Instagram is one of the most used social networks, but also one of the most vulnerable to attacks by hackers and cybercriminals, who can steal or block user accounts for various reasons. If this has happened to you, there are some solutions you can try to recover your Instagram account and protect it in the future.

If what you want is to locate your stolen or lost mobile phone and you are afraid that they can access your account through it, it is important that you first solve this point before continuing. It is important that you know that even if they wanted to delete your Instagram account , you could still reactivate it later.

How do I know if my Instagram account was hacked or blocked?

There are some indications that can tell you that something is wrong with your account, such as:

• You cannot access with your username and password.
• You receive an email from Instagram informing you that your associated password, email or phone number has been changed.
• You see posts, comments, messages, or followers that you didn’t make or add.
• Your account has been deleted or deactivated for breaching the rules of the platform.

If any of this has happened to you, your account may have been hacked or locked. In that case, you must act fast to try to get it back and prevent it from being misused.

How to recover a hacked Instagram account?

In case you think that your Instagram account has been hacked by someone who has changed your access data, there are some options that you can try to recover it:

Reset your password

If you still have access to the email or number associated with your account, you can try to reset your password from the Instagram app or website. From the start of Instagram, click on «Have you forgotten your password?» Then, enter the information requested and follow the steps. Remember to choose a secure password that is different from the previous one.

Use the link instagram.com/hacked

If you don’t have access to your email or mobile number, you can try using the link instagram.com/hacked . This is a special page that Instagram has created to help users who have suffered a hack. There you will have to fill out a form with some information about your account , such as your username and the date you created the account. Then, Instagram will ask you to verify your identity by sending a code to another email or number that you enter. Once you enter it, you will be able to reset your password and recover your account.

Contact Instagram support

If none of the above options work, you can try contacting the Instagram help service to explain your situation and request their assistance.

You can do so via support@instagram.com , the phone number +1 650 543 4800 (in English) or the ‘Report a problem’ form. To do this, you will have to access another account or create a new one temporarily, since entering Instagram without an account is useless in this case. It may take a few days for a response, and they may ask for more information or proof to prove that you are the true owner of the account.

How to recover a blocked Instagram account?

If you believe that your Instagram account has been blocked by the social network itself for violating its rules or conditions, there are some options that you can try to recover it:

Wait the specified time

If your account has been temporarily blocked for some minor violation, such as sending too many messages or following too many people in a short time, you will most likely receive a notice telling you how long the block will last. In that case, all you can do is wait patiently until the deadline is over and you can use your account normally again.

Verify your account information

Instagram may ask you to verify your account information , especially if you’ve had suspicious activity. To do this, you will have to enter a code that will be sent to you by email or SMS, or upload a photo of yourself holding a piece of paper with a code that will be provided to you.

Comply with Instagram Policies

If your account has been banned for violating Instagram’s policies, such as posting inappropriate, offensive, or illegal content, or impersonating another person or entity, you’ll need to review and agree to Instagram’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Use . social. To do so, log in and follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

How to prevent the hacking or blocking of your Instagram account?

To prevent your Instagram account from being hacked or blocked again, there are some prevention and security measures you can take, such as:

Activate two-step verification

This is a function that allows you to add an extra layer of security to your account , by requiring a code that will be sent to you by SMS or by an external application when you enter from a new device. To enable it, go to settings, then ‘Security’. Finally, go to ‘Two Step Authentication’ to ensure security and avoid any mishaps. Choose the method that you like best.

Use a strong and unique password

It is important that you choose a password that is difficult to guess and that you do not use in other services or applications. Ideally, it should have a minimum of 8 characters and use uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. You can also choose to change your password after a certain time.

Review connected apps and websites

Sometimes, we may give permission to some external apps or websites to access our Instagram account without realizing or knowing what they do with our data. Therefore, it is convenient to periodically review the applications and pages connected to our account , as well as deny access to those that are suspicious. To do this, go to settings, then «Security» and finally «Applications and websites».

Keep the app updated

It is essential that you always have the latest version of the Instagram application installed on your device, since this way you can benefit from the improvements and corrections that are introduced to guarantee the proper functioning and security of the service.

Avoid public Wi-Fi networks

If you connect to Instagram from a public or open Wi-Fi network, you risk exposing your data and information to potential hackers or intruders who could intercept or modify it. Therefore, it is advisable that you only use safe and trusted Wi-Fi networks , or that you use your own mobile data connection.

Report suspicious accounts

If you see an account that seems suspicious to you, sends you strange messages or posts inappropriate content, you can report it to Instagram for review and removal if necessary. Thus, you will contribute to maintaining the security and quality of the social network. To report an account, go to their profile, click on the three dots at the top right and click on «Report».

Do not click on unknown links

Some hackers may try to trick you by sending you fake or malicious links via email, SMS or Instagram direct message, which take you to fraudulent pages where they ask for your login details or install a virus or malware on your device. This is why you should never click on links that look suspicious to you, and you should always verify the source and address before opening them.