Before you start
- Access to the email address or phone number on the account, if possible
- The Instagram app or a web browser
Method 1 Reset your password from the login screen
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Step 1: Go to the login screen
Open the Instagram app. If you’re signed in to another account, switch to the login screen.
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Step 2: Tap Forgot password?
Under the login fields, tap Forgot password?. On some Android versions this is called Get help logging in.
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Step 3: Enter your account details
Type your username, email address or phone number and tap Continue or Next.
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Step 4: Open the link or code
Instagram sends a login link or a code by email or text message. Check your spam or junk folder if you can’t find it.
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Step 5: Create a new password
Choose a strong password you haven’t used before, then log in.
Method 2 If your account was hacked
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Step 1: Open the hacked-account page
Go to instagram.com/hacked in a browser, or tap Forgot password? and then Need more help? in the app.
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Step 2: Choose what happened
Select My account was hacked and enter the username, email or phone number linked to the account.
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Step 3: Verify your identity
Instagram may send a code to the email or phone on the account, or ask you to record a short video selfie if your account has photos of you.
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Step 4: Secure your account
Once you’re back in, change your password, turn on two-factor authentication and remove devices you don’t recognise from your login activity.
Troubleshooting
I don’t receive the reset email or code
Check your spam folder, wait a few minutes and try again. Make sure you’re entering the email or phone number that is actually on the account.
Instagram says the username doesn’t exist
The username may have been changed. Try your email address or phone number instead.
The video selfie verification failed
Record it again in good light, facing the camera, and turn your head in the directions shown. The review can take a few days.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Instagram account recovery take?
Password resets take minutes. Hacked-account reviews and video selfie checks can take a few days.
Can I recover a deleted Instagram account?
Only if you log back in within 30 days of requesting deletion. After that the account is permanently deleted.
Can I recover my account without my email or phone?
Use the hacked-account process. If your account has photos of you, Instagram may let you verify with a video selfie.
Summary
Start with Forgot password? on the login screen. If you were hacked, use instagram.com/hacked, then turn on two-factor authentication so it doesn’t happen again.
