In this content, we will explore in detail how to recover Instagram hacked and how to protect yourself from future attacks.
Did you know that millions of Instagram accounts are hacked every year? While the platform has several security measures in place, it’s crucial to be prepared in case your account is compromised.
With the right steps, you can restore access to your account and keep your data safe!
Content Index
Why is Instagram a target for hackers?
Before you learn how to recover your account, it’s important to understand why your account may have been hacked. Instagram is a hugely popular platform with billions of users, making it an ideal target for hackers. Let’s explore some of the most common ways in which it can be hacked.
Phishing: The main attack method
Phishing is a technique where hackers try to trick users into obtaining their credentials (username and password) through fake emails or websites.
Read too:
- Learn English in less than 7 days using apps
- Connect App: How to Mirror My Phone on TV
- Learn to Drive today with this App
They create pages that look like Instagram, where you enter your details, and that data goes directly to the criminals. To avoid this, never click on suspicious links and always check the URL before entering your information.
Weak and reused passwords
Many people use simple passwords or reuse the same password across multiple accounts. This makes it easier for hackers to access your Instagram account after hacking another service where you used the same password.
Exposure of personal information
If you’ve shared personal information online or used untrusted apps that ask for your Instagram login, it can be easier for hackers to gain access to your account. Keeping your data private is one of the best ways to protect yourself.
Using public Wi-Fi networks
Connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks can be a big risk. Hackers can intercept your connection and steal your credentials.
Reasons Why Your Instagram Might Be Hacked
There are several reasons why a hacker might try to access your Instagram account, the most common being:
- Identity theft: when hacking an account, the hacker can impersonate you, deceiving friends and followers to obtain personal and financial information;
- Sale of personal data: many hackers seek to sell data such as emails, passwords and other confidential information, which can be used for fraud on other platforms;
- Extortion and espionage: some hackers break into accounts with the intention of collecting sensitive information or even carrying out blackmail, using private data or compromising the victim's privacy;
- Distribution of spam and fraud: hackers can also use a hacked account to spread malicious links, offering fake products or directing followers to phishing scams, aiming to steal even more information from other victims;
- Financial gain through fraudulent advertising: some attackers use hacked accounts to promote fraudulent products, services or websites, generating illegal profits;
- Attacks for personal reasons or revenge: although less common, there may be cases in which the invasion has a more personal nature, with the hacker seeking to harm or humiliate the victim.
Therefore, to ensure that your account is not targeted by hackers, it is important to take security measures such as creating strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication and always being alert to suspicious behavior.
Step by step guide to recover hacked Instagram
If you’ve discovered that your account has been hacked, don’t panic. Below, we’ve provided a step-by-step guide on how to try to recover your account.
Step 1: Try to reset your password
The first thing to do is to try resetting your password directly on Instagram:
- Go to the Instagram login page;
- click in “Forgot your password?”;
- Enter your e-mail or username. Instagram will send you a link to reset your password;
- If you no longer have access to email or phone, click on the option “I need more help” and follow the instructions.
Step 2: Check your recovery email
If the hacker changed your account email, Instagram may have sent an email to your old address with a link to revert the change. If you have access to this email, you can quickly restore your account.
Step 3: Use phone number to recover account
If the email is no longer accessible, check if you registered a phone number on your account. Instagram also allows you to send codes to this number, allowing you to change your password.
Step 4: Notify Instagram
If you are unable to recover your account using the above methods, contact Instagram support. The platform offers a recovery form in case of hacked accounts, where you must provide additional information to help validate your identity.
How to Recover an Instagram Account When the Email Has Been Changed
If My Instagram was hacked and they changed the email, how can I recover it?, the first thing to do is check your original email if you still have access to it. Instagram will send you a link to revert any changes to your registered email. If you no longer have access to your email and you don't receive this alert, follow these steps:
- Use phone number: If you have linked a number to your account, Instagram may send a recovery code to it;
- Recovery via Facebook: if your Instagram is linked to Facebook, you can use it to regain access;
- Instagram Support: If none of these work, please contact support directly, providing as much information as possible to verify your identity.
It's important to act quickly and stay calm. Instagram has strict recovery processes in place, but they can take some time.
How to recover hacked Instagram without password?
If you have lost access to your Instagram account and no longer have the password, don't worry. There are efficient ways to recover your profile, even without the password. Below, we will detail step by step what to do in these situations.
1. Using the recovery email sent by Instagram
When Instagram detects a change to your account, such as a hack, it will send you a recovery email. This email will contain a link to reset your password. Check your inbox, including your spam folder, if the email doesn't arrive right away.
2. Recovery with linked phone number
If you have linked your phone number to your account, Instagram may send a verification code to the associated number. Go to the “I forgot my password” and select recovery via phone number. Then enter the code that will be sent via SMS and create a new password.
3. Using Facebook to recover your account
If you connected your Instagram account to Facebook, you can regain access directly from there. Go to the Instagram login page and choose the option “Log in with Facebook”. This will automatically connect your Instagram account to Facebook, as long as the link was done correctly.
4. Contact Instagram support
If you are unable to recover your account using the above methods, the last resort is to contact Instagram support via official page.

When doing so, you will need to provide as much information as possible, such as account details, username, and even photos that prove that the account really belongs to you. This will ensure that the verification process is more efficient.
Remember, it’s crucial to act quickly and ensure that your account is secure after recovery. This includes changing your password, enabling two-factor authentication, and verifying your registered email and phone number.
What if my account was deleted after the hack?
In some cases, the hacker may choose to delete your account. Don't despair! Account deletion is not permanent, as Instagram gives you a recovery period:
- Check your email: Instagram sends you an email if your account has been deleted, allowing you to restore your account within 30 days of deletion;
- Contact Support: If you haven't received the recovery email or it's been more than 30 days, contact Instagram support directly to try to recover your account.
How to protect yourself against future attacks?
Once you recover your account, it's important to take preventative measures to ensure it doesn't get hacked again.
- Enable two-factor authentication: the two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most effective ways to protect your account. Even if someone figures out your password, without the additional code sent to your phone, they won't be able to access your account. To enable 2FA:
- Access Settings on Instagram;
- Go to Safety and activate the Two-factor authentication;
- Choose between receiving the code via SMS or Authentication application (like Google Authenticator).
- Use strong and unique passwords: avoid using simple passwords, such as “123456” or dates of birth. The ideal password is long, with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Never reuse passwords from other accounts;
- Revoke access from suspicious applications: go to Settings > Security > Apps and Websites and revoke access to any application or website that you no longer recognize or use;
- Be wary of suspicious links and emails: If you receive suspicious links or emails, do not click on them! Always check the sender and the URL before entering your details;
- Avoid public Wi-Fi networks: Do not use public Wi-Fi networks to access your Instagram account, especially if you are logging in. Prefer private networks or use a VPN to ensure the security of your connection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you’re having trouble recovering your hacked Instagram account, it’s common to have a number of questions during the process. Below, we’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions about how to proceed in different situations. We’ll clarify the main concerns to ensure you have all the information you need.
1. How do I know if my Instagram account has been hacked?
If you've noticed unexpected changes to your account, such as a change in email address, password, or posts made without your consent, this is a clear sign that your account may have been compromised. Another indication is that you may have lost access to your linked phone number or Facebook account.
2. What should I do if my email address on Instagram has changed?
If My Instagram was hacked and they changed the email, how can I recover it?, the first step is to check your original email. Instagram will send you a link to revert the email change. If you can't access this email or haven't received the notification, try to recover your account using the linked phone number or, if you don't have one, contact Instagram support.
3. What should I do if I have lost access to the phone number linked to Instagram?
If the phone number associated with your account has changed, you can still recover your account via email if you still have access to it. Otherwise, Instagram offers an option to recover your account using the identity linked to the platform, either through an ID or by replying to an email sent by Instagram.
4. How can I ensure that my account will not be hacked again?
Once you’ve recovered your account, it’s crucial to strengthen your security. Enable two-factor authentication, choose a strong password (with letters, numbers, and special characters), and avoid using the same password across multiple platforms. Additionally, constantly monitor the devices connected to your account and log out of unknown devices.
5. How long does it take to recover my hacked account?
Recovery times may vary depending on the situation and the method used. If you follow the recovery steps correctly and Instagram doesn't need any additional information, you may be able to recover your account within a few hours. If more detailed analysis is required, this process may take a few days.
Conclusion
Recovering a hacked Instagram account can be a challenging process, but with the right tools and following the proper steps, it is possible to turn things around. Additionally, securing your account is essential to prevent future attacks. Enable two-factor authentication, use strong passwords, and be on the lookout for suspicious activity. Now that you know how to recover hacked Instagram, it's time to protect your account and browse the platform more safely.