How to Delete a Hacked Instagram Account
Most hackers target Instagram accounts since they contain valuable personal data, photos, and relationships. Once hacked, account users may lose control to further expose their data. In some cases, users delete their accounts completely, either as a last resort or before additional security risks arise. This is the guide on how to recover access to a hacked Instagram account, delete the account if recovery is not possible, and take preventive measures to protect other online accounts.
Steps to Take Immediately After Suspecting an Instagram Hack
If you believe your Instagram has been hacked, act right away. Your first concern should be trying to recover the account; by recovering the account, you’ll have a better opportunity to either secure or delete the account.
Quick things to do:
- Check Your Email: Instagram alerts users of suspicious login activities or changes to account information by sending an email. An email will be sent in the following titles: “Suspicious Login Attempt” and “Your Account Details Were Changed.”
- Use the “Forgot Password” Option: From the log-in page on Instagram, go to “Forgot Password,” and then it will show you how to do this. If they have not already changed your e-mail address or phone number with those hackers, you’ll then receive a link for changing your password through that avenue.
- Recover your Account Using Recovery Codes: When enabling two-factor authentication, there would be a step that gives backup codes. One of those could be used to re-establish access.
Change the password as soon as you regain access to the account and check for any unauthorized actions such as new devices connected to your account and messages sent to your followers.
Account Recovery Process on Instagram
When direct access to the account is not possible, Instagram offers an Account Recovery feature, which is designed to help users recover hacked accounts. Follow these steps to initiate recovery.
Steps to Recover a Hacked Instagram Account
- Open the Instagram app: Tap “Get help logging in” on the login screen (for Android) or “Forgot password?” (for iOS).
- Enter Your Username, Email or Phone Number: Please put in your last remembered account credentials. Instagram shall scan through its database based on this.
- Select Recover: Instagram shall prompt you either get the recovery link on an email or a text. Please note that in a bid to add extra assurance measures, Instagram may further prompt you to input extra data like a selfie video showing you as the correct account owner.
This process can take some time, and the Instagram account may send another request for verification. When recovered, it is a must to secure the account with a new password and two-factor authentication.
Deleting a Hacked Instagram Account
If recovery attempts fail, or you want to cancel the hacked account for security reasons, Instagram allows an option to delete it. Keep in mind that deletion is permanent; once deleted, all data, posts, followers, and comments are deleted permanently.
How to Delete a Hacked Instagram Account
- Use a web browser to go to Instagram’s Account Deletion page.
- Log in using account credentials: If the hacker has reset the password, you could use the “Forgot password” option to reset again.
- Select a Deletion Reason: When deleting an Instagram account, it asks for the reason. Choose an available option: for example, “I’m concerned about my data,” or “My account has been hacked.”
- Enter the password in case you are prompted again for it, and confirm deletion of the account. Delete the account Instagram will carry out the deletion, though this may take up to 30 days to complete in full.
If you do not have access to log in to delete the account, skip to the section below on alternative ways of contacting Instagram support.
Contacting Instagram Support if Deletion Access is Blocked
When hackers change an account’s email, phone number, or password, it may be impossible to access Instagram’s deletion page. In such cases, contacting Instagram support directly is the only way to request deletion.
Steps to Contact Instagram Support:
- Use the “My Account Was Hacked” Form: Go to Instagram’s Help Center, go to the “My Account Was Hacked” section, and select “Need More Help.”
- Fill in the form: Instagram may request information such as the last email or phone number used on the account and any previous usernames. As much as possible, provide all accurate information.
- Submit Identification if Required: Instagram may request a government-issued ID for verification. This added layer of security ensures that only the authorized user is allowed to request an account deletion.
- Wait for Response: Instagram may take some days to review and give a response to the deletion request for the account. Be patient and keep a check on your email for updates.
Direct support requests are case-by-case. So providing proper information helps the process go faster.
Setting Up Preventive Security Measures for Future Protection
In order to avoid hacking in the future, users should use the best security practices available for Instagram. This will include the strengthening of account credentials, two-factor authentication, and third-party access limitations.
Recommended Security Steps
- Use a Strong, Unique Password: Make a password that uses letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use a single password on multiple websites.
- Activate 2FA: Instagram uses two-factor authentication with SMS and authenticator apps. Now the login will need a verification code to join your password, making another level of security.
- Third-Party Access: This feature requires checking which applications or sites access your Instagram account and denying permission for apps that have unnecessary access.
- Review the account activity regularly for unidentified login or activity. Instagram offers a Security section where a person can see devices currently logged in with an account.
These security practices lessen chances of future hacking attempts on your online accounts and thereby make them safer.
The first step is to try to recover your account using the “Forgot password” option on the login screen. You should also check for any emails from Instagram notifying you of unusual login activity or changes to account details.
Yes, if you cannot access the account, you can contact Instagram support via the “My Account Was Hacked” form on Instagram’s Help Center. Provide as much information as possible to verify your identity and request deletion.
Once a deletion request is submitted and approved, it can take up to 30 days for Instagram to fully delete the account and remove associated data from the platform.