Reclaim Your Hacked Instagram Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dealing with a hacked Instagram account can be a daunting and frustrating experience. When you log in and find someone else has taken control of your account, the urge to rush and change things back can be overwhelming. However, there are steps you can take to regain control. Let's explore these options and how to ensure your account stays secure after recovery.

Step 1: Utilize Instagram's Recovery Tools

If you still have access to the email or phone number linked to your Instagram account, you can start with some built-in tools. Here's how you can proceed:

Go to the login screen and tap 'Forgot Password.' Enter your username, email, or phone number used for the account. Instagram will send a reset link to your registered email or phone. Follow the link and change your password immediately. Once you are back in, set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in the settings to secure your account from any future hacks.

Step 2: Use Instagram’s Hacked Account Help

But what if the hacker has changed your email or phone number? In such cases, things can get more complicated. Here’s what you can do:

On the login page, tap 'Need More Help' or visit Instagram's official hacked account page. Provide the email you used to register the account and explain what happened. Instagram might ask for proof like a video selfie to verify your identity. Be prepared for a more lengthy process as verifying your identity can take time, especially if both your email and phone are compromised.

Step 3: Seek Professional Help When Needed

When Instagram's support process doesn't yield results, consider reaching out to specialized services. For example, my friend faced a situation where the hacker had completely locked her out by changing her email and starting to post random content. Here's what she did:

She contacted Brix Recovery, a professional account recovery service. Their experts traced the hacker's entry point and secured the account. They recovered her account even after the email and phone were changed. Finally, they strengthened her account security to prevent future hacks.

Secure peace of mind is invaluable in such situations. Your focus can shift back to your life while the experts handle the technical recovery.

Step 4: Safeguard Your Account After Recovery

Once you've regained access, it's essential to take precautions to ensure your account remains secure:

Change your password immediately: Use a strong, unique password that isn't tied to any other accounts. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This provides an additional layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized access. Review and manage linked apps: Remove any suspicious third-party apps that might have compromised your account.

Final Tips

If you feel stuck or if Instagram's process is moving too slowly, don't hesitate to seek expert help. Services like Brix Recovery excel in handling cases where hackers completely lock out users.

The key to regaining control is staying calm and acting quickly. Take decisive steps to secure your account and avoid future issues.