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Account RecoveryHome Users5 min read · Updated June 2026

My Instagram Account Has Been Hacked — What Do I Do?

Instagram account takeovers are one of the most common social media hacks in the UK, often targeting people with larger followings or business accounts. Hackers typically change your email, phone number, and password within minutes of gaining access — but Instagram has recovery tools that can help.

Act Within the First Hour

The faster you act, the more likely you are to recover your account before the hacker locks you out completely.

If you can still access Instagram:

  1. 1Go to Settings → Account → Personal Information and check if your email or phone has been changed
  2. 2If changed, go to Settings → Security → Password and change it immediately
  3. 3Enable two-factor authentication (Settings → Security → Two-Factor Authentication)
  4. 4Go to Settings → Security → Login Activity and log out all unrecognised sessions

If you're already locked out:

  1. 1On the Instagram login screen, tap "Get more help" below the login button
  2. 2Enter the email or phone number associated with your account
  3. 3Instagram will guide you through identity verification — this may include receiving a code, confirming your name, or uploading a selfie video to verify your identity

If Instagram's Automated Recovery Doesn't Work

If the hacker changed both your email and phone number, automated recovery may not work immediately. In that case:

  1. 1Open the Instagram app and go to the login screen
  2. 2Tap "Forgot password?" → "Need more help?"
  3. 3Request a support review — Instagram will ask you for your account username, the email you used to sign up, and details to confirm your identity
  4. 4Check the email you originally signed up with — Instagram sends a verification link even if the account email has changed

This process can take several days. Keep checking the original sign-up email address.

Report the Hack

  • Use the Report a Problem feature within the Instagram app
  • If the hacker is using your account to post inappropriate content or scam your followers, ask your followers to report the account too — multiple reports speed up Instagram's review
  • If your account was used to defraud followers financially, report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk

Secure all your accounts

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Secure Everything Connected to Instagram

Instagram shares infrastructure with Facebook (both are Meta). Check:

  • Your Facebook account — if you use "Log in with Facebook" for Instagram, change that password too
  • Any third-party apps connected to Instagram (Settings → Security → Apps and Websites)
  • Your email account — change the password there too, especially if it's the recovery email for Instagram

Frequently Asked Questions

The hacker changed my email and phone number. Is my account gone?

Not necessarily. Use the in-app "Need more help?" flow and Instagram's manual review process. Be prepared to verify your identity with a selfie video or government ID. Recovery is possible but can take several days.

My Instagram account is being used to promote a scam. What should I do?

Ask your followers and contacts to report the account as compromised using Instagram's built-in reporting. Multiple reports of a hacked account flag it for priority review. Also report to Action Fraud if followers have been financially scammed.

Will Instagram reimburse me if my hacked account caused financial loss?

Instagram does not provide financial compensation for hacked accounts. If you lost money as a result of fraud committed via your account, report to Action Fraud and your bank.

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