Last updated · reviewed by the Essentras editorial team

Emergency checklist · Updated June 2026

My Instagram was hacked: what to do first

Move fast and go official. First, search your email for a Meta “your email was changed” message, it often has a one-click revert link. Then start the official flow at instagram.com/hacked, secure your email password and two-factor, and check any linked Facebook account. Do not pay the hacker or anyone in your DMs. The faster you act, the higher your chances.

The first-hour checklist

01

Check for the Meta security email

Search your email for "your email was changed." Many of these contain a "revert this change" link that instantly undoes the hacker’s change if you act fast.

02

Start the official hacked flow

Go to instagram.com/hacked or the app’s "My account was hacked" path. This is the only legitimate recovery route.

03

Secure your email first

Change your email password and turn on two-factor there. If the attacker controls your email, they can keep re-taking the account.

04

Check connected accounts

If your Instagram is linked to Facebook, secure that too. Attackers often pivot across linked Meta accounts.

05

Do not negotiate or pay the hacker

Never pay a ransom or anyone in your DMs promising instant recovery. Go through Meta’s official process only.

Official starting point: instagram.com/hacked.

If it is a high-value account or you are getting nowhere

Business, creator, verified, and large accounts cannot afford a stalled case. Essentras takes over the official process, prepares your identity verification, and persists through Meta’s review. 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

Just hacked, FAQ

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 do I recover a hacked Instagram account?

Start at instagram.com/hacked or use the app's "Need more help? > My account was hacked" path. Meta sends a login link to every contact method ever tied to the account, then escalates to identity verification (video selfie or ID) if the attacker changed everything. Essentras prepares your case, submits through these official channels, and persists through the review so nothing stalls.

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.

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.

Is Instagram account recovery legit or a scam?

Legitimate recovery only ever helps the real owner regain access through Meta's official channels. It is a scam when someone calls themselves an "ethical hacker," claims insider Meta access, guarantees results, demands crypto upfront, or asks for your password. Essentras does none of those: we manage the official Meta process, never touch your password, and you pay only on success.

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