Recover a Hacked Instagram Account: Step by Step

First, stay calm

A hacked Instagram account is stressful, but most accounts can be recovered if you act quickly and follow the official steps. Do not pay anyone who promises to hack it back — that is almost always a scam.

Step 1: Confirm it was really hacked

Signs include: you cannot log in with your password, your email or phone number on the account was changed, posts or DMs you did not write were sent, or your account suddenly follows accounts you do not know.

Step 2: Use Instagram's recovery flow

On the login screen, tap "Forgot password?". Enter your username, email, or phone number. Instagram will offer ways to get a code — use the option you still control. If the hacker changed your contact details, tap "Try another way" and choose "Need more help?" to open the account-recovery form.

Step 3: Provide proof of ownership

Instagram may ask you to confirm your identity by entering the email address or phone number you originally signed up with, or by asking a friend to help verify. Answer as precisely as you can.

Step 4: Re-secure everything

Once you are back in: change your password to a long, unique one, turn on two-factor authentication, and remove any unfamiliar devices or linked apps. Check your associated email too — if the hacker had access to it, change that password as well.

Still stuck?

That is exactly what our free cyber help is for. Send a help request and our team will walk you through the recovery options for your specific situation.