Getting yourself locked out of your Instagram account is perhaps one of the most gut-wrenching feeling. But before you panic, let me tell you that there is a way to recover a hacked Instagram account. well, in most cases.
In this post, we will take a quick look on how to get back a hacked Instagram account. But first,
How to Know If Your Instagram Account Has Been Hacked
So how do you make sure that your Instagram account has actually been hacked? One fovthe surest sign is that you may get an email saying your account is suddenly logged out and the password no longer works. This means that someone else may have gotten access to your account.
Or, you may suddenly lose your login session and your password may no longer work if someone else might be using your account. It might also be that your followers are receiving messages or posts that you never sent. Your profile picture, bio, and username may have been altered without you being aware.
In short, these are some of the signs your Instagram account is hacked.
How to Recover a Hacked Instagram Account
Method 1: Request an Email or SMS Login Link
This is your best shot at recovering an hacked Instagram account if the hacker has not changed your linked email address or phone number.
Step 1: On the Instagram login screen, tap Forgotten Password? Here, you can choose whether you want the reset link by Email or SMS. You can even choose to log in using Facebook.
Step 2: Check your WhatsApp or your messages for the code or link. Tap on the link or enter the code to log in. If you do not have access to WhatsApp, tap Try another way.
Step 3: After you tap Try another way, you will find three options to get the link through. Choose the best fit for you and tap Continue.
This is the most straightforward recovery method. This is provided the hacker hasn’t changed your contact details.
Method 2: When You No Longer Have Access to Contact Details
If the hacker has changed both your email and phone number, don’t panic. There is still hope.
Step 1: Follow Method 1 above and choose No longer have access to these.
Step 2: Instagram will then ask you to create a new password. It will then log you in from the current device. And voila…you are in!
Note: This method will also automatically log you out of your account on other active devices, strengthening your account’s security.
Method 3: Identity Verification through A Video Selfie
This feature is not available in all regions but is being rolled out more widely. It is helpful when you do not have contact details.
Step 1: Submit a support request through Instagram’s account recovery process.
Step 2: If you have photos of yourself on your Instagram account, Instagram might ask you to take a video selfie. You will need to move your head in different directions so it can recognize you.
In short, the video has to be a real time video of you.
If your identity is verified, Instagram will send you an email with further instructions to the secure email address that you provided.
However, if your video selfie does not verify your identity, submit a new appeal for a second review. Depending on the process, it can be as little as a few hours or as much as several days.
Method 4: Report the Hacked Account to Instagram Directly
Now, if you still can’t do any of the above, you can report your account as hacked to Instagram’s support team.
Step 1: Go to www.instagram.com/hacked and enter your username and email address.
Step 2: Instagram may send you an email with a link for recovery or further instructions.
This is the longest method, but it is your best bet if you have exhausted every other option.
Conclusion
Getting hacked on Instagram is definitely overwhelming. However, Instagram has some fallback options. The trick is to move quickly before the hacker has a chance to lock you out completely.
And once you are back in, do not skip setting up two-factor authentication. It is the single most effective thing you can do to make sure this never happens again.
FAQs
Can I recover a hacked Instagram account if the email was changed?
Yes. Use the Forgotten Password option on the login screen and get the login OTP via e-mail, username, or SMS.
How long does it take Instagram to recover a hacked account?
It depends on the method used. A login link via SMS or email is almost instant. Identity verification through support can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
What if the hacker deleted my Instagram account?
Instagram retains deleted accounts for 30 days. You can submit an appeal through Instagram’s Help Centre or go through the hacked account recovery process.
How do I prevent my Instagram account from getting hacked again?
Use two-factor authentication and create a strong and unique password. Also, avoid logging in with third-party apps you don’t know about.
