Losing access to your Instagram (IG) account can be frustrating. Whether it’s due to a forgotten password, a hacked account, a disabled profile, or accidental deletion, regaining access is often possible. This guide explores the specific steps for each scenario to help you get back online.
1. How to Recover a Forgotten Instagram Password
In about 90% of cases, a lost password can be recovered easily. The primary method involves the “Get help logging in” (Android) or “Forgot password?” (iOS/Browser) feature.
Option A: Login via Facebook
If your Instagram and Facebook accounts are linked, this is the fastest method:
- On the login screen, select “Log in with Facebook.”
- Tap “Continue as [Your Name].”Note: This only works if you are currently logged into Facebook on the same device and the accounts are connected.
Option B: Use Email, Username, or Phone Number
If Facebook isn’t an option:
- Enter your username, email, or the phone number associated with the account.
- Click Next (Mobile) or Send Login Link (Desktop).
- You will receive a 6-digit code via SMS or a reset link via email.
Troubleshooting Delayed Codes
- Check your Spam, Promotions, or Social tabs (especially for Gmail users).
- Wait at least 30 minutes before requesting a new code if it doesn’t arrive immediately.
2. What to Do If Your Instagram Account Was Hacked
If a hacker has changed your primary information, such as your email and phone number, the standard recovery steps may fail.
Signs of a Hijacked Account
Usually, Instagram sends a notification to your original email address regarding changes to your primary information. If you see this, act immediately through the link provided in that email.
Contacting Instagram Support
- Navigate to the “Can’t Log in” section on the app.
- Select “I think my Instagram account has been hacked.”
- Identity Verification: You may be required to submit a video selfie to prove your identity and provide the original registration details.
- Business Accounts: For business accounts, additional verification may be required. If the account is deactivated as well as hacked, use the specific recovery form for disabled accounts.
Note: Response times from support teams can range from a few weeks to several months. Requests can be resubmitted after a period of time as different human agents handle cases at different rates.
3. Solutions for Lost Email or Phone Access
If you’ve forgotten your registered email or no longer own the phone number associated with the account, try these alternatives:
- Recovery by Phone Number: On a browser, you will receive a link; on the mobile app, you will receive a login code.
- Recover the Email Account First: Most email providers have their own recovery process using a backup phone number. Once you regain email access, use it to reset your Instagram password.
- Username Search: If you forgot your handle, search for it on other social platforms or have friends check their following list to identify your exact username.
4. Understanding Instagram Bans and Disabled Accounts
Recovery depends on the type of restriction placed on your account.
Temporary Bans
These are imposed for minor violations (like excessive liking). They usually last from several hours to a few days. The only solution is to wait for the restriction to lift.
Disabled Accounts
If your account was disabled for violating community guidelines, you can attempt to appeal the decision during the login process. If the appeal fails, creating a new account may be the only option.
5. Deleted Accounts: Is Recovery Possible?
No. If you manually initiate a delete request and the process completes, the account cannot be recovered. To prevent future data loss, it is recommended to use the “Temporarily Disable Account” option instead, which can be found in “Edit Profile” via a web browser.
6. Best Practices to Prevent Future Account Loss
Prevention is the most effective way to ensure you never lose your profile again:
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds a vital layer of security.
- Link Accounts: Connect your phone number and your Facebook page to your Instagram.
- Store Data Externally: Keep your photos and videos on a computer or external drive so they are safe even if a hacker deletes your content.
- Use a “Link in Bio” Page: Maintaining a page (like Taplink) allows you to keep a constant point of contact for your followers even during a recovery process.
Conclusion
While Instagram recovery is possible in most cases, it is often a time-consuming process. If you use your account for business, ensure you communicate your status through other social channels to avoid disruption. Following community guidelines and keeping your security settings updated is the best way to ensure long-term access.