Getting hacked can feel scary, but Instagram has pathways to help you regain access and protect your account going forward. Acting quickly and confidently greatly increases your chances of recovery.
You may be hacked if:
Important: Don’t ignore early signs. Recover sooner rather than later.
Before you reset anything on Instagram, make sure your email account is secure.
If the hacker also controls your email, they can intercept recovery messages.
Action Steps:
Change your email password immediately.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your email.
Remove any unknown email forwarding or recovery rules.
If your email is compromised, fix that first.
If You Still Have Access
Open Instagram
Go to Settings → Security → Password
Enter a strong, unique password
If You Can’t Log In
Use the recovery flow:
Instagram will send a recovery link or code.
If normal login recovery doesn’t work (e.g., email or phone was changed):
On the login screen, tap Get help logging in (Android) or Forgot password? (iOS)
Tap Need more help?
Follow the on-screen steps
Instagram may ask you to:
This may take a little time, so be patient.
Once you regain access:
Undo the following immediately
Remove suspicious activity:
Go to:
Settings → Security → Apps and Websites → Active
Remove anything you don’t recognize.
Once you’re back in:
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Go to:
Settings → Security → Two-Factor Authentication
Recommended methods:
Review Login Activity
Go to:
Settings → Security → Login Activity
If you see unfamiliar locations/devices:
Change Other Account Passwords
Because many hacks involve reused login info:
Use a password manager to create strong unique passwords.
Sometimes standard recovery fails. Try these options:
Try From a Known Device
Use a device you’ve previously logged in from (same phone or computer).
Try From a Known Location
Recover from a location where you commonly used Instagram.
Submit an Appeal
From Need more help? screen:
Be patient. Responses may take 24–72 hours.
You may need to repeat steps or try multiple recovery paths, that’s normal.
Never reuse passwords
Phishing is the # way accounts get compromised.
Watch for:
Only connect apps you trust.
Revoke old ones frequently.
Consider:
Please note: Instagram occasionally changes their account recovery procedures, so refer to their website if these steps are not working. Good luck!
Instagram Account Recovery
