Instagram hacked: the recovery checklist

The first hour decides whether a one-click revert still works. Go in this order.

Speed matters. The first hour decides whether a simple revert works.

1. Open the security email from security@mail.instagram.com and tap revert this change if it's there.
2. On the login screen tap Forgot password and try every email and phone you've ever used.
3. Go to instagram.com/hacked, choose My account was hacked, and enter your username.
4. If you no longer control the email or phone, pick I can't access this email or phone number, then complete the video selfie.
5. Once in, follow the lockdown checklist.

What makes this harder

• The intruder turned on two-factor with their own device. See hacker enabled 2FA.
• They changed your username: see username changed.
• The account got disabled after the hack. That's an appeal, not a recovery; appeal templates help.

When the selfie loop keeps failing, UnbanPro recovers hacked Instagram accounts for you.

What the recovery screens look like

• "Get help logging in": enter the username, email or phone. Instagram offers to send a code.
• "Need more help?" / "Can't reset your password?": this opens the hacked flow.
• "Confirm your identity": a video selfie, turning your head slowly in several directions. Tips are in our video selfie guide.
• "We'll review your video": you'll get an email when it's done.

Common mistakes

• Repeating the selfie many times in one day
• Using a new phone or a VPN
• Paying "hackers" from the comments. See recovery scams.
• Ignoring the email account. If your email is compromised, they'll come back.

Questions people ask

How long does Instagram take to review a hacked-account selfie?

Meta doesn't publish a fixed time. Don't resubmit while it's under review.

Can I recover Instagram if my face isn't on the account?

The selfie option needs photos of you. Business and meme accounts need other routes, so look at ownership proof or bring in help.