Noticing unusual activity on your Instagram account? Do you think the security of your account is compromised? Here’s what to do if your Instagram account has been hacked.
There are few things more frustrating in today’s social media landscape than finding out that your Instagram account has been hacked. A hacker has unlimited control over your account and can completely damage your online presence. This can be devastating news – especially if you rely on Instagram as a source of income.
When you realize that your Instagram account has been hacked, you must take immediate action. There’s a lot on the line, and while it may be difficult, your account can still be rescued.
Try to log into your account
Even if an Instagram account has been hacked, the owner may still be able to access it. Check to see if you can still log into your account if you think it’s been hacked. If that’s the case, good news! It will be much easier for you to get it back. To do so, change your password by resetting it. Also change the passwords of all other accounts that have the same password.
If you can’t log into your account
If your account has been hacked and you are unable to log in, you should have received an email from Instagram to let you know that a change has been made to the email address linked to your account. Inside you will find a link to follow, thanks to which you undo this change and recover your Instagram profile.
Ask Instagram for help
If additional information (e.g. your password) has also been changed along with your email and you’re unable to change them back, you will need to ask the Instagram team for help. Recovering such an Instagram account is more complicated than the previous two cases, but still possible. This is the complete procedure you can follow:
- From the login link screen, tap Need more help? below Send login link. Select either your email address or phone number, then tap Send security code.
- If you don’t receive a security code, tap I can’t access this email address or phone number below Send security code, then follow the on-screen instructions.
After following these steps, you will wait to hear back from the support team. Instagram will then ask you to verify your identity to corroborate that the account is yours.
At this point, hopefully your Instagram account has been recovered. But don’t let your guard down and protect your profile. Prevention is better than cure!
Two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication is a very important feature to keep your Instagram account safe. When you activate it, every time the platform detects a suspicious login you will be asked to enter a security code or to confirm the attempt to log in from a new device.
Revoke access to all suspicious third-party apps
You may have used your Instagram login credentials for apps intended for follower tracking or post scheduling. However, behind these apps there could be a hacker looking to get a hold of all your profile data, private photos, conversations, and passwords. That’s why Instagram suggests you to be cautious before you authorize a third-party app. To ensure safety, it is better to keep an eye on them and revoke access to all third-party services that you find suspicious.
Pay attention to Instagram notifications
If you receive an email or notification from Instagram recommending that you change your password, please do so.
Beware of scams
While there is no 100% guaranteed way to prevent your account from being hacked, you can make it much more difficult for hackers by following these simple steps.
Have you had experiences with disabled, blocked or hacked Instagram accounts? How did you get it back? Tell us your experience in the comments below and don’t forget to follow us on our socials!