Last updated · reviewed by the Essentras editorial team

Guide · Updated June 2026

How to recover Instagram without email or phone number

You do not need the old email or phone to get back into Instagram. Use the login screen path “Forgot password? → Need more help? → I am not able to contact this email or phone → My account was hacked.” Meta then verifies you by identity instead, with a video selfie matched to your past profile photos or a government ID. Once Meta confirms you are the owner, it restores access and lets you set a new email, phone, and password.

The steps

01

Open the official login-help flow

On the login screen tap "Forgot password?" then "Need more help?" then "I am not able to contact this email or phone."

02

Choose "My account was hacked"

This routes you to Meta’s identity-verification path, which does not require the old email or phone.

03

Verify your identity

Record the video selfie Meta requests (matched against your past profile photos) or upload a government ID.

04

Wait for Meta’s review

Meta reviews and, once it confirms you are the owner, restores access and lets you set a new email, phone, and password.

Official starting point: Meta’s lost-access help. We are not affiliated with Meta.

If the identity check keeps failing

The video selfie needs clear past profile photos to match against, and accounts with no profile photo cannot use it. If you have tried and stalled, Essentras prepares the strongest possible identity case and manages the submission through Meta’s official channels. We never ask for your password, with a money-back guarantee: if we don't get it back, you get a full refund.

Get a free case assessment →

FAQ

Recovering without email or phone, FAQ

How do I recover my Instagram account without the email or phone number?

Use the "I am not able to contact this email or phone" path, then "I was hacked." Meta then verifies your identity directly with a video selfie matched against your past profile photos, or a government ID. You do not need the old email or phone to prove ownership this way. Essentras walks you through each step and handles the submission.

Can a hacked Instagram account be recovered?

Yes, in most cases, through Meta's official recovery process, even if the attacker changed your password, email, and phone number. Meta uses your account's historical login data and identity verification (a video selfie or government ID) to confirm you are the real owner. Essentras manages that official process for you end to end. No hacking is involved, and no outcome is guaranteed because Meta makes the final decision.

How long does Instagram account recovery take?

Meta typically reviews identity verification in 24 to 48 hours, and up to about 5 business days for government-ID cases. Disabled-account appeals usually take 1 to 5 business days. No one can promise a fixed time because Meta controls the queue and the decision.

Do you need my Instagram password?

No, and you should never give your password to anyone offering recovery. Essentras guides you through Meta's own verification on your device. We prepare the case and the documentation; you stay in control of your own login at all times.

What happens if you cannot recover my account?

You pay nothing. We assess your case for free first and tell you honestly whether recovery is realistic before you commit. If we take it on and your account is not restored, there is no fee.

Stuck on identity verification?

Free case assessment in 24 hours. No password required. Money-back guarantee if we don't recover your account.

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