How to secure your Instagram account in 2026?
Nicolas,
Instagram has over two billion active users and remains one of the most targeted platforms by hackers. Account theft, identity fraud, phishing, fake contest scams: the threats are numerous. In 2026, a few simple measures are enough to drastically reduce the risk of your Instagram account being hacked.
1. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
This is the most effective measure to protect your account. Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires, in addition to your password, a second verification factor each time you log in from a new device.
To enable it on Instagram:
- Go to Settings → Security → Two-Factor Authentication
- Choose a method: authenticator app (recommended) or SMS
- An authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy…) is more secure than SMS, which can be intercepted by a SIM swapping attack
Good to know: when you enable 2FA, Instagram generates one-time recovery codes. Write them down and keep them somewhere safe — they allow you to access your account if you lose access to your primary verification method.
2. Use a strong and unique password
A weak or reused password is the main cause of account hacking. A good Instagram password must:
- Contain at least 12 characters (ideally 16 or more)
- Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers and special characters
- Never be reused on another service
- Not contain your name, date of birth or username
Use a password manager (Bitwarden, 1Password, Dashlane…) to generate and store complex passwords without having to memorise them.
3. Check the devices connected to your account
Instagram allows you to view all devices currently connected to your account, with their approximate location and IP address.
- Go to Settings → Security → Login Activity
- Check each login — if you see a connection from a country or IP address you do not recognise, immediately disconnect that device
- Tap the three dots next to the suspicious login, then tap This wasn't me
Good to know: the location displayed for each login is based on the IP address used during the session. A connection from a distant city or foreign country you do not recognise is a strong warning signal — change your password immediately and enable 2FA if not already done.
4. Beware of phishing attempts
Phishing is the most widely used technique to steal Instagram accounts. The most common variants in 2026:
- Fake Instagram email informing you of a copyright violation or imminent suspension, with a link to a fake login page
- Fake DM from an account impersonating Instagram, asking you to verify your account
- Fake contests asking for your credentials to validate your entry
Instagram never contacts you by DM for security matters. All official Instagram emails come from the @mail.instagram.com domain — always check the sender address before clicking.
5. Revoke access from third-party apps
Many third-party apps (analytics tools, schedulers, photo editors…) request access to your Instagram account. Some may be malicious or have been compromised.
- Go to Settings → Security → Apps and Websites
- Revoke access to any app you no longer use or do not recognise
- Never connect your account to apps promising free followers or likes
6. Secure the associated email address and phone number
Your Instagram account is only as secure as the email account linked to it. If your email is compromised, the hacker can reset your Instagram password through the standard recovery process.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your primary email address
- Verify that the email address and phone number registered on Instagram are up to date and belong to you
- Go to Settings → Account → Personal Information to check them
7. Enable login alerts
Instagram can notify you by email or push notification each time a login is detected from a new device or new location.
- Go to Settings → Security → Login Alerts
- Enable email and/or push notifications
Summary: the key points
| Action | Priority | Protection provided |
|---|---|---|
| Enable 2FA (authenticator app) | ? Critical | Blocks 99% of remote hacking attempts |
| Strong and unique password | ? Critical | Protects against brute force attacks |
| Check connected devices | ? Important | Detects unauthorised access |
| Revoke unnecessary third-party apps | ? Important | Limits attack surface |
| Secure the associated email | ? Important | Prevents fraudulent recovery |
| Enable login alerts | ? Recommended | Quick reaction in case of intrusion |
Good to know: if your Instagram account is hacked and you no longer have access to your email or phone number, Instagram offers a recovery process via facial recognition or identity verification. Go to the login page, tap Get more help, then follow the instructions to submit a recovery request to Instagram support.