As soon as you are aware that your Instagram account is hacked, don't worry as there is a way out. Act fast, take control and secure your information. The good news is that Instagram offers a clear recovery process to help you get your account back. Here is a direct guide on how you can restore access and protect your profile.
Act Now: The Recovery Process
You need to start the official recovery process right away. Follow these steps carefully, whether you use an iPhone or an Android device.
1. Check if you received a security alert on your email
As soon as Instagram gets wind of your account hacked, an email notification to the one linked to your social media account is triggered. You need to check as it could be sitting in your inbox, conveying news if your password or email address associated with your Instagram account was edited.
Additionally, you need to:
- Look for an email from security@mail.instagram.com.
- If the hacker changed your email, the message gives you a chance to "secure your account here" or "revert this change." Click that link immediately. It might let you undo the malicious change.
2. Request a Login Link or Security Code
If you cannot log in or if the hacker changed your contact information, request a login link or security code through Instagram's system.
- On the login screen, select "Forgot password?" on your iPhone or "Get help logging in" if you are on Android.
- Next, you must enter the username, email address, or phone number associated with your account.
- Select "Continue" or "Send login link."
- You must choose your preferred method (email or text message) to receive the link.
- Once you receive the communication from Instagram, tap the login link to create a new, strong password.
3. Request Support and Verify Your Identity
In a worst case scenario, if your contact information is edited, you could reach out to Instagram for help. Here’s how:
- Revisit the login help screen and enter your details again.
- Select "Can't Reset Your Password?" then "Need more help?"
- Once the on-screen instructions are followed, your support request is submitted.
- Next you will be asked to enter a secure email address that only you can access.
- You will have to verify your identity with Instagram. If your account includes photos of you, for security reasons, you could be asked to submit a video selfie. It is advised that you record yourself turning your head in different directions. This assures Instagram that you are a real person and the account owner.
- For Instagram accounts without photos of its holders, the platform will ask for other details, like the email or phone number associated with your account.
- You must enter the number you used to sign up and the type of device you first used.
- Having shared this information. you will get an email with the next steps which are self-explanatory.
Post Recovery Secure Your Account
Like they say prevention is better than cure, you must secure your Instagram account from another attack. You can:
- Use a strong password which is difficult to crack.
- Enable the Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) process.
- Take a closer look at login activity.
- Review apps linked to your account.
- Update and confirm your contact information.
Finally!
After recovering your account, strengthen your Instagram account with strong security measures to prevent it from being compromised in future.
