Instagram is one the most popular social networks. This means that it is also a target of thousands of hacking attacks. The platform’s large user base makes it attractive for phishing attacks and other malicious activities.
You’ve reached the right place if your Instagram account has been hacked recently. This article will cover all the details. No matter if you have lost control of your password, you can still save it. Let’s begin with the basics.
My Instagram was hacked. What do I do?
There are many signs that your Instagram account has been hacked. Perhaps you have noticed content you didn’t create. Perhaps you didn’t realize there was a breach until you looked at the Login Activity section. You may have lost access to your account because the hacker has changed your username or password, or even deleted it.
Instagram says there are several ways to retrieve your account after it has been hacked. Below are detailed instructions for each of these methods.
Check out the email from Instagram
Have you received an email from “security@mail.instagram.com” notifying you that your email address was changed? You can reverse this action if you have. Click the link to secure your account at the bottom.
Perhaps the hacker has changed your password or any other account information. You can request a login link via Instagram in this instance.
Note – If you get a message saying “Secure Your Account Here”, it is likely that your email link has expired. You can continue to the next step if this happens.
Request a Login link
Hackers often hack Instagram accounts. This is why there are several ways that you can verify you are the owner. One option is to send a login link via email or phone number.
Here’s how you can request it:
- Navigate to the Instagram login screen.
- If you are using an Android device, select “Get assistance logging in”. Select “Forgot your password? ” if you are using a browser or iPhone.
- Enter your username, email address, and telephone number to access the hacked account.
- Click “Next.”
- You can find the steps to follow if you have forgotten any information from Step 3.
- Select the place where you would like to receive the login code. This can be either your email address or your phone number.
- Click “Send Login Link”
- Follow the link to your email or phone SMS for login instructions.
You can also request an Instagram code to verify account ownership.
Follow these steps:
- Navigate to the login screen, and click “Get help logging into.”
- Enter your account details.
- Tap “Need More Help?”
- If you have multiple Instagram accounts you can choose which one you need assistance with.
- Click on “Send Security Code” and select the location where you would like to receive it.
Identity verification
You will receive an email from Instagram’s Support Team if you submit a verification request to an account that does not have photos of you. You will be asked to provide the email address and phone number used to create your account. ).
The Support Team will request that you send them a selfie of yourself turning your head in different directions if your Instagram account has any photos. This will allow them to determine if you are the owner of your account.
Instagram will review your request and get back to you once verification is complete. You can submit another request if they decline to grant your request.
If none of these steps help you regain control over your Instagram account, then try the following methods:
- You can send a reset password email to yourself.
- Use this online contact form to reach Instagram
My Account was Deleted during the Hack
You can appeal a decision if you believe that your account was compromised by hackers.
- Open the Instagram app for your smartphone.
- Enter your username or password.
- Follow the instructions on the screen.
A simple log-in problem may cause a disabled message to appear. If the hacker deletes the account, it’s impossible to restore it. You can instead sign up for an Instagram account with the same email address.
How to protect yourself from being hacked in the future
You’ve heard it many times: “Use strong passwords that include at least one uppercase letter, numbers, symbols, and so on.” Although a strong password is essential to protect your Instagram account, it can often take more than that. Two-factor authentication is the best way to keep your Instagram account safe from being hacked again.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
This powerful security tool prompts you to enter a code from an app or sends it to your mobile phone each time you log in from another device. Even if hackers manage to hack into your account using your password, they will need to have access to your SMS inbox to obtain the code. It is almost impossible for hackers to complete the attack.
You can turn on two-factor authentication by visiting your Instagram’s security page. Follow the onscreen instructions by clicking “Two Factor Authentication”.
Keep an eye on the Login Activity
Follow these steps to access your account’s list of devices currently logged in:
- Navigate to the Instagram Settings page.
- Click on “Security” and then “Login Activity.”
Check the list for suspicious devices and locations as you go. Click on any suspicious activity and choose “Log Out.”
After you log out of suspicious devices, don’t forget about changing your password.
Keep Away from Phishers
Instagram offers an easy feature called “Emails From Instagram”, which allows you to see all communications sent by the company. This feature can be used whenever you suspect someone is trying to hack into your account. They may send you emails pretending they are from Instagram. Hackers could falsely inform you that someone is trying access your account. You should change your password immediately. You can verify whether the email was sent from Instagram by going to “Settings”, then “Security,” then clicking “Emails From Instagram”.
There will be a tab called “Security” that displays all the emails sent by the platform in the last two weeks.
You should immediately change your login details if you receive an email alert from Instagram about a failed login or password change.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Continue reading if you still don’t have the answers to your questions.
How do I verify my identity?
You should contact Instagram support if your Instagram account has been hacked. However, once you reach out to Instagram support, you will need to prove that your account is the original owner. Instagram offers two options to its users:
- You can send a video selfie to a company if you have photos of yourself on Instagram.
- You will need to prove you are the original owner of your account if you don’t have any photos of yourself. Verify the email address or phone number that created the account, as well as the device used (i.e. an iPhone, Android computer, etc.). ).
What should I do if my email isn’t working for Instagram?
If you want to gain access to your Instagram account again, you will need access to the email address listed on your Instagram account. You can either update your account email (if possible) or try to regain your access.
Instagram won’t allow you to access your Instagram account if you don’t have access to it.
Protect Your Instagram Account
You are one of the fortunate ones who were able to recover control of your Instagram account from someone hacking it. If you have to deal with Instagram’s Support Team, the experience can be a frustrating one. Make sure you have two-factor authentication and a strong password to protect your account from being hacked. Never click on untrusted links or offers that sound too good to be true.
What was your experience with restoring your Instagram account following a hacking attack on it? Please share your story in the comments section.
