Instagram account hacked: A step-by-step guide on how to recover it

If your Instagram account has been hacked, you're not alone. Many users experience unauthorised access each year, but the platform offers tools to help you regain control. Understanding the recovery process can make it easier to secure your account and restore access. Here’s a detailed guide on how to recover a hacked Instagram account from your Android device.


How Instagram contacts owners of hacked accounts


Before starting manual recovery, check the email linked to your Instagram account. If your email address was changed, you may receive a message from security@mail.instagram.com. This email may allow you to reverse the change by selecting “secure my account”. If other details such as your password were also changed and you can’t update your email address, you will need to request a login link or security code directly from Instagram.


How to request a login link from Instagram


A login link helps Instagram confirm that you own the compromised account. Here's how to request it:

• On the Instagram login screen, tap Get help logging in.
• Enter the username, email address, or phone number associated with your account and tap Send login link.Note: If you no longer have access to these credentials, visit Instagram’s support page and follow the on-screen steps.
• Complete the captcha to verify you're human and tap Next.
• Open the email or SMS you receive from Instagram and tap the login link.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to regain access.

How to request a security code or support from Instagram


If the login link doesn’t work or you can’t recover your account using that method, you can request support. To do this:

Enter a secure email address you currently have access to.

Submit the request.

Instagram will send you an email with the next steps.

Verify your identity to get access

Instagram may ask you to verify your identity depending on the type of account you have:

If your account does not have photos of you

You’ll receive an auto-response email asking for:

• The email address or phone number you used when signing up
• The type of device used at the time of sign-up
• If your account does have photos of you

Instagram may request a video selfie of you turning your head in different directions. This helps confirm that you are a real person.


Once you submit the video selfie:

• You’ll receive an email at the secure address you provided.
• Instagram will use this video to verify your identity.
• The video will not appear on Instagram and will be deleted within 30 days.
• Instagram notes that it does not use facial recognition in these videos.

How to keep your account secure


After recovering your Instagram account, consider taking these steps to safeguard it:

• Change your password or send yourself a password reset email.
• Enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
• Confirm that your email address and phone number in settings are accurate.
• Review the Accounts Center and remove any linked accounts you don’t recognise.
• Revoke access for any suspicious third-party apps.

By regularly reviewing these settings and permissions, you can reduce the chances of unauthorised access in the future and maintain better control over your Instagram account.