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How to Recover a Hacked Instagram Account

Tap through each item to work through recovering a hacked Instagram account.

Confirm you're actually locked out

Check whether your password, linked email, or phone number was changed without your knowledge, preventing you from logging in normally -- this is a strong sign the account has been compromised.

Select "Need more help?" or "Forgot password?" on the login screen

Tap the help option at the bottom of the login screen to start the password reset or account recovery process.

Request a recovery code via your original email or phone number

Verify your identity using a code sent to the email or phone number originally linked to the account. If those were also changed, Instagram will offer alternative verification methods.

Complete additional identity verification if requested

If the standard recovery method doesn't work, you may be asked to submit a video selfie or a photo of ID to prove ownership -- follow the prompts carefully and submit what's requested.

Change your password and review connected apps after recovery

Once you regain access, immediately set a new password, then check your login activity and any third-party apps or devices connected to the account, removing anything unfamiliar.

Notify your followers and report the incident to Instagram

If spam messages or fraudulent posts went out while the account was compromised, let your followers know, and use Instagram's in-app reporting tool to report the hack.

Act as soon as you suspect a takeover -- don't wait

The window to recover an account is easiest to use before an attacker changes every piece of contact information tied to it. If you notice anything off -- an unfamiliar login alert, a changed profile detail -- start the recovery process immediately rather than waiting to see if it resolves itself.

Recovery is only half the job -- lock the account back down

Regaining access without changing your password and reviewing connected apps and sessions leaves the same vulnerability open. Treat the moment you regain access as the real starting point for securing the account, not the finish line.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I no longer have access to the email or phone number linked to my account?

Instagram's recovery flow will typically offer an alternative identity verification method, such as submitting a video selfie or photo ID, when the original contact methods aren't available.

How can I prevent this from happening again?

Turn on two-factor authentication, use a strong unique password, and avoid clicking suspicious login links sent in messages -- these three habits address the most common ways accounts get compromised.