In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become an essential part of our daily lives. Instagram, one of the most popular social media platforms, has millions of users worldwide. However, with the increasing popularity of these platforms, comes an increased risk of being hacked. If you find yourself in a situation where your Instagram account has been hacked, it can be a frustrating and daunting experience. But don’t worry, in this article, we will discuss some steps you can take to get your account back.
What to do if your Instagram account has been hacked:
Follow these simple steps to regain control of your account.
Step 1: Reset your password
If your Instagram account has been hacked, the first thing you should do is try to reset your password. To do this, go to the login page and click “Forgot password?” Enter the email address or phone number associated with your account, and Instagram will send you a password reset link. Follow the instructions in the email to create a new password. Make sure to choose a strong, unique password that you haven’t used before.
Step 2: Change your password
The first step you should take when you realize that your Instagram account has been hacked is to change your password. This can be done by clicking on the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. Instagram will then send you an email or SMS with instructions on how to reset your password. Make sure to choose a strong and unique password that is difficult for others to guess.
Step 3: Report the issue to Instagram
If you are unable to access your account or suspect that someone else has gained access to it, you should report the issue to Instagram immediately. Instagram has a dedicated help center that provides information on how to report a hacked account. Once you have reported the issue, Instagram will review your request and take necessary action to recover your account. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Go to the Instagram Help Center website: https://help.instagram.com/
- Click on the “Privacy and Safety Center” option.
- Click on “Report Something” and then select “Hacked Accounts” from the list of options.
- Follow the instructions provided on the page, which will include filling out a form with information such as your username, email address associated with the account, and a description of the issue.
- Once you have submitted the form, Instagram will review your request and contact you with instructions on how to regain access to your account.
Additionally, you can also try to recover your account using the “Forgot Password” feature on the Instagram app. If your account email address or phone number has been changed, you may need to provide additional information to prove that you are the rightful owner of the account.
Step 4: Verify your identity
After you have reported the issue to Instagram, you may need to verify your identity before the account is returned to you. Instagram may ask for personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, and government-issued identification. Make sure to provide accurate and complete information to expedite the recovery process.
Step 5: Enable two-factor authentication
To prevent your account from being hacked in the future, it is recommended that you enable two-factor authentication. This security feature requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password when logging into your account. Enabling two-factor authentication can significantly reduce the risk of someone gaining unauthorized access to your account.
Step 6: Be vigilant
After recovering your account, it is important to be vigilant and monitor your account for any suspicious activity. Keep an eye out for any unauthorized changes to your profile, such as changes to your profile picture, bio, or posts. If you notice anything suspicious, report it to Instagram immediately.
Step 7: Try to access your account
If you suspect that your Instagram account has been hacked, the first thing you should do is try to access it. Open the Instagram app and click on the “Forgot password?” option. Enter your email address or username associated with your account and follow the instructions to reset your password. If you can access your account using this method, change your password immediately, and check your account settings for any suspicious activity.
Step 8: Report your account as hacked
If you’re unable to access your account using the “Forgot password?” option, report your account as hacked to Instagram. To do this, go to the Instagram Help Center and select the “Privacy and Safety Center.” From there, click on the “Report Something” option, select “Hacked Accounts,” and follow the instructions to report your account as hacked. You will be required to provide some information, including your username and a description of what happened to your account.
Step 9: Verify your identity
After you report your account as hacked, Instagram will send you an email with instructions on how to verify your identity. Follow the instructions carefully and provide any required information, such as a photo of yourself holding a government-issued ID. Once you’ve completed the verification process, Instagram will review your request and hopefully recover your account.
Step 10: Secure your account
Once you regain access to your account, it’s essential to secure it to prevent future hacking attempts. Start by changing your password and enabling two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to your account. You should also review your account activity to ensure that no unauthorized access or changes have been made to your profile.
Step 11: Contact Instagram support
If you’ve followed all the above steps and still can’t access your account, you can contact Instagram support for further assistance. Go to the Instagram Help Center, select “Get More Help,” and choose the “Report Hacked Account” option. Provide all the necessary information and wait for Instagram’s response.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, having your Instagram account hacked can be a frustrating experience, but it’s important to stay calm and take action quickly. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase the chances of recovering your account and preventing it from being hacked in the future. Remember to always keep your account secure by choosing a strong password and enabling two-factor authentication.
