How To Protect Your Instagram Account From Hackers In 5 Steps

In today’s digital landscape, social media accounts are more than just personal profiles—they represent identity, influence, and sometimes income. Instagram, with over a billion active users, is a prime target for cybercriminals. A hacked account can mean lost content, compromised personal data, or even financial damage if you're a creator or business owner. The good news? Most attacks are preventable. By taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access. These five actionable steps will help you fortify your Instagram account against hackers and maintain full control over your online presence.

1. Use a Strong, Unique Password

Your password is the first line of defense. A weak or reused password is one of the most common reasons accounts get compromised. Hackers use automated tools that can guess thousands of combinations per second, especially if your password is simple or based on easily accessible information like your birthday or pet’s name.

A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. Avoid predictable patterns such as “123456” or “password.” More importantly, never reuse passwords across platforms. If one service suffers a data breach, attackers often try the same credentials elsewhere—a tactic known as credential stuffing.

Tip: Use a reputable password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.

Consider using a passphrase instead of a traditional password. For example, “PurpleTiger$RunsFast@Sunset!” is both memorable and highly secure. Change your Instagram password immediately if you suspect any suspicious activity or if you’ve used it elsewhere.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an essential layer of security beyond your password. Even if someone obtains your login details, they won’t be able to access your account without the second verification step. Instagram supports multiple 2FA methods: text message (SMS), authenticator apps, and backup codes.

While SMS-based 2FA is better than nothing, it's less secure due to SIM-swapping attacks, where hackers trick carriers into transferring your phone number to their device. A more secure option is using an authenticator app like Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator. These apps generate time-sensitive codes independently of your phone number.

“Two-factor authentication stops over 99% of automated attacks. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect any online account.” — Katie Paul, Cybersecurity Analyst at TechSecure Labs

How to Set Up 2FA on Instagram

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
2. Tap the menu icon (three lines) and select “Settings.”
3. Navigate to “Security” and choose “Two-Factor Authentication.”
4. Select either “Text Message” or “Authentication App.”
5. Follow the prompts to verify your choice and save backup codes in a secure location.

After setup, every login from a new device will require both your password and a code from your chosen method. This dramatically reduces the chance of unauthorized access.

3. Beware of Phishing Scams and Fake Login Pages

Phishing remains one of the most common tactics used to steal Instagram credentials. Attackers create fake websites or send deceptive messages that mimic Instagram’s official login page. Once you enter your username and password, they capture your information instantly.

These scams often arrive via direct messages, emails, or third-party apps promising free followers, likes, or account analytics. They may include links with URLs that look legitimate but contain subtle misspellings—like “instagarm.com” instead of “instagram.com.”

Red Flags of Phishing	Safe Practices
Urgent language: “Your account will be deleted!”	Verify messages through Instagram’s official Help Center
Unsolicited links from unknown users	Never click links in DMs from strangers
Login pages not using HTTPS or with strange URLs	Always check the address bar before logging in
Requests for your password or verification codes	Instagram will never ask for your password via email or DM

Tip: Bookmark Instagram’s official login page (https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/) to avoid typing it manually and landing on fake sites.

Real Example: How a Creator Lost Access

Jamal, a fitness influencer with 85K followers, received a DM from what appeared to be Instagram Support: “Your account violates community guidelines. Click here to appeal.” He clicked the link and entered his credentials on a nearly identical login page. Within minutes, his account was locked, and spam posts began appearing in his feed. It took him three weeks to regain access through Instagram’s verification process. His mistake? Trusting an unsolicited message. After recovering his account, he enabled 2FA and now educates his audience about phishing risks.

4. Regularly Review Active Sessions and Connected Apps

Instagram allows you to view all devices currently logged into your account. Monitoring these sessions helps you detect unauthorized access early. If you see a login from an unfamiliar location or device, you can log it out remotely.

How to Check and Manage Active Sessions

1. Go to your Instagram profile and open Settings.
2. Select “Security,” then tap “Login Activity.”
3. Review the list of active sessions, including device type, location, and last active time.
4. If anything looks suspicious, tap the session and choose “Log Out.”

In addition to active sessions, review third-party apps connected to your Instagram account. Some apps request broad permissions, including the ability to post on your behalf or access your messages. Over time, forgotten apps can become security liabilities—especially if they’re no longer maintained or have poor privacy practices.

To Remove Connected Apps:

1. In Settings, go to “Security” > “Apps and Websites.”
2. Check each connected app and remove any you don’t recognize or no longer use.
3. Tap “Remove All” if you want to start fresh and only reconnect trusted services.

Limit connections to well-known platforms like Canva, Later, or Facebook Business Suite. Avoid granting access to obscure tools offering follower boosts or engagement hacks—they’re often fronts for data harvesting.

5. Keep Your Contact Information Updated and Use Account Recovery Options

If your account is ever compromised, having accurate recovery options is critical. Instagram uses your email address and phone number to help verify your identity during the recovery process. If these details are outdated or incorrect, regaining access becomes much harder.

Ensure your registered email is one you actively use and secured with its own strong password and 2FA. Similarly, confirm your phone number is current and linked only to a device you control. This ensures you receive verification codes and alerts promptly.

Additionally, consider setting up a trusted contact—a feature that lets someone help you recover your account if you’re locked out. While not available to all users yet, it’s rolling out globally and worth enabling when accessible.

Tip: Periodically test your recovery options by logging out and attempting to log back in to ensure everything works smoothly.

Account Recovery Checklist

• ✅ Email address is valid and secure
• ✅ Phone number is up to date
• ✅ Two-factor authentication is enabled
• ✅ Backup codes are saved offline
• ✅ Trusted contacts are configured (if available)
• ✅ Recovery questions (if used) are not easily guessable

Remember: Instagram does not offer live customer support for individual account issues. The recovery process relies entirely on automated systems and the accuracy of your provided information. Being prepared means you won’t lose days—or your entire audience—if something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my Instagram account has already been hacked?

Immediately go to Instagram’s Help Center and follow the account recovery steps. Submit a form with your username, email, and phone number. If you can’t log in, use the “Need more help?” option to request manual review. Avoid third-party services claiming to recover accounts—they are scams.

Can someone hack my Instagram just by sending me a message?

No, simply receiving a message cannot compromise your account. However, clicking on malicious links within messages can lead to phishing sites or malware downloads. Always exercise caution with unsolicited DMs, especially those urging immediate action.

Is it safe to use third-party analytics tools for Instagram?

Only use reputable tools from established companies. Before connecting any app, review the permissions it requests and check user reviews. Avoid tools that ask for your password directly—Instagram’s API does not require this. When in doubt, stick to native insights or Meta’s official tools.

Conclusion: Stay Proactive, Stay Secure

Protecting your Instagram account isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing practice. Cyber threats evolve, but so do your defenses. By using a strong password, enabling two-factor authentication, staying alert to phishing attempts, monitoring active sessions, and maintaining reliable recovery options, you build a robust security framework around your profile.

Whether you’re sharing moments with friends or managing a growing brand, your account is valuable. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take these five steps today to lock down your Instagram and keep your digital life under your control.

💬 Have you ever faced a hacking attempt on Instagram? Share your experience or tips in the comments to help others stay protected.