Your Instagram Account is Hacked. First, Don’t Panic.
Instagram account is hacked, Seeing an unfamiliar email, a changed password, or strange posts on your Instagram profile is terrifying. It feels less like an inconvenience and more like a personal violation.
But take a deep breath — recovery is almost always possible if your instagram account is hacked
This step-by-step guide will walk you through Instagram’s official recovery process, what to do if that doesn’t work, and how to secure your account so it never happens again. Let’s get your instagram hacked account back.
Step 1: Immediate Action (First 5 Minutes)
When your Instagram account is hacked, every minute counts. The faster you act, the easier recovery will be.
- Don’t Respond to the Hacker: If they contact you, ignore them. Never engage.
- Check Your Email: Look for a message from
security@mail.instagram.com
with the subject “Your Instagram account information was changed.” Don’t delete it — this is your first official alert. - Secure Your Email First: If your Instagram-linked email was compromised, reset its password immediately and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
Step 2: The Official Recovery Path (Instagram’s Built-In Tools)
The most reliable way to recover your account is through Instagram’s own tools. Go to the Instagram login page and follow the method that matches your situation.
Option A: If You Can Still Log In
If the hacker hasn’t logged you out yet, act fast.

- Go to Profile > Menu (☰) > Settings and privacy > Accounts Center > Password and security > Password changes.
- Change your password to something strong and unique.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) from the same menu.
- Go to Where you’re logged in and log out of all unfamiliar devices.
Option B: If You’re Logged Out
Most people face this situation.
- On the login screen, tap Forgot password?
- Enter your username, email, or phone number and tap Need more help?
- Instagram will guide you through:
- Sending a login link to your registered email/phone
- Sending a security code
- Asking identity questions (if you set them up)
Step 3: If Instagram account is hacked and Standard Recovery Fails (Direct Support Request)
If the hacker changed your email and phone number, Instagram’s automated system may not recognize you. Don’t give up.

- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap Get help logging in.
- Enter your username, email, or phone number.
- If you’re stuck, choose I can’t access this email or phone number.
- Instagram will then ask for a new secure email address.
👉 At this stage, Instagram may also request identity verification.
Step 4: The Identity Verification Process (Key to Recovery)
This is the most important step — proving you’re the real owner. Be ready to provide:
- A Video Selfie: Instagram may ask you to record a short clip to confirm you’re a real person.
- Original Email Address: The one you used when creating the account.
- Device Info: The phone or device you used when you first signed up (e.g., iPhone 12, Samsung Galaxy S21).
- Previous Passwords: Any older passwords you remember.
- Previous Usernames: If you changed your username in the past.
The more accurate info you provide, the higher your chance of recovery. Instagram usually takes a few hours to a few days to respond.
Step 5: Once You’re Back In — The 5-Point Security Lockdown
Congratulations! Now secure your account so it never happens again:
- Change Your Password Again: Create a strong, unique password with letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Enable 2FA: Go to Settings and privacy > Accounts Center > Password and security > Two-factor authentication. Use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy. Avoid SMS if possible.
- Revoke Suspicious Access: From Where you’re logged in, log out of every device you don’t recognize.
- Check Linked Apps: Remove any suspicious third-party apps under Apps and websites.
- Update Contact Info: Go to Personal details > Contact info and ensure only your details are listed — no hacker’s email or phone.
What If Nothing Works?
If Instagram still doesn’t respond:
- Report the Account as Hacked: On the login screen, use the report option.
- Ask Friends to Report: Have trusted friends report your profile as hacked or impersonated. This can sometimes speed up the review.
FAQs
Q: How long does Instagram take to recover a hacked account?
A: It may take a few hours to several days, depending on how quickly you provide verification.
Q: Can I talk to a live Instagram representative?
A: No, Instagram does not offer phone support. All recovery is handled via in-app help and automated forms.
Q: How did I get hacked?
A: Common causes include weak passwords, phishing websites, using the same password across multiple accounts, or authorizing malicious apps.
Q: Should I delete my account if I can’t recover it?
A: As a last resort, report it for impersonation so the hacker cannot use your identity.
Conclusion: Act Fast, Stay Secure
Getting hacked is stressful, but recovery is possible if you act quickly. Use Instagram’s official recovery tools, provide thorough identity verification, and secure your account with 2FA.
Once you regain control, the 5-Point Security Lockdown is your best protection. Above all, enabling two-factor authentication is the strongest defense against future hacks.
Still stuck? Visit our community at TapToFix.site to share your experience and get support from others who’ve been through the same.
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