If you suspect your Instagram account is hacked or think you’re being spied on by someone, do not panic.

In this article, I’ll share with you how to know if your Instagram account is hacked and what to do to fix your hacked account and keep it secure.

Some telltale signs that your Instagram account may have been hacked include unusual account activity, being locked out of your account, and receiving unprompted communications about changes on your account.

However, before you conclude that you have been hacked, note that sometimes you may just be using the wrong password or username to access your account, or you may have made account changes or given someone else your account login details.

But if none of these apply to you, then let’s get started.

How to Know if my Instagram is hacked

If you suspect someone hacked your Instagram account, here are some things to look out for to either verify or debunk this:

Unusual account activity: This may be from auto-following other accounts, auto likes, sending account auto-inboxes or simply gaining a lot of traction in a very short time.

Getting locked out: If someone tries to access your account from a suspicious device/location, you may get blocked or locked out of your account by Instagram due to this suspicious activity, that you may not even be aware of.

Unexpected emails or messages: If there are any changes or attempted edits on your account, TikTok sends you an email either to confirm the change or to inform you the change has been made.

If you receive these kinds of emails when you didn’t authorize or make any changes, it could be a sign that your account has been compromised.

A suddenly active account: Your Instagram account may have been inactive for a while but you suddenly notice it’s bustling with new activity; posts and other content, this is not a good sign.

These are just a few of the signs that your Instagram account could be hacked.

Now, what do you do about it?

To Read: Telegram Hacked? Here is how to know and how to get it back

What to do if your Instagram Account is Hacked

Once you notice suspicious activity on your account, here is what I recommend that you do:

Request a login link from Instagram:

If you try logging into your Instagram account and fail because your credentials were compromised, you can request a login link which Instagram will send to your email.

Verify your Identity

Once you submit your request, you should receive an auto-response email from the Security Team at Instagram asking you to help them verify your identity.

You’ll be asked for one or both of the following:

• A photo of yourself holding a paper with a handwritten code we’ve provided you.
• The email address or phone number you signed up with and the type of device you used at the time of sign up (example: iPhone, Android, iPad, other).

Once you provide information to help Instagram verify your identity, they’ll send you specific instructions to recover your account at the secure email address you provided.

Contact Instagram support:

Instagram has a page dedicated to helping users whose accounts have been compromised by hacking. This may be your best option if your account has been hacked.

Visit this Instagram Support page and choose the option that best describes your situation, you will be helped.

Apply additional actions:

If your account was compromised but you are still able to access it, or if with the above Instagram Help you manage to get into your account, perform these actions to further secure your account:

i. Change your password or send yourself a password reset email. this is Instagram’s recommendation so all you have to do is follow the provided links.

ii. Turn on the 2FA (two-factor authentication) for your account. What this does is basically whenever someone tries to log in, you receive a text code on your phone or email to verify the log-in.

iii. Go to the Accounts Center and revoke access to any apps and websites accessing your Instagram account; especially suspicious third-party apps.

Additionally, remove any linked accounts or devices that you do not recognize.

To Read: How To Know If My WhatsApp Is Hacked and How To Fix It

Tips to keep your Instagram account secure

Here are some things you can do to help keep your account safe:

• Use a strong password: Use a combination of at least six numbers, letters and punctuation marks (like ! and &).
  
  It should be different from other passwords you use elsewhere on the internet.
  
  
• Change your password regularly, especially if you see a message from Instagram asking you to do so.
  
  During automated security checks, Instagram sometimes recovers login information that was stolen from other sites.
  
  If Instagram detects that your password may have been stolen, changing your password on Instagram and other sites helps to keep your account secure and prevent you from being hacked in the future.
  
  
• Never give your password to someone you don’t know and trust.
  
  
• Turn on two-factor authentication for additional account security.
  
  
• Make sure your email account is secure. Anyone who can read your email can probably also access your Instagram account.
  
  Additionally, change the passwords for all of your email accounts and make sure that no two are the same.
  
  
• Log out of Instagram when you use a computer or phone you share with other people.
  
  Don’t check the “Remember Me” box when logging in from a public computer, as this will keep you logged in even after you close the browser window.
  
  
• Think before you authorise any third-party app.

To Read: How To Know if Your Twitter is Hacked and How To Fix it

FAQ

Conclusion

Hopefully, the steps and tips given in this article have helped you recover your hacked Instagram account and keep it secure.

But if you are still unable to access your Instagram account either by logging in or you still notice improper use and interaction within your account, contact the Instagram security team.

Credit: Instagram Help.