If your Instagram account was hacked, you’re not alone. In 2025, Instagram security threats have increased due to phishing scams, weak passwords, reused login credentials, and third‑party apps. Losing access to your account can feel overwhelming — especially if your Instagram is tied to your business, personal brand, or important memories.
This guide explains exactly what to do, step‑by‑step, to recover your account, secure it, and prevent future attacks. It includes essential keywords such as Instagram account hacked, recover Instagram account, Instagram hacked what to do, Instagram security, account recovery, and more — optimized for search engines.
1. How to Know If Your Instagram Account Was Hacked
The first step is confirming that unauthorized activity has occurred. Signs that your Instagram account was hacked include:
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You are suddenly logged out of the app
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Your password no longer works
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You receive emails about profile changes you didn’t make
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Your email or phone number was changed
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Suspicious posts, comments, or messages appear
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Followers report strange activity from your account
If one or more of these signs appear, act immediately — the faster you respond, the higher the chance of recovery.
2. Try Logging In Again and Use “Forgot Password”
Go to Instagram’s login page and try resetting your password.
If the hacker has not changed the email or phone number, Instagram will send you a reset link.
Steps:
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Open Instagram login page
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Select Forgot password?
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Enter your email, username, or phone number
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Choose the reset method
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Follow instructions to create a new password
If you still have access to your email or phone, this is often the quickest way to recover a hacked Instagram account.
3. Use “Secure Your Account” From Instagram Email Alerts
When suspicious activity happens, Instagram sends a security alert like:
“Your email was changed.”
or
“Someone attempted to log in to your account.”
In many cases, these emails include a “Revert This Change” or “Secure Your Account” link.
If you see such an email:
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Open it immediately
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Click the secure link
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Follow the steps to restore your account information
Never ignore Instagram’s security emails — they are crucial for fast recovery.
4. Submit an Official Account Recovery Request
If the hacker changed your login information and you can’t access your email or phone number, use Instagram’s account recovery tools.
Steps:
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On the login page, select Forgot password?
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Tap Need more help?
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Follow instructions to verify your identity
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Select My account was hacked
Instagram may require:
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Your original email
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Previous passwords
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Device verification
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Account creation date
If all else fails, proceed to identity verification.
5. Use Instagram’s “Confirm Your Identity” Option
Instagram may ask you to verify your identity with:
1. A selfie video
Instagram uses AI to compare your face to the photos in your account.
2. A security code sent to your old email or phone
If the hacker didn’t remove these, you can recover your account easily.
3. Business verification tools (for business accounts)
You may need documents connected to your brand.
Identity verification increases account recovery success significantly.
6. Revoke Suspicious Access
If you successfully log back into your hacked Instagram account, remove any unauthorized access.
Steps:
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Go to Settings
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Tap Security
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Open Apps and Websites
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Remove unknown third‑party apps
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Check Login Activity to log out unwanted devices
Hackers often connect unauthorized apps to maintain access — remove them before they cause deeper damage.
7. Change Your Password Immediately
Create a strong, unique password you’ve never used before.
Tips for a secure password:
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Use 12+ characters
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Include upper and lowercase letters
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Add numbers and symbols
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Avoid personal details
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Never reuse a password across platforms
A strong password prevents future breaches.
8. Enable Two‑Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two‑Factor Authentication is one of the most effective security tools.
Recommended 2FA Methods for 2025:
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Authentication apps (Google Authenticator, Authy)
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Hardware security keys (YubiKey)
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SMS codes (use as backup option only)
Once enabled, even if someone knows your password, they cannot access your account without the second verification step.
9. Remove All Suspicious Posts and Messages
Hackers often send scam links to your followers or post harmful content.
After securing your account:
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Delete unauthorized posts
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Remove strange comments
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Apologize to followers if harmful links were sent
Cleaning up your account restores trust with your audience.
10. Alert Your Followers and Contacts
If a hacker sent suspicious messages, warn your community.
Example message:
“My Instagram account was recently hacked. If you received any strange messages or links, please ignore and delete them. The account is now secured.”
This prevents others from becoming victims.
11. Strengthen Your Email Security
In many hacking cases, the attacker accesses your email first — then takes over Instagram.
Secure your email by:
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Changing your email password
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Enabling 2FA
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Checking recovery methods
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Reviewing connected devices
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Removing unrecognized apps
If your email is compromised, your Instagram will always be at risk.
12. Avoid Third‑Party Apps and Fake Tools
Many Instagram hacks happen through unsafe websites promising:
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“Free followers”
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“Free likes”
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“Free verification”
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“Growth tools”
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“Analytics”
These pages steal login information and compromise accounts.
Stick to official Instagram tools only.
13. Contact Instagram Support (If Needed)
If normal recovery methods fail, you can contact Instagram Help Center.
Go to:
Help → Privacy and Security → Report Something → Hacked Accounts
Provide as much detail as possible:
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Username
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Email
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Type of hack
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Time you lost access
Recovery may take several days for complex cases.
14. Prevent Future Hacks
Once you recover your Instagram account, apply long‑term security practices:
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Turn on login notifications
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Avoid public Wi‑Fi for login
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Never click suspicious links
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Periodically update your password
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Store password in a secure manager
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Avoid sharing login details with anyone
Prevention is always easier than recovery.
