How to recover a hacked Instagram account

Instagram's own starting point is instagram.com/hacked, opened in a computer or phone browser, if someone has got into your account or you can't log in. It also says some recovery steps may not be available for your type of account, so try them all. Begin with your email:

1. Look in your inbox for an email from security@mail.instagram.com saying your email address was changed.
2. Select secure my account in that email to undo the change.
3. If the password was changed as well and you can't change the email back, request a login link or a security code (below).

Source: Instagram Help Centre: If you think your Instagram profile has been hacked, checked 15 October 2026

A login link proves you own the account. In the Instagram app:

1. On the login screen, tap Forgot password?
2. Enter the username, email address or phone number on the account, then tap Continue.
3. Complete the captcha to confirm you're a real person.
4. Select your email address or phone number, then tap Continue.
5. Tap the login link in the email or text message and follow the on-screen instructions.

• No longer have that email or phone? Enter the login details you used most recently, tap Can't reset your password? below Continue and follow the instructions

Source: Instagram Help Centre: If you think your Instagram profile has been hacked, checked 15 October 2026

Instagram says you may be able to request support from a mobile device:

1. From the login link screen, tap Can't Reset Your Password? below Send login link.
2. Select your email address or phone number, then tap Send security code.
3. If no code arrives, tap I can't access this email or phone number below Send security code and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Enter a secure email address that only you can access. Instagram emails you the next steps.

• Account without photos of you: Meta's support team emails you and asks for the email address or phone number you signed up with and the type of device you used then (for example iPhone or Android)
• Account with photos of you: you'll be asked for a video selfie, turning your head in different directions
• Instagram says the video is never shown on Instagram and is deleted within 30 days. If it can't confirm your identity, you can submit a new one

Source: Instagram Help Centre: If you think your Instagram profile has been hacked, checked 15 October 2026

If someone has tried to get in, or is posting things you didn't, but you still have access, Instagram lists these steps:

1. Change your password, or send yourself a password reset email.
2. Turn on two-factor authentication.
3. Check that the phone number and email address in your settings are correct.
4. Check Accounts Center and remove any linked accounts you don't recognise.
5. Revoke access for any third-party apps that look suspicious.

• Changing your password logs out every device signed in to the account. Instagram suggests at least six numbers, letters and special characters, without repetition
• To see where you're logged in: go to your profile, tap Menu, tap Password and security, then Where you're logged in. Tap an account, then Select devices to log out

Sources: Instagram Help Centre: If you think your Instagram profile has been hacked, checked 15 October 2026; Instagram Help Centre: What to do if your Instagram profile posts unauthorized content, checked 15 October 2026; Instagram Help Centre: View your recent Instagram login activity, checked 15 October 2026

On a professional account, a hacker can stay in through a business portfolio they added. Instagram's fix, on a computer:

1. Go to Meta Business Suite at business.facebook.com and log in with your Instagram details.
2. Click Business Settings on the left, then People under Users.
3. If you see business manager names you didn't add, remove them by switching your Instagram account back to a personal account.
4. Once they're gone, switch back to a professional account.

• While you're on a personal account you lose Meta Business Suite, Ads Manager and in-app insights, including ads
• Instagram keeps your insights data for 90 days, so switching back to professional within that time restores it

Source: Instagram Help Centre: I have a professional account and can log in, but a hacker is still taking actions on my account, checked 15 October 2026

• Some steps aren't available for every type of account. Instagram recommends trying all of them
• You've lost the email or phone on the account. Use Can't reset your password? and enter the login details you used most recently
• Your video selfie wasn't accepted. You can submit a new video for another review
• You see a Try again later error. Instagram says this can appear when it detects inauthentic activity on the account, which can mean your password is compromised
• You gave your login to an app offering likes or followers. Instagram warns these apps can get complete access to your account, so change your password and revoke their access

Sources: Instagram Help Centre: If you think your Instagram profile has been hacked, checked 15 October 2026; Instagram Help Centre: What to do if your Instagram profile posts unauthorized content, checked 15 October 2026

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