How to Recover Your Instagram Account
Last updated: October 12, 2026
Whether you forgot your password or your account was hacked, Instagram’s official recovery options are free. Never trust “account recovery experts” who ask for money; most of them are scammers.
If you forgot your password
- 1On the login screen tap “Forgot password?”.
- 2Enter your username, email or phone number.
- 3Set a new password using the link or code you receive.
If your account was hacked
- 1Check your email: Instagram sends a notice from [email protected] when your email is changed. Its “revert this change” link restores your old address.
- 2Go to instagram.com/hacked and choose that your account was hacked.
- 3Follow the steps; Instagram may ask for a security code or a short video selfie to confirm your identity.
- 4Once you’re back in, change your password and log out of sessions you don’t recognise.
The video selfie is only used to verify your identity and only works on accounts with photos of you.
Keep your account safe
- Turn on two-factor authentication (an authenticator app is safer than SMS).
- Use a strong password you don’t use anywhere else.
- Don’t click links in fake “copyright violation” or “blue badge” messages pretending to be Instagram.
Frequently asked questions
Does Instagram charge for account recovery?
No. All of Instagram’s recovery options are free; “experts” asking for money are usually scammers.
How long does recovery take?
A password reset takes minutes. When identity verification is needed, Instagram can take a few days to respond.