How to Recover a Hacked Instagram Account

Step-by-step guide to regain access to your compromised Instagram account, secure it, and prevent future attacks.

1. Try logging in with your current credentials. Open Instagram and attempt to log in with your username and password. If the password has been changed, tap 'Forgot password?' on the login screen. This eliminates the possibility of a temporary glitch and confirms whether your account is actually compromised.
2. Use Instagram's password reset feature. On the login screen, tap 'Forgot password?' and enter your username, email, or phone number. Instagram will send a password reset link to your registered email or SMS to your phone. Check your spam folder if you don't see the email within 5 minutes.
3. Submit an account recovery request. If password reset fails, go to instagram.com/hacked on a web browser. Fill out the form with your username, email address, and phone number associated with the account. Describe how you lost access in the 'Additional information' field. Include details like when you first noticed the hack and any suspicious activity.
4. Verify your identity with a video selfie. Instagram may request identity verification through their app. Download the Instagram app and follow the prompts to record a video selfie. Hold your phone at arm's length, look directly at the camera, and slowly turn your head left and right as instructed. This process typically takes 24-48 hours to review.
5. Provide additional verification documents. If prompted, submit a photo of your government-issued ID that matches the name on your Instagram account. Take a clear photo showing all four corners of the ID without any glare or shadows. You may also need to provide the email address you used to create the account or the phone number originally linked to it.
6. Secure your recovered account immediately. Once you regain access, immediately change your password to something strong and unique. Go to Settings > Security > Password and create a new password with at least 12 characters including numbers, symbols, and mixed case letters. Enable two-factor authentication by going to Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication.
7. Review and clean up unauthorized changes. Check your profile for any unauthorized posts, stories, or changes to your bio and profile picture. Review your followers and following lists for any suspicious accounts. Delete any posts you didn't make and remove followers you don't recognize. Change your email address and phone number if the hacker had access to these.