My Instagram Account Hacked and Email Changed – What Should I Do?

Worried about losing your Instagram account to hackers? People often say, “My Instagram account hacked.” If your Instagram account hacked, don’t panic, you are not alone. With cyberattacks on the rise, it is essential to know how to secure your account and recover it quickly.

Many people experience this nightmare but with the proper steps, you can recover your hacked Instagram account and secure it from future attacks. Around 4000 people face this problem every month because cybercrime activities are increasing yearly and there is no stopping them.

In this guide, we will discuss what you can do if your Instagram hacked and email changed. But first, check the table below, which highlights potential Instagram security breaches, their difficulty in fixing, and solutions:

How can Someone Hack My Instagram and change the Linked Email?

If someone tries to hack your Instagram account or change your email address, you may receive an email from security@mail.instagram.com with a link to revert the change and secure your account.

You should check the spelling of the email address and click the link as soon as possible.

• The hacker may have also changed your password, username, or other account information. You can go to Instagram’s help page for hacked accounts and follow their instructions to get your account back to prevent identity theft and other cybercrimes.
• Hackers can hack your Instagram account with phishing attacks, keylogging software, guessing passwords, and saved password storage.
• They can also create a public hotspot with the names of famous places, like restaurants, around a public place, so you can connect to it without wasting a second.
• Hackers access your information and insert malware into your device when you connect to a public Wi-Fi. If you find yourself in a situation where your Instagram hack, don’t panic and read this article till the end.

Most hackers use phishing scams to create fake login pages that look like Instagram’s official login page and trick users into entering their login credentials.

They can also use a password-guessing algorithm to try different combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols until they find the right one. After reviewing this article section you will be able to understand how Instagram hacked.

My Instagram Account Hacked: Here’s How to Know

Are you searching for a solution to a hacked Instagram account? You are not alone. These problems have become more common these days.

In today’s digital age, social media platforms like Instagram are vital for personal connections, businesses, and influencers. 

Unfortunately, Instagram accounts are hacked frequently, and the consequences can be alarming, especially when your private data or business reputation is at stake.

Recognizing the signs of a hacked Instagram account early is crucial to regain control and secure your information.

Here’s telling if your IG account is hacked and what steps to take next:

Your Account Email & Password Have Changed

Your account will be hacked if you’re logged out without your authorization and can’t log in with your genuine email and password. It could be because someone stole your IP address or because public wifi caused identity theft.

You might receive a password reset email if someone else is trying to get into your account. Or they already get access to your account and are trying to gain access to your other accounts.

If you’re sure your account is hacked, we want you to remain calm and send an email to security@mail.instagram.com to request access to your account again.

We recommend you seek guidance from cybersecurity experts like vpn.com if you’re facing Instagram hacked and email change problems.

You Get A “Suspicious Login Attempt” Alert

If you suspect foul play and notice a sudden email change alert, reach out to law enforcement agencies to report the incident.

A suspicious login attempt alert is a big sign that someone has already got your email ID and is trying to log in to your account.

For more insights into understanding emerging data security threats, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest cybercriminal tactics. You must change your password and recover your email to prevent identity theft and phishing scams.

Many hackers try to steal your information by having you log in to a phony page with fonts and background colors that look like a real login page.

Be wary of these cheap hacks and log in to your account on their website or app to prevent cyberattacks. 

Friends & Followers Are Getting Strange Messages From You

Have your friends mentioned receiving strange messages from you? Instagram account hacked messages to friends often send spam or malicious links to your followers.

One big sign of your account getting hacked is that the hacker can send vulgar messages, photos, and videos to your friends, families, and other followers.

The hacker might steal your private photos and make them public so everyone can see what you are hiding from the world.

This can be a real pain in the ass if your personal information is leaked to a malicious-minded person who can steal your identity and destroy your public reputation.

We advise you to contact Instagram as soon as you find out that your account has been hacked to avoid further problems and challenges.

Your Account Has To Follow Many Unknown People In Your Friend List

Instagram always advises its users to follow people they know and not to be friends with every person on the internet.

People are not as nice as you think they are because the internet is filled with thousands of cybercriminals who want to steal your data and identity to ransom a large amount of money.

If a cybercriminal became your friend on Instagram, they might try to get access to your IP address and track your browsing activity to blackmail you.

Therefore don’t get cocky and follow all the instructions to prevent Instagram hacked.

Hackers Have Added New Posts, Stories And Reels to Your Account

Hackers can add vulgar stuff in your posts, stories, and reels to destroy your online reputation and ransom money. They can also promote their own stuff and provide fake reviews of online products & services.

We recommend you inform your email service provider about the Instagram account being hacked and email and phone numbers changed to strengthen your overall security.

In addition, they might abuse other people in the comments section or comment harmful thoughts and paragraphs to destroy your reputation as a human being. We suggest you track your log activity so no one can use your Instagram without your consent.

Your Account Gets A Suspended Notification

Instagram account suspension notification is the last thing that an Instagram influencer would want to happen because it can end your whole career on Instagram.

Hackers or malicious people can breach Instagram’s terms and standards to get your account suspended.

Instagram will never tolerate the insolent behavior of an Instagram user who violates all the policies and terms of conditions. Therefore, we want you to inform Instagram about all the security breaches we have mentioned above before they suspend your account.

How to Recover a Hacked Instagram Account?

If you’re thinking, “My Instagram account hacked, what should I do?” don’t panic.

Now here comes the most important part of this article where we’re going to share the steps to recover your Instagram account:

Check The Phone Number And Email Address

We recommend you verify your account’s contact information (phone number and email address) if you can still access your account to check If someone else has altered them, you will need to reset them before you can log in again.

If you’ve forgotten your login information and are unable to access your account, try to retrieve it by requesting a login link be sent to your email or phone.

Log Out Of All Active Instagram Sessions

You can’t reset your password or safeguard your account until someone logs out of your account on another device.

Tap the three lines in the top right corner of your profile to log out of all sessions. Tap Settings >> Security >> and >> Active Sessions. You can log out all devices logged into your account from there.

Change Your Instagram Password

Once you’ve logged out of all active sessions, change your Instagram password. Make sure it’s a strong password that’s different from any other passwords you use.

Don’t personalize your password and select a unique password that uses special characters and numbers so no password-guessing algorithm can bypass your passwords.

Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Use 2FA to protect your Instagram account. A code sent to your phone or email will be required each time you log in from a new device under 2FA.

It is enabled by going to Settings >> Security >> Two-Factor Authentication. Instagram hacked and email changed–who can do such a disastrous thing?

Check Your Accounts Center

You can also use the accounts center to manage multiple Instagram accounts from one place. If someone has hacked one of your accounts, they may have also hacked other accounts associated with the same email address or phone number. To check your Accounts Center, go to Settings >> Accounts Center.

We understand that recovering an Instagram hacked and email changed account may require additional verification steps to prove your identity and regain access.

Report Any Suspicious Activity

If you notice any suspicious activity on your Instagram account such as posts you didn’t make or messages you didn’t send, report it immediately.

Keep Your Instagram Up-To-Date

Keeping your Instagram app up-to-date is important because updates often include security fixes that can protect your account from getting hacked.

Remove Any Third-Party Apps

Hackers occasionally utilize third-party programs to access your Instagram account. Go to Settings >> Security >> Apps and Websites to deactivate any third-party applications that have access to your Instagram account.

You can try to log in by sending a code to your phone or requesting a login link to your email or phone number. Instagram can help you recover if you report the hack.

Click Reverse this change on the security@mail.instagram.com email if your email address was changed. Instagram.com/hacked has a my account was hacked option.

How to Change Instagram Email and Secure Your Account?

Once you’ve regained access to your Instagram account, especially after a situation where your Instagram hacked and email changed, the next important step is to secure it.

Here’s how you can do that:

How To Change Instagram Email

1. Open the Instagram App: Launch the Instagram app on your phone or visit Instagram on your desktop.
2. Go to Profile: Tap on your profile icon in the bottom-right corner (mobile) or top-right (desktop).
3. Access Settings: Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner (mobile) or click on the gear icon (desktop) to open Settings.
4. Edit Profile: In Settings, tap Edit Profile.
5. Change Email Address: In the Email field, delete the existing email and type in the new one.
6. Save Changes: Tap Submit (mobile) or Save (desktop) to confirm the change.
7. Verify New Email: Instagram will send a verification email to your new email address. Click the verification link in that email to finalize the change.

Change Your Instagram Password

If your Instagram password was hacked, it’s important to reset it immediately:

• Go to Settings: Open the Instagram app or website, and tap on your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
  
• Navigate to Security: Go to “Settings,” then tap on “Security” and choose “Password.”
  
• Create a Strong Password: Use a password that is both complex and unique. It should contain: at least 12 characters, a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (like @, #, $, %, etc).
• Avoid Common Words: Don’t use easily guessable passwords, like your name, birthdate, or “123456.”
  
• Consider Using a Password Manager: If you have trouble remembering passwords, consider using a password manager to securely store and generate strong passwords.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your login process. Even if someone has your password like in cases where your Instagram got hacked. They can’t get in without a second code that’s sent to you.

• Go to your Instagram profile and tap the three-line menu.
  
• Tap Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication.
  
• Choose your method: SMS (Text Message), where you’ll receive a login code by text, or Authenticator App (like Google Authenticator or Authy), where you’ll use an app to generate your code.

Setting Up 2FA via SMS or Authenticator App

SMS (Text Message)

• Choose SMS as your 2FA option if you want the code sent directly to your phone via text. After enabling it, Instagram will ask you to enter your phone number for verification.
  
• You will receive a 6-digit code on your phone whenever you log in from an unrecognized device.

Authenticator App

• Choose an Authentication App to use a third-party app like Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator.
  
• Once set up, you will need to open the app to get a constantly rotating 6-digit code that you enter when logging into Instagram. This app doesn’t require an internet connection and is more secure than SMS.
  
• Make sure to back up the code or QR code when setting up the app, in case you need to reinstall or switch devices.

💡 Bonus Tip: If you notice suspicious DMs, like an Instagram account hacked message to friends, it’s a sign you may have been compromised. These are common Instagram account hacked signs that should prompt immediate action.

What to Do if Your Instagram Account is Hacked and Can’t Recover

If you have followed all the standard recovery methods and still can’t recover hacked Instagram account.

Don’t worry, there are additional steps you can take to escalate the issue and even protect your legal rights if necessary.

Contact Instagram Support Directly

Instagram provides a support channel for situations where users are unable to recover their accounts, especially if your instagram hacked changed email. You can use their Help Center or reach out through the app.

• Via the App: Open Instagram and go to your account’s login screen. Tap “Get help logging in,” then select “Need more help?” and follow the prompts to contact Instagram support directly.
• Using the Instagram Website: Visit Instagram’s Help Center at https://help.instagram.com/ and search for the issue you’re facing. If no solution is found, use their contact form to escalate the issue.
• Social Media Channels: Some users have found success reaching out to Instagram via social media (Twitter, Facebook) by tagging @Instagram or using the hashtag #InstagramSupport.

How To Report A Hacked Instagram Account

If your recovery attempts fail or if your account is being used maliciously, consider to report hacked instagram account or deleting it entirely.

• Visit Instagram’s Help Center:
  Open the Instagram app or go to the Instagram Help Center via a web browser.
• Navigate to the “I Think My Instagram Account Hacked” Section:
  In the Help Center, search for “hacked” or go directly to the section titled “If you think your Instagram account has been hacked”.
• Select the Option for Account Recovery:
  Instagram will provide an option that reads, “If you think your Instagram account has been hacked”. Click on it to proceed with the recovery steps.
• Verify Your Identity:
  Instagram will ask you to enter your account details (username, email address, or phone number). If your account email was changed, use the username or phone number associated with the account.

Instagram may send you a link to the original email address to confirm that you’re the rightful owner.

• Complete Instagram’s Account Recovery Form:
  If you can’t access your account due to the hacker changing your login information, you can fill out the “Request Support” form.

Instagram will ask for the following details:

• Your email or phone number is associated with the account.
• A photo of yourself holding a paper with a code that Instagram sends to you (usually provided after requesting support).

• Follow the Instructions for Identity Verification:
• After submitting the form, Instagram will guide you through the verification process, which may include submitting a selfie for identification purposes.
• Be sure to upload clear and accurate photos to verify your identity.
• Wait for Instagram’s Response:
  After submitting your information, Instagram will begin the process of reviewing your case. This may take a few hours to a couple of days.

Instagram will send instructions to your email or phone (whichever is linked to your account) on how to regain access.

How To Delete Hacked Instagram Account

If your account is permanently compromised or if you no longer wish to use it after being hacked, you can delete your Instagram account. Here are the steps:

• Access Instagram’s Account Deletion Page:
  Visit Instagram’s Account Deletion Page.

Note: You will need to be logged out of your account to access this page if the hacker has already changed your login credentials. If you can’t access the account, follow the steps above first to recover hacked Instagram account.

• Log In (If You Can Access Your Account):
  If you still have access to your Instagram account, log in using your credentials.
• Choose the Reason for Deleting Your Account:
  Instagram will ask you to select a reason for account deletion from a drop-down menu (e.g., privacy concerns, don’t like the service, etc.).
• Re-enter Your Password:
  Instagram will prompt you to enter your password again to confirm that you want to delete the account.
• Click “Permanently Delete My Account”:
  After confirming your password, click on the button that says “Permanently delete my account.”
• Confirm Deletion:
  After clicking the delete button, your account will be deactivated for a few days. After this period, your account and all associated data will be permanently deleted.

Instagram will warn you that deleting your account is irreversible, and you will lose all photos, comments, likes, and followers.

Instagram Hacked: FAQs

The Bottom Line

Getting hacked on Instagram can be a scary experience but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. You can protect your account from getting hacked in the first place if you follow the above tips and techniques outlined in this post.

Recovering an ig hacked account can be time-consuming, but with patience and persistence, you can regain control of your account and protect your online presence.

We advise you to learn from the experience of having your Instagram hacked and your email changed and use it to educate others about online security.

And if the worst does happen and your account is hacked, don’t panic! With patience and persistence, you can regain control of your account and get back to sharing your photos and stories with the world.

Remember the key to staying safe on Instagram is to remain vigilant and always be on the lookout for suspicious activity.