How To Know if my Instagram Account is Hacked and How to Fix It

16 August, 2023 — James Brandon

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become integral to our lives, allowing us to connect, share, and communicate with others. Among these platforms, Instagram stands out as one of the most popular for sharing photos and videos.

However, as with any online platform, the risk of your Instagram account being hacked is a genuine concern. Hackers can compromise your account for various reasons, including data theft, impersonation, or spreading malicious content. How do you know if your Instagram account is hacked?

Learning how to recognize the signs of a hacked account and taking immediate action to regain control is crucial to maintaining your online security. This piece highlights how to know if your Instagram account has been hacked and how to fix it.

Signs Your Instagram Account May Be Hacked:

• Changed Password or Email: If you’re suddenly unable to log in due to a changed password or email address associated with your account, it’s likely that a hacker has gained access.

• Unauthorized Activity: If you notice unusual activity on your account, such as unfamiliar posts, comments, or follows, it’s a clear indication that your account might be compromised.

• Sudden Drop in Followers or Activity: If your account experiences an unexpected decrease in followers, likes, or engagement, it might be due to a hacker’s activities.

• Lost Access to Account: If you find yourself locked out of your account, unable to reset your password or your recovery information has been changed, it’s a strong sign of unauthorized access.

• Unusual Emails or Notifications: Pay attention to emails or notifications claiming to be from Instagram that asks you to click on suspicious links or provide personal information.

What to do If you Suspect that Your Instagram Account has Been Hacked

If you think someone hacked your Instagram account, the first thing to do is tell Instagram about it. They will write down what happened, look into the situation, and help you get your account back as fast as they can.

The person who hacked you might have made you log out of your account and change your password. On your Android device, tap “Get Help Logging In.” Then, you have to prove it’s your account by giving some personal details, like a phone number.

If you don’t have the information they’re asking for, you can choose “Need More Help?” and follow the instructions on the screen. This is the first step to talking to Instagram’s support team, but you have to put in a special code to continue. They’ll send this code to your email or phone number.

How to Protect Your Instagram Account from Hackers

If you think someone might have taken control of your account but you can still get in, there are several measures that you can take to recover and protect your account. In a previous related article, we discussed steps that you would follow to protect and secure your Instagram account from hackers.