Instagram account hacked? Here’s how to get it back

You can get your hacked or deactivated Instagram account back, but it depends on when both issues happened. If the hack was recent and the person hasn’t changed your login information, access the account immediately and change it yourself. This way, you kick them out of your profile on all devices. It’s best to activate two-factor authentication (2FA) afterward to add an extra layer of security.

When a hacker logs in to your account from a new device and location, Instagram informs you via your email account. The message comes from [email protected], and it provides a clickable link to secure your account if it wasn’t you who accessed it. Recovering your account becomes trickier if the hacker changes your associated email address, phone number, or password.

You’ll use face identification to get your account back. This method works best when your photos or videos are on the hacked account. Instagram compares the selfie video you took with the existing content and verifies your identity.

If someone hacked your account, you’ll notice the following signs:

• You logged out of your account: Typically, Instagram supports one account on five devices simultaneously. However, if you logged out of your profile, a hacker may have changed your password, causing the app to remove you.
• You receive email alerts from Instagram: Instagram notifies you about information changes on your account. If you get them frequently, someone may be attempting a hack.
• Suspicious activity: You notice comments, posts, and messages you don’t recall creating. Also, you may follow people you don’t recognize.

On the other hand, Instagram informs you if it deactivated your account. You’ll see an error message on the login page saying you violated its terms and conditions. Depending on the severity of the violation, deactivation may be temporary or permanent. You must make an appeal to reopen your account.

How to recover hacked Instagram account

You can request a recovery link or code from Instagram to access your account. Usually, the platform displays your phone number, WhatsApp number, and email address. It covers parts of them with asterisks (*) for privacy reasons.

Recover hacked Instagram account via email

1. Open your email app.
2. If Instagram emailed you an alert, open it.
3. Tap secure your account.
4. Confirm that your account information hasn’t changed. Tap Yes, it’s correct. You may need to verify an OTP before accessing your account.
5. If your account information changed, select No, secure my account.
6. Enter a new password and confirm it. Then tap Next to reset your password and log in.

Recover a hacked Instagram account via login links

1. Open the Instagram app.
2. Tap Get help logging in on the login screen.
3. Enter your email address, phone number, or username. Then tap Next to find your account.
4. Choose to receive your link via your email address or text message, and Instagram sends it.
5. When you receive your login link, click it and reset your password to retrieve your account.

Recover a hacked Instagram account via login code

1. Visit the Instagram support request page from a browser. You may also open the page on the app when prompted.
2. Select My account was hacked. Then tap Next.
3. Enter your username, email address, or phone number to find your account. Then tap Next.
4. Choose a recovery method. Then tap Next.
5. Instagram sends a unique code. Enter it into the provided field and tap Next.
6. Enter and confirm your new password. Then tap Submit to access your account.

Recover a hacked Instagram account via facial identification

1. Visit the Instagram support request link provided in the previous solution.
2. Choose My account was hacked and tap Next.
3. Enter your username, email address, or phone number to locate your account. Then tap Next.
4. Tap Try another way.
5. Instagram asks why you can’t get into your account. Select My account was hacked. Then tap Next.
6. If you have personal photos on the account, tap the Yes option. Then tap Next.
7. Enter the email address you want Instagram to send recovery assistance. Then tap Next.
8. You’ll receive a confirmation code in the provided email address. Enter it on the app and tap Next.
9. Instagram prompts you to make a video selfie. Tap Next to begin.
10. Hold your phone at eye level. Then, move it at arm’s length away so that your body is visible.
11. Turn your head right, up, and left.
12. When Instagram has captured your video, tap Submit.

Also Read: How to enable end-to-end encryption in Instagram chats

You’ll receive a recovery email if facial identification is successful. It may take up to two days, and your account remains inaccessible to you until then.