my instagram account hacked

The rise of social media has fundamentally shifted the way we operate on a day-to-day basis. In particular, Instagram has made it possible for people to capture, share, engage with relatives, advertise their businesses, and literally manage entire empires from the palm of their hands. It is pretty clear why hacking an Instagram account has turned from mere inconvenience to loss of unprecedented proportions. Such violations, while they may seem trivial, strike at the very core of humanity's spirit.

That is exactly what transpired to me. To my dismay, one day I woke up, and my Instagram account was completely usurped; the username was changed, the email that was associated with the account was changed, and I had no access to the account. If you are in this predicament, here’s a comprehensive guide on recovering your account, how to secure your information and actions moving forward to avoid getting hacked again.

How I Knew My Account Was Hacked

There are a few telltale signs that your Instagram account has been hacked:

• You can’t log in: Even when using the correct username and password.

• You get emails from Instagram saying your email or password has changed (that you didn’t initiate).

• Unusual activity: Posts or stories you didn’t create, messages you didn’t send.

• New devices or locations showing access to your account.

• Followers get spam messages or scam links from your account.

In my case, I received an email from Instagram stating that my email had been changed. I hadn’t initiated it, and when I tried to log in—boom, I was locked out.

What To Do Immediately If Your Account Gets Hacked

Time is critical. The faster you act, the better your chances of getting your account back.

1. Check Your Email for a Message from Instagram

If the hacker changed your email, Instagram usually sends a message to your old email address. The subject will look like:

“Your Instagram email address has been changed.”

Inside that email, you should see a “Revert this change” link. Click it immediately to reverse the hacker’s changes.

2. Use Instagram’s Account Recovery Options

If you’re locked out, go to the login screen and click “Forgot password?”

You’ll be prompted to enter your username, email, or phone number. Instagram will then send a login link or verification code. If your contact info is still connected to the account, use that to regain access.

If that doesn’t work, choose “Need more help?” You’ll be directed to a support form.

Submitting a Hacked Account Report to Instagram

Instagram takes hacked accounts seriously and provides a form to report compromised accounts.

Here’s how:

1. Visit: https://www.instagram.com/hacked

2. Select “My account was hacked”.

3. Follow the prompts. You’ll likely be asked to verify your identity with:

   • A photo of yourself holding a handwritten code (they’ll provide the code),

   • Your original email/phone number linked to the account,

   • Information about the account’s history (e.g., previous passwords, when it was created).

After submitting, it can take a few hours to several days for a response.

Securing Your Account After Recovery

Once you regain access, lock things down to prevent future hacks:

• Change your password immediately.

• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA):

  • Go to Settings → Security → Two-Factor Authentication.

  • Use an authenticator app (more secure than SMS).

• Check login activity:

  • Settings → Security → Login Activity.

  • Remove any unfamiliar devices or locations.

• Review connected apps:

  • Revoke access to suspicious third-party apps.

• Update your email and phone number to ensure only you can recover the account.

How to Prevent Future Hacks

Here are some best practices to keep your Instagram account safe:

• Use a strong, unique password that combines upper/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

• Don’t reuse passwords across accounts.

• Beware of phishing attempts—scammers may pose as Instagram support or offer fake verification.

• Avoid clicking on suspicious links, especially in DMs.

• Don’t share login info with anyone—even friends.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with the worry and hassle of your Instagram account being hacked is frustrating, but don’t worry; it’s not the end of the world. You can still recover your account and shield yourself from further risks if you act quickly.

If you want help with Instagram’s recovery steps or have experienced something similar, feel free to contact me or leave a comment about your journey. I’m sure many others can relate.