How to recover stolen Instagram account?

Instagram accounts are always the target of hackers. They are trying to gain access to our private accounts, sell our username, or aim to steal our personal information for other actions. That’s why protecting your phone should always be your top priority. If you suspect that your Instagram account has been hacked, you should act immediately. The longer hackers have access to your account, the more damage will be done to your privacy and your online reputation.

check your email

The first thing to do is to check if you have received an email from Instagram stating that the email linked to your account has been changed. This is the easiest way for hackers to take control of your account. If you can find the email, you can undo the action right away. If you can’t find the email, there is an option to fix it before it’s too late.

You can request that a login link be sent to your phone number instead of the malicious person’s e-mail address. On the sign-in screen, “Get help signing in” if you are using an Android phone, or “Forgot your password?” if you are using an iPhone. will appear in front of you. You can then enter your phone number for the temporary login link to be sent. Follow the instructions to gain access.

When you get your Instagram account back, you should immediately change your password and revoke access to any third-party apps. You may find that you are following some new accounts. Unfortunately, you will have to unfollow these accounts one by one.

Persistently report the account

If you still haven’t been able to recover your stolen Instagram account, you have no choice but to report the account. You can report it more than once, and even being persistent can get you back your Instagram account faster.

1. Click on “Get help logging in” on the login screen. (Forgot your password on iPhone? appears.)
2. Enter your username, email address or phone number and tap Next.
3. Tap “Need more help?” and follow the onscreen instructions.

As part of this process, you will need to submit a photo of you showing the security code to verify your identity. Turn on two-factor authentication and change your privacy settings as soon as possible to minimize the chance of being hacked again.

Do not click the link in the DM!

Account hijacking is usually done via Instagram DM. Direct messages ask you to click on a link, which provides a way for the hacker to break into your Instagram account. The best way to avoid this is to not click on any links in the direct message unless you know and trust them.

Use 2-step verification apps

2-step verification on Instagram can also be hacked! Even if you have a 2FA code sent to your phone as a text message, it is possible to be hacked. If your phone number is known, the number can be copied and the incoming sms can be received. However, if you are using an authentication application such as Google Authenticator or Authy on your phone, outside intervention is not possible.

If you have decided not to use your stolen Instagram account after getting it back, you can check out our Instagram account deletion article.