Feeling the sinking feeling of a hacked Instagram account? Don’t panic! While it can be frustrating, recovering your account is often possible. This guide will walk you through the steps to take and help you regain control of your digital space.
**Step 1: Report the Hack to Instagram**
First and foremost, let Instagram know you’ve been hacked. Here’s how:
* **Go to the Instagram login page.**
* **Click on ‘Forgot Password’ or ‘Need help signing in?’**
* **Enter your username or email address.**
* **Select ‘My account was hacked.’**
* **Follow the on-screen instructions to provide details about the hack.**
**Step 2: Secure Your Email and Phone Number**
Hackers often target your email and phone number to gain access to your accounts. Take immediate action:
* **Change your email password.**
* **Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your email account.**
* **Change your phone number password if applicable.**
* **Enable 2FA on your phone number.**
**Step 3: Change Your Instagram Password**
Once you’ve secured your email and phone number, change your Instagram password:
* **If you can still access your account, go to your profile settings and change your password.**
* **If you can’t access your account, use the ‘Forgot Password’ option on the login page and follow the instructions to reset your password.**
* **Choose a strong and unique password that you don’t use for any other accounts.**
**Step 4: Review Your Connected Apps**
Hackers can use connected apps to access your data and even take over your account. Review your connected apps and remove any suspicious ones:
* **Go to your profile settings and select ‘Apps and Websites.’**
* **Review the list of connected apps and remove any unfamiliar or suspicious ones.**
**Step 5: Report Any Phishing Attempts**
If you receive suspicious emails or messages claiming to be from Instagram, don’t click on any links or provide any personal information. Forward the messages to phishing@instagram.com.
**Step 6: Monitor Your Account**
After recovering your account, it’s important to continue monitoring for any suspicious activity. Pay attention to any changes in your followers, posts, or activity.
**Additional Tips:**
* **Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):** This adds an extra layer of security to your account and makes it much harder for hackers to gain access.
* **Avoid using public Wi-Fi:** Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making them a prime target for hackers.
* **Be cautious of suspicious websites and links:** Don’t click on links from unknown sources or download attachments from unsolicited emails.
* **Keep your software up-to-date:** Regularly update your device’s operating system and all your apps to patch security vulnerabilities.
**Remember:** It’s important to act quickly and decisively if your Instagram account gets hacked. By taking these steps, you can significantly increase your chances of recovering your account and preventing future hacks.