July 2, 2025, 10:23 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Like any social network, Instagram accounts can also be hacked. TECHBOOK reveals what affected users should do in such cases.
Finding out if your Instagram has been hacked is not difficult. For example, you might notice that pictures or comments have been posted without your knowledge. It’s more serious if you no longer have access to your account or, in the worst case, your account no longer exists.
How Was My Instagram Hacked?
There are basically two main entry points that hackers use to hijack Instagram accounts. Depending on which method was used to hack you, you will need to respond accordingly. The sad news is that users do not always have a good chance of getting their account back. While the first method is probably the most obvious to many, the second actually occurs in many cases. TECHBOOK explains both and reveals what you can do in each case, either to regain access to your account or to better protect yourself in the future.
1. Account Hacked Through Instagram
In this case, someone has figured out your Instagram password and can log into your account. This is a significant invasion of privacy, as private messages can also be read. In these cases, it is usually someone interested in your life rather than a professional hacker.
Account takeovers of this kind are usually quickly noticed. If someone logs into your Instagram account from an unknown device, you will receive an email about the login.
If you notice strange changes to your Instagram account, you should take action. First, log in and change your password in the user management. If your password has already been changed, recover it via your email address. As always, do not use an easily guessable password. Next, disable all access from third-party applications. Hackers often use such programs to gain access to the account. If you use the password for other programs or networks, you should also set new passwords there.
Also interesting: Does Instagram spy on its users through the smartphone camera?
2. Account Hacked Through Email Address
We frequently receive messages from readers who can no longer access their account because the password cannot be reset even through the email account. In this case, there is usually great confusion. The reason is simple: hackers have hijacked your email address. This allows them not only to request a new password for Instagram but also to set a new email address in the next step.
However, Instagram has a kind of security level built in to secure the affected account again. On the one hand, the company informs users via email about any changes to the account, so users who did not make these changes themselves can react accordingly. On the other hand, the message includes a link with the subject “Revert this change”–which is exactly what affected users should do immediately.
Afterward, the password must be changed. With a new, secure email address, the account can now be restored. Again, it is important to prohibit access to third-party apps. Additionally, Instagram recommends on its help page to activate two-factor authentication.
Important: If your Instagram has been hacked, you should not simply create a new account with your old data, as the company will then only refer to this account, and the old profile will be lost forever.
Last Chance: Instagram Support
If you are still having trouble logging in, you can ask for help from support. You can find an email address to contact in the Instagram imprint. However, a response may take several days, even though a company is legally required to respond to emails sent to this mailbox.
Besides the email address, the error message is also available in the app itself. Additionally, you can get help through other social networks. For example, support can be reached on X with the tag @instagram.