How to hack my old instagram
Continuing to Keep Instagram Safe and Secure
December 15, 2022
We're committed to fostering a safe and supportive community for everyone who uses Instagram. There are some easy things you can do to help keep your account safe, like making sure you have a strong password and enabling two-factor authentication. You can also review and increase security for your account at any time by completing Instagram’s Security Check-Up.
In addition to these ongoing safety tools, we’re excited to highlight several new features designed to help keep people’s accounts safe, and offer them more support if they lose account access.
Additional Account Support
To support accounts that are experiencing access issues or may have been hacked, we created Instagram.com/hacked - a new, comprehensive destination people can rely on to report and resolve account access issues.
If you’re unable to log in to your account, enter Instagram.com/hacked on your mobile phone or desktop browser. Next, you will be able to select if you think you’ve been hacked, forgot your password, lost access to two-factor authentication or if your account has been disabled. From there, you will be able to follow a series of steps to help regain access to your account. If you have multiple accounts associated with your information, you will be able to choose which account needs support.
We know losing access to your Instagram account can be stressful, so we want to ensure people have multiple options to get their accounts back if they lose access.
Earlier this year we started testing a way for people to ask their friends to confirm their identity in order to help regain access to their account, and this option is now available to everyone on Instagram. If you find yourself locked out of your account, you will be able to choose two of your Instagram friends to verify your identity and get back into your account.
Keeping Your Account Secure
In addition to new account support and recovery methods, we’re testing ways to help prevent hacking on Instagram before it happens.
First, we remove accounts that our automated systems find to be malicious, including ones that impersonate others, which goes against our Community Guidelines. Second, because bad actors often don’t immediately use accounts maliciously, we’re now testing sending warnings if an account that we suspect may be impersonating someone requests to follow you. In the coming months, we’ll also send warnings if an account that may be impersonating a business sends you a Direct Message (DM).
Finally, we’re now showing the blue verified badge for verified accounts in more places across Instagram. That way, you can quickly determine whether the account you are interacting with is authentic. In addition to Profiles, you can now see verified blue badges in Stories and DMs and coming soon, Feed.
To learn more about Meta’s latest safety efforts, visit the Meta Newsroom. To learn more about preventing scams on Instagram, visit Instagram’s Help Center.
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Updates to How We Protect Our Community from Abuse
Instagram Hacked? Here’s How to Recover Your Account
Instagram is crucial for designers, serving as a marketing and networking tool that’s key to landing new clients.
So what should you do if you’ve had your Instagram hacked? First, don’t panic—you’re not alone. “I’d say it’s common for the average user to get hacked to some degree in their life,” says Matthew Krull, a social media strategist at design-focused communications agency Novità. “I hear more often than not from my friends and colleagues that they’ve experienced some suspicious activity on their account.” But if you’ve had your Instagram account hacked, it’s important to recover it as quickly as possible. Here are the steps for how to get your Instagram account back, as well as measures you can take to bolster your cybersecurity.
Can you get your Instagram back if it’s been hacked?
The short answer: It depends.
If you’ve had your Instagram hacked, it is possible to get it back, but you need to move fast, so that the hacker can’t compromise your account further. If you act quickly, you might be able to kick out the hacker while they’re in your account and before they’ve changed your info, deleted your photos, or posted to your profile.
That way you can save yourself the trouble of having to recover your Instagram account through a Meta support request.
But if the hacker has already gone beyond logging in and potentially changing your password, Instagram account recovery becomes a lot more difficult. Depending on how much damage they’ve done, Instagram may be able to help you recover your account. But brace yourself: If your account has been deleted by a hacker, there might be nothing the Instagram support team can do to recover your account.
How do I get my Instagram account back?
There are two different levels of hacking: One that only changes your password, and another that changes your password and contact info. Here’s how to report a hacked Instagram account, and how to recover your Instagram account as soon as possible.
What to do if a hacker has changed your Instagram password
If you’ve found that your password no longer works, simply follow the steps for setting a new one, as prompted by the login page on the Instagram app.
Hopefully, the login link will be sent to your email account or phone number, and you can use a security code to log back in to your account and change your password. This would be the best case scenario, as you can solve the problem yourself without having to contact Instagram. (That said, it’s not a bad idea to contact Instagram customer service anyway and let them know that your Instagram account has been hacked—the company may point out some helpful security tips to keep your account safe in the future.)
You’ve had your Instagram hacked, and the hacker changed your password and contact information. Now what?
Hitting a brick wall at the login screen? Yikes. If you’re locked out of your social media account, and you don’t receive a password reset link when you request one via the Forgot password button, a hacker may have changed your email and phone number. This is a more common type of hacking, as scammers know you will try to reset your password yourself, and they will want to keep control of the account for themselves.
They may even hold your Instagram account for ransom, and request bitcoin or other plunder for you to get it back. If that’s the case, you’ll need to report the activity to Instagram by following the instructions here. They will ask you to verify your identity—you might even have to take a video selfie to prove you are who you say you are. This process likely won’t give you immediate access; it could take days or even weeks to recover your Instagram account.
Can you recover your Instagram account if it has been deleted?
In some cases, hackers might delete all your posts, or they might delete your account entirely. If they’ve deleted some but not all of your account, you might be able to retrieve posts by going into the Your Activity section of your Instagram account and selecting Recently deleted. There, you’ll find posts from the last 30 days as well as stories from the last 24 hours. You can then restore those images or videos.
But if your account has been totally deleted, you might be out of luck.
Instagram itself says, “When you delete your account, your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers will be permanently removed.” You can create a new account with the same email address you used before, but you may not be able to get the same username.
That said, there is a window in which you can recover your Instagram account. “If someone has deleted your account, you technically have 30 days to contact Instagram to explain that you have been hacked and [ask them] to put your account back up. Instagram claims it stores your data for that long,” says digital marketer Jonathan Simon, director of marketing and communications at the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa. “However, this is a long shot. Once your account is deleted, it is likely gone.”
Interior designer Kristen McGinnis, for instance, was not one of the lucky ones. Back in 2020, she found that she was logged out of her Instagram account due to suspicious activity—even though her two-factor authentication was enabled.
“Instagram’s account retrieval process includes going through identity confirmation. I submitted this well over a dozen times within a month and received zero response,” McGinnis says. “Sadly, I never received any help, only headache and heartache.”
After a month, McGinnis gave up. She started a new Instagram account and used her inaugural post to explain what had happened to her former handle. She then started the arduous process of re-following her former connections, hoping they’d follow her back. Although many of them did, she needed to message others to reintroduce herself. The small silver lining was that her photos were auto-saved to her phone. Still, the mishap had a cost. “I lost a few thousand followers, many of whom I will never get back because I don’t know who to reach out to,” McGinnis says.
Even though no method of account protection is completely fail-safe, staying on top of security best practices can hopefully prevent you from having to rebuild your following.
You can also download your data periodically in order to keep a record of your posts, your followers, and even your comments—that way, if you have your Instagram hacked and eventually need to rebuild your account, you have a head start.
What should you do if you’re locked out of your Instagram account?
For starters, remain calm. Sometimes getting locked out—especially for business accounts—is simply due to an oversight. “For instance, let’s say a social media manager moves on from the company,” says New York– and London-based digital content consultant Charlene C. Lam. “If a transition plan isn’t in place, it may be a while before the remaining team members realize they don’t know the Instagram password.”
To mitigate that risk, keep your Instagram account recovery codes stored in a secure place. These recovery codes will be used to reset two-factor authentication, which will help you get your Instagram account back. They can be found on the Security page of the Instagram app.
Unfortunately, there may be an instance where you’ve been locked out because you were genuinely been hacked by a scammer.
What should you do if you suspect someone is trying to hack your Instagram?
There are a few red flags that may indicate that someone may be trying to hack your Instagram account (or already has). Three big ones: receiving a changed-password email from Instagram that you didn’t trigger yourself, receiving an unprompted email-change request from [email protected], and seeing posts you didn’t make. Here’s how to get help.
What to do if Instagram noticed suspicious activity on your account
If someone attempts to reset your password, Instagram will send you an email informing you of the change. “I take immediate action as soon as I get a notification or email from Instagram letting me know there was suspicious activity on any of the accounts I manage,” Matthew Krull says.
If you receive an email that someone has requested to change your password, and it wasn’t you, someone may be trying to hack your Instagram account.
Report the situation to Instagram via the link in that email, then immediately change your password.
If you received an email from [email protected] asking about changing the email address associated with your Instagram account, but didn’t make that request yourself, click the link in the message that says Secure My Account. If you are unable to get through the login page, the scammer may have changed your password. Don’t lose hope yet—you can still get help by requesting a login link or a security code.
But remain attentive when it comes to these Instagram emails: Some messages that appear to be from Instagram could be phishing attempts or scams from hackers. The good news is that Meta has developed a function to help protect you. If you enter the security section of the Instagram app, you can see what emails Instagram has sent you within the last two weeks. Reviewing that data should help you verify an email’s authenticity.
Keep in mind that other messages, like Instagram DMs and WhatsApp chats, can also contain phishing scams.
Stay alert!
What to do if you noticed suspicious activity on your account
If you notice photos or stories you didn’t post yourself appearing on your page, but you’re still logged in, you’ve probably been hacked on Instagram. You should change your password immediately, as doing so will kick the hacker out of your account. You should also manually log out of any suspicious devices via your login activity page, as well as revoke access from any third-party apps that might have had a security breach and exposed your login information.
How to protect your Instagram account
Hacking isn’t limited to high-profile Instagrammers. “Any account can be a target, because if the hackers are successful, they can use the hacked account to try to get important information like credit card numbers, addresses, and PINs from other unsuspecting users,” Jonathan Simon says.
A strong password is an obvious place to start—and yes, those strings of letters and numbers suggested by Apple’s iOS are pretty safe.
(If you’re concerned about remembering all of your logins, a digital password manager can help.) Still, there are a few additional steps you should take to thwart a potential hacking.
Turn on two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication requires users to enter a security code from an authentication app or your cell phone via text message (SMS) every time they log in to a new device—and it’s a solid deterrent to scammers. Meta offers this service, and you can set it up via the security page in the app.
Check your login activity
Keep an eye on your login activity, which can also be found under the security section of the app. There, you’ll see all the devices that your Instagram account is currently logged into, plus their geographic locations. If you see suspicious activity here, you can log out of those devices from your current one.
Check which third-party apps have access to your Instagram account
Granting third-party apps access to your account is an easy way to share content across different platforms, but it does come with some level of risk: Hackers can break into those apps and steal your Instagram login info.
Head to your security settings, then click Apps and Websites to see what other apps have access to your Instagram account. Keep an eye out for any big data breaches that might affect those apps—if one happens, you’ll want to change your password immediately.
Enable auto-save
Though this measure won’t necessarily protect your account from hackers, it does give you a chance to save all your photos to your phone in the event you have your Instagram hacked and deleted. In the app, click on Settings, then Account, then Original Photos (iPhone) or Original Posts (Android), and make sure that Save is toggled on.
What to do if your Instagram account could be hacked?
Take action on the website or app to secure your Instagram account if you think it has been hacked or is being used by someone else. If someone has accessed your account or you're having trouble signing in, visit this page in a browser on your computer or mobile device to help protect your account.
You can also try to restore access according to the instructions below.
Some of the actions listed are not available for all account types, but we recommend trying each one. nine0003
Check if you received an email from Instagram
If you received an email from [email protected] informing you that your email address has changed, please try to cancel and secure your account by clicking on the link. If some other information has changed (for example, the password), and you cannot restore the previous email address, request a login link or Instagram security code.
Request Instagram login link
To help us verify that the account belongs to you, request a login link, which we will send to your email address or phone number.
To request a login link:
Click Get help signing in (Android) or Forgot your password? (iPhone or browser).
Enter the username, email address, or phone number associated with your account and click Next. If you don't have access to that username, email address, or phone number, enter the login information you last used.
Then click Can't reset your password? under the Next button and follow the instructions on the screen. nine0003
Pass verification to verify you are human (browser only).
Select your email address or phone number, and then click Next.
Follow the login link provided in the email or SMS and follow the instructions on the screen.
Request a security code or support on Instagram
If you are unable to recover your account using the login link, please request support.
To do this, follow the steps below. nine0003
Instagram app for Android
Instagram app for iPhone
Enter a secure email address that only you can access. After submitting your request, expect an email from Instagram with further instructions.
Learn more about what to do if you don't know your username.
Verify your identity
If you request support for an account that does not have a photo of you, you will receive an automatic email response from Meta Support.
In order to verify your identity, we will ask you to provide the email address or phone number that you provided during registration, as well as the type of device from which you registered (for example, iPhone, Android device, iPad, etc.). nine0003
If you request support for an account that contains a photo of you, we will ask you to take a video selfie of you turning your head in different directions. This way we can verify that you are a real person and confirm your identity.
After sending a video selfie, you will receive an email from Instagram to the email address you provided. With the help of this video, we will be able to verify that you are a real person and verify your identity.
Note. The video you send will never appear on Instagram and will be deleted after 30 days. nine0003
If we can't verify your identity using the received video, you can submit a new one for verification.
Note. Instagram does not use facial recognition, and we do not use this technology for video selfies.
A video selfie allows us to verify that you are a real person, and we can manually verify it to grant you access to your account.
If you can log into your Instagram account
If you think your account has been hacked or has been attempted to be hacked, but you can log in, check out our security tips:
Change your password or request an email to reset your password.
Enable two-factor authentication.
Make sure you have the correct phone number and email address in your account settings.
Check the Account Center and remove linked accounts that you don't recognize.
Revoke the permissions of all suspicious third-party applications.
How to restore instagram: simple instructions
If you deleted your instagram or your account was hacked, you can return it. The editors of MC.today tell you how to restore Instagram and when you have to do it. nine0003
5 most common reasons why a page is restored
Here are five cases when you have to restore your Instagram profile.
Temporary blocking
If a user has violated the rules for using Instagram, then his page can be temporarily blocked. Access to the page is restricted when a person publishes prohibited content, spam (makes mass mailing of promotional messages. - Ed.) , violates copyright, and so on. Another page is blocked when a person exhausts the limit of actions - the number of likes, subscriptions and comments. nine0003
One action can be blocked, for example, the ability to like or comment. And they can prohibit the use of the entire page. This will be announced in the notification.
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To find out what the restrictions are for, go to the Instagram settings on your phone. Select "Help" and then "Support Requests".
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Select the "Violations" section. There you can see publications that violate the guidelines of the social network.
Temporary blocking lasts from a few hours to three weeks.
If you get banned
Ban is also imposed for violations of the rules for using the social network, but after it you can not always recover.
If the user constantly violates the rules, then the page is blocked forever. It can also be affected by complaints from other users.
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If the profile owner proves that the hacker did the prohibited actions, then the page can be restored. nine0003
When they forgot their password or email
78% of users forget their passwords after 90 days. In this case, Instagram has a button "Forgot your password" or "Help with logging in". Along with passwords, users forget what email they used during registration.
If you still have access to Instagram, then go to settings, select the "Security" section and change your password. An email will be sent to you to change your password. This way you will find the correct address. nine0003
Access can be restored through a Facebook profile if it is linked to an Instagram page. Next, we will tell you in more detail how to do this.
If you have lost access or forgotten your email password, please contact the technical support of the mail service.
When the Instagram and Facebook profiles are not connected, and there is no access to mail or a phone number, then the page cannot be restored.
Other problems with instagram login can be found here.
If you were hacked
Instagram page can be hacked by ill-wishers or scammers. Accounts are stolen in order to: carry out financial fraud, steal personal data, view correspondence, send mailings and spam.
If the owner noticed that his page was hacked, then he needs to immediately change the password or contact the technical support of the site. If the moderators of the social network notice this, then they will change all the data. More such pages can be blocked.
If the page was deleted
An Instagram page can be deleted temporarily or permanently. In the first case, the profile becomes inaccessible to all users. But you can return it at any time. And an account that has been permanently deleted cannot be restored.
Technical support and other methods will not help. You will have to create a new page.
How to restore the page through the phone and computer
Phone
Through the login page
1. Log in to the application from your phone and enter your username and password. nine0003
2. If you don't remember your password, click the Forgot Password or Login Help button. If you have the data, then go directly to step 6.
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3. Enter your username, email, or phone number. Click next.
4. A link to reset your password will be sent to the specified address or contact. Follow it.
5. Update the password.
6. You will be prompted to restore your account. Press the confirmation button.
Through Facebook
If you don't remember your password, you can recover your account through Facebook.
1. Log in to the application from your phone and click on the "log in with Facebook" button.
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2. If Facebook asks, enter your login information.
3. You will receive a link to reset your password by email. Follow it.
4. Reset your password and create a new one.
Important! You can use this method if your Instagram and Facebook profiles are linked. nine0088
Computer
1. Log in to the Instagram website using a computer browser and enter your username and password. If you have the data, then immediately go to step 6.
2. If you do not remember the password, then click the "Forgot password" button.
3. Enter your username, email, or phone.
4. You will receive a password reset link by email or phone. Follow it.
5. Reset your password and create a new one. nine0003
6. You will be prompted to restore your account. Press the confirmation button.
How to recover an account that was hacked and the login information was changed
If your page has been hacked, try to restore access using the "Forgot password" or "Help with logging in" button.
Follow the same path when you recover your password. If you gain access to the page, then immediately change the password.
If you have not received access, you can go the other way:
1. Go to Instagram on your phone and click the "Forgot your password" or "Help signing in" button.
2. Enter your username, email or phone number and click on the Need More Help button. On the next page, click next.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. Enter your personal information and other email.
5. An email will be sent to the post office asking you to verify your identity. They may ask:
- to be photographed with a passport; nine0236
- take a picture with the security code;
- give information about the phone model from which you previously logged into your account;
- specify the email of the hacked account;
- send photos that were posted in the account.
Important! If there were your personal photos in the account, where your face is clearly visible, then the page recovery will be without problems.
Restoring a hacked page can be difficult: technical support does not always respond quickly, sometimes the answer comes after a few weeks. nine0003
How to recover your account if it has been banned
If your account has been banned, you will be notified by email. The letter writes the reason for the blocking and the number of the error. For a reason, it will become clear how you can restore Instagram.
For example, if the account was banned for copyright infringement, then the email will include the contact details of the content author. You can contact him. If you manage to agree with the author, then ask him to report this in support of Instagram. He needs to send a letter with the error number and his consent. nine0003
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Sometimes, in a letter, Instagram support immediately makes it clear that it will not work to restore the account.
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If at the end of the letter there is a link "let us know", then the page can be restored. Follow this link. There you will find detailed information about the bathhouse and instructions for unlocking it.
Some users find a way out even in this situation: they pretend that the page has been hacked, and all prohibited actions were done by hackers. So you can go through the path of recovering a hacked page, which we described above, and return your account. nine0003
9 tips to protect your Instagram page from being hacked
Here are nine rules to prevent your account from being hacked and data stolen:
- Synchronize Instagram with Facebook . Link your email and phone number to your profile. Use an empty SIM card and mail that is not linked anywhere else. They are not hacked, as they are practically inactive.
- Create a strong password for each account separately.
This will reduce the chances that scammers will gain access to your profile if the page is hacked on another site. Write down the password so you don't forget. nine0236 - Save photos and videos you share on Instagram to your phone, computer or cloud. This way you can prove that the page is yours.
- Post at least twice a year personal photos that clearly show your face. This way the owner's identity is confirmed faster.
- Post only your own content. If you decide to use someone else's, then coordinate it with the author. Screenshot the message with consent, mark it on the publication. nine0236
- Do not install suspicious applications on your phone. Such applications may request access to a social network. Fraudsters often use this to gain access to data. Read the service description and reviews.
- Do not access your profile from third-party gadgets.
