagram typically sends an email notifying you of this change. Look for an email from security@mail.instagram.com. If you find one, you may be able to reverse the change by selecting the “Secure your account here” link within the email.
Step 2: Reset Your Password
If you still have access to your email or phone number linked to the account, try resetting your password by following these steps:
Open the Instagram app and go to the login screen.
Tap on “Forgot password?” (iOS) or “Get help signing in” (Android).
Enter your username, email, or phone number associated with your account.
Follow the instructions in the email or SMS you receive to set a new password.
Step 3: Use Instagram’s Account Recovery Options
If resetting the password doesn’t work, use Instagram’s account recovery process:
Open the Instagram app and go to the login page.
Select “Forgot password?” and enter your username, email, or phone number.
Tap “Need more help?” and follow the on-screen instructions.
You may be asked to verify your identity by providing a selfie video or answering security questions.
Step 4: Report the Hack to Instagram
If you can’t log in because your account has been taken over completely, report it to Instagram:
Go to Instagram’s Help Center at https://help.instagram.com.
Select “Hacked Accounts.”
Follow the prompts to submit a support request.
Instagram may ask you to provide a selfie video to verify your identity.
Step 4: Secure Your Hacked Instagram Account Once Recovered
Once you regain access to your account, take these steps to prevent future hacks:
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Go to Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication and enable it.
Change Your Password Regularly: Use a strong, unique password that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Review Connected Apps: Remove any suspicious third-party apps linked to your Instagram account.
Beware of Phishing Attempts: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing your credentials to unverified sources.
Step 5: Contacting a Social Media Recovery Specialist
Many companies claim to help recover social media accounts but beware—over 75% of these are scams. Hiring a legitimate social media recovery agency offers businesses and individuals a smart solution for resolving issues like account hacking, negative reviews, and more. These agencies use advanced tools to address problems quickly, protecting your social media account and business.
We have partnered with a few social media recovery businesses for our clients and other partners over the years. Our top choice would be Social Retrieving. They are exceptionally professional and have a proven track record of recovering businesses and Individual social media accounts, with respected customers such as YMCA and Rocket Dollar.
Step 6: Contact Instagram Support if Needed
If the automated recovery options don’t work, reach out to Instagram Support through:
Twitter (@InstagramComms)
By following these steps, you can recover your hacked Instagram account and strengthen its security to prevent future breaches. If you need to know how to recover a disabled Instagram account due to the hacker's actions, we create a full article on how to!