How to Fix the "Your Account Was Compromised" Error on Instagram in 2024

If you‘ve tried logging into your Instagram account only to be hit with the alarming message "Your Account Was Compromised," you‘re not alone. This frustrating error prevents you from accessing your account and can leave you feeling confused and helpless. The full error message states:

"It looks like you shared your password with a service to help you get more likes or followers, which goes against our Community Guidelines. Change your password to continue using Instagram. If you share your new password with one of these services, you may get blocked from following, liking, or commenting."

Don‘t panic! In most cases, you should be able to regain access to your account by following a few simple steps. In this guide, we‘ll walk you through exactly what to do if you encounter the "Your Account Was Compromised" message on Instagram in 2024. We‘ll also share some important tips for keeping your account secure and avoiding this issue in the future.

The Prevalence of Hacked Instagram Accounts

Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 1.4 billion monthly active users as of 2024 (Statista). Unfortunately, this massive user base also makes Instagram an attractive target for hackers and scammers. According to cybersecurity firm Norton, social media accounts are hacked nearly 600,000 times per day, and Instagram is one of the most commonly targeted platforms.

In a 2022 survey by the University of Phoenix, 23% of respondents reported having their Instagram account hacked at least once. The study also found that younger users (ages 18-34) were more likely to experience account hacking than older age groups.

What Does "Your Account Was Compromised" Mean on Instagram?

When Instagram displays the "Your Account Was Compromised" message, it typically means one of two things:

1. You (or someone else) has shared your Instagram login credentials with a third-party app or service. Instagram‘s terms prohibit sharing your password with any other services, even those claiming to help you get more followers or likes. Using these types of apps is a violation of Instagram‘s Community Guidelines and can lead to your account being locked.

2. Your account has actually been compromised or hacked by a malicious third party. Hackers may gain access to your account by guessing a weak password, tricking you into revealing your login credentials through a phishing scam, or using information exposed in a data breach.

If Instagram detects suspicious activity or unauthorized access attempts on your account, they may proactively lock it and display the "Your Account Was Compromised" message as a security precaution. This prevents the hacker from being able to log in and protects your account until you can secure it by changing your password.

Cybersecurity expert and CEO of SocialProofSecurity Rachel Tobac explains: "Instagram uses machine learning algorithms to continuously monitor user accounts for signs of unauthorized access. If the system detects an unusual login attempt or suspicious activity, such as a sudden change in your followers or a flood of spam comments, it may automatically lock the account to prevent further damage."

How Hackers Gain Access to Instagram Accounts

There are several common tactics that hackers use to gain unauthorized access to Instagram accounts:

1. Weak or easily guessed passwords: If your Instagram password is short, simple, or based on readily available information like your name or birthdate, a hacker may be able to crack it through trial and error or using automated hacking tools.

2. Phishing scams: Hackers may send fake emails or messages that appear to be from Instagram, prompting you to click a link and enter your login credentials. If you do so, the hacker can steal your username and password.

3. Data breaches: If you use the same email and password combination for Instagram that you use on other websites, a data breach on one of those sites could expose your credentials and allow hackers to access your Instagram account.

4. Malware: Hackers may use malicious software to infect your device and steal sensitive information, including your Instagram login details. This is more common on desktop devices but can also occur on mobile through malicious apps or attachments.

According to a 2022 analysis by cybersecurity researcher Brian Krebs, the top three most commonly used passwords by hacked Instagram accounts were:

1. 123456
2. 123456789
3. password

"Using weak, easily guessed passwords is one of the biggest mistakes that Instagram users make when it comes to account security," says Krebs. "Hackers can use automated tools to quickly test hundreds of common password combinations and break into accounts that use them."

How to Fix "Your Account Was Compromised" and Regain Access to Your Instagram Account

If you‘re seeing the "Your Account Was Compromised" error on Instagram, follow these steps to reset your password and get back into your account:

1. From the Instagram app, navigate to the login screen and tap "Forgot password." If you‘re already logged into a different Instagram account in the app, go to your Profile page, tap your username at the top of the screen, and select "Log Out" or "Add Account." Then on the login screen, tap "Forgot password."

2. On the next page, enter the username, email address, or phone number associated with your locked Instagram account. Then tap "Next."

3. Select whether you want to receive your password reset link via your email address or phone number. In most cases, email is the quickest and easiest option.

4. Check your email inbox for a message from Instagram with the subject line "[Your Username], we‘ve made it easy to get back on Instagram." If you don‘t see the email, check your spam or junk mail folders. If you still can‘t find it after a few minutes, go back and try having the reset link sent to your phone number instead.

5. Open the email and click the "Reset Your Password" button. This will open the "Create a New Password" page in your web browser. If you requested your reset link via SMS, tap the link in the text message you receive.

6. Enter a new, strong password for your Instagram account. Your password should be at least 6 characters long and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Be sure to create a brand-new, unique password that you haven‘t used on any other accounts.

7. Tap the "Reset Password" button to save your new password and regain access to your account.

8. Open the Instagram app and log in using your new password. Your "Account Was Compromised" error should be resolved and you should have full access to your account again.

What If You‘re Still Having Trouble Accessing Your Account?

In some cases, simply resetting your password may not immediately restore your access to your Instagram account. If you‘ve changed your password and are still receiving an error message or are unable to log in, here are a few additional steps to try:

• Log out and back in: Log out of Instagram, quit the app, and try restarting your phone. Then relaunch Instagram and attempt to log in again.

• Check for an email/phone change: If your account was hacked, the hacker may have changed your email address or phone number in your account settings to lock you out. You can request a login link via email or SMS to the original email/phone associated with your account. Check for this message and use the link to regain access, then change your email/phone back in your settings.

• Contact Instagram support: As a last resort, you can submit a "My Instagram Account Was Deactivated" request to Instagram. While this form is usually meant for disabled accounts, it can also be used for hacked accounts or other login issues. You‘ll need to verify your identity by submitting a photo of yourself holding a handwritten code provided by Instagram. If your request is approved, Instagram will restore access to your account.

Instagram‘s official Help Center (https://help.instagram.com/) offers additional troubleshooting tips and resources for users who are unable to access their accounts. You can also contact Instagram‘s support team directly through the app by navigating to your Profile > Settings > Help > Report a Problem.

Signs Your Instagram Account Has Been Hacked

Sometimes it may not be immediately obvious that your Instagram account has been compromised. Hackers can be subtle in their activities to avoid detection and maintain their access to your account for as long as possible. Here are some common signs that your account may have been hacked:

• You notice unfamiliar login activity in your account settings, such as logins from unexpected locations or devices.
• Your profile information, such as your username, profile picture, or bio, has been changed without your knowledge.
• Your account is following, liking, or commenting on posts from accounts you don‘t recognize.
• Your account is sending spammy messages or posts to your followers.
• You receive notifications about password changes or login attempts that you didn‘t initiate.

If you notice any of these red flags, it‘s important to act quickly to secure your account and prevent further unauthorized access. Change your password immediately and review your account settings for any unfamiliar changes.

Keeping Your Instagram Account Secure in 2024 and Beyond

Having your Instagram account compromised can be stressful, but it‘s also an important wake-up call to take your online security seriously. Once you‘ve regained access to your account, take a moment to review and improve your Instagram security settings:

• Use a strong, unique password: Always use a strong, unique password for Instagram and never share your login credentials with anyone, especially unofficial third-party apps. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long, include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols, and avoid using easily guessed words or phrases. Consider using a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to generate and store complex passwords for all your accounts.

• Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in your Instagram settings. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or an authentication app in addition to your password to log in. To enable 2FA on Instagram:

  1. Go to your Profile and tap the three lines icon in the top right corner.
  2. Tap Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication.
  3. Choose your preferred 2FA method (text message or authentication app) and follow the prompts to set it up.

• Monitor your login activity: Regularly review the "Login Activity" section of your Instagram settings to see a list of devices and locations that have accessed your account. If you spot any suspicious logins, click "Log Out" to revoke access.

• Be cautious about third-party apps: Be wary of unofficial Instagram services promising to increase your followers or likes. Many of these are scams that could steal your password or get your account banned. Only use trusted, reputable third-party tools and never share your login credentials with them.

• Keep your account info updated: Keep the email address and phone number associated with your Instagram account up to date so that you can always receive important messages and reset your password if needed.

Influencer and social media expert Jenn Herman stresses the importance of security for professional Instagram users: "As an influencer or brand, your Instagram account is a valuable business asset. A hacked or compromised account can damage your reputation, cost you followers, and even lead to financial losses. Investing in strong security practices is essential to protect your online presence and maintain the trust of your audience."

By following these security best practices, you can help protect your Instagram account against hackers and unauthorized access. Keeping your account safe not only prevents headaches like the "Your Account Was Compromised" error, but also ensures that your content, messages, and personal information remain private.

If you believe your account has been truly hacked and you‘re unable to regain access, you should also file a report with Instagram as soon as possible. Provide as much information as you can about the unauthorized activity on your account. Instagram‘s team will investigate and take steps to secure your account, which may include disabling it temporarily while they verify your identity and ownership.

The Bottom Line on Instagram‘s "Your Account Was Compromised" Error

Don‘t let the scary wording of Instagram‘s "Your Account Was Compromised" message throw you into a panic. In most cases, you should be able to get your account back by simply resetting your password through the "Forgot Password" feature. Follow the steps outlined above to change your password and secure your account.

However, if you‘re unable to regain access after resetting your password, you may need to submit an official request to Instagram or contact their support team for assistance. You should also carefully review your account activity and security settings to identify and fix any potential vulnerabilities.

Remember, the best way to avoid issues like the "Your Account Was Compromised" error is to be proactive about your Instagram account security. Using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious about third-party apps can go a long way in preventing unauthorized access and keeping your account safe. Stay vigilant and take control of your online security!

As social media consultant Matt Navarra puts it: "In today‘s digital age, social media security is no longer a nice-to-have – it‘s a must-have. By taking a few simple steps to protect your Instagram account, you can save yourself a lot of stress and frustration in the long run. Don‘t wait until it‘s too late – prioritize your online security today."