What to Do When Your Instagram Account Gets Hacked

If your Instagram account was hacked, it is essential to act quickly to recover it and protect your security.

Below you will find a detailed step-by-step guide to help you take the right actions and avoid problems in the future.

Reset Your Password Immediately

The first thing you should do when you notice your account has been compromised is to try resetting your password. This can help you regain control of your profile before the hacker makes more serious changes.

Open the Instagram app and on the login screen tap “Forgot password?” Enter the email address, phone number, or username linked to your account. You will receive a link by email or SMS to reset your password. Choose a new password that is strong and secure, combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

If you still have access to your email or phone number, this is likely the fastest way to recover your account. Make sure the new password is completely different from the previous one.

Check Recent Activity and Log Out of Suspicious Devices

After resetting your password, it is important to review recent activity on your account and log out of any device you do not recognize. This prevents the hacker from continuing to access your profile.

Go to your profile and tap the three lines in the top right corner. Select “Settings” and then “Security.” Under “Login Activity,” you will see a list of devices and locations where your account is connected. If you spot any suspicious device, tap “Log Out” next to it.

This step is essential to ensure that even if the hacker still has your old password, they are disconnected from your account.

Revert Changes to Your Email or Phone Number

If the hacker managed to change the email address or phone number on your account, Instagram will send a notification to the original email with the option to revert those changes.

Check the inbox of the original email address linked to your account. Look for an email from Instagram with a subject line like “Your email address was changed” or similar. Inside that email you will find a link to reverse the change made by the hacker. Click the link and follow the instructions to restore your original information.

Acting quickly on this step is critical, as it prevents the hacker from taking full control of your account.

Use Instagram’s Account Recovery Tools

If you were unable to recover your account using the methods above, Instagram offers a recovery option through support. This tool is useful when the hacker has changed all your contact information.

Go to the Instagram login screen and tap “Need more help?” Enter the email address, username, or phone number linked to your account. Follow Instagram’s instructions to provide additional information confirming that you are the account owner. In some cases, Instagram may ask you to submit a selfie holding a code sent to your email.

This process may take some time, but it is an effective way to prove you are the real owner of the account and regain access.

Revoke Access from Third-Party Apps

One of the reasons accounts get hacked is the use of insecure third-party apps. These apps often request invasive permissions and can compromise your account’s security.

Go to your Instagram profile settings. Navigate to “Security” and select “Apps and Websites.” In the “Active” section, you will see a list of all apps that have access to your account. Remove access from any app you do not recognize or that is not essential.

Revoking access from suspicious apps can prevent future intrusions and protect your personal information.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

To protect your account against future attacks, it is strongly recommended to enable two-factor authentication (2FA). With this feature, in addition to entering your password, you will need a verification code sent to your phone every time you log in from a new device.

Go to Instagram settings and navigate to “Security.” Select “Two-Factor Authentication.” Choose whether you prefer to receive the code by SMS or through an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator. Follow the instructions to complete the setup.

This step adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for hackers to access your account even if they know your password.

Create a Strong and Secure Password

One of the simplest ways to protect your account is to create a strong, unique password. Avoid using passwords that are easy to guess, such as birthdays or family names. Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Avoid common words or sequences like “123456” or “password.” Use at least 12 characters. Create passwords that have no connection to your personal information, such as birth dates. Never reuse the same password across multiple accounts.

Changing your password periodically is also a good practice for keeping your account protected.

Contact Instagram Support

If all previous attempts failed and you still cannot recover your account, contact Instagram support directly. The platform offers assistance for intrusion-related issues and can help you restore access.

Access the Instagram Help Center directly from the app or from the official website. Fill out the account recovery form providing as many details as possible about the problem. Follow the instructions sent by support to complete the process.

Instagram support may take a little time to respond, but they have tools to verify your identity and help you recover your account.

Protect Yourself Against Future Attacks

Once you recover your account, it is essential to adopt preventive measures to avoid being hacked again. In addition to enabling two-factor authentication and creating a strong password, be careful when using third-party apps and clicking on suspicious links.

Avoid providing your credentials to any app or website that is not Instagram’s official platform. Be suspicious of emails or messages requesting login information. Do not click on unknown links sent through direct messages or emails that seem suspicious.

Keeping your account secure is an ongoing effort, and following these tips will help protect your information and prevent future intrusions.

By following these steps, you will have a much better chance of recovering your hacked account and protecting yourself against future attacks. Security on social media is essential, and with the right measures in place, you can ensure your account stays protected.