How to recover your stolen Instagram account with new anti-hacker code system
Instagram is testing out a new account recovery system, which should be much more efficient than the current process.
The trial involves an in-app feature where users can easily enter contact information associated with the account to then receive a new access code.
Any Instagram user who has had their account stolen before will know that getting it back can seem like a laborious process.
Currently, locked-out account holders have to email specific verification to the Instagram security team before they are given an access code to their account.
This specific verification is often asked for in the form of a picture of the user holding a piece of paper with a special handwritten code on it.
Access codes given by the security team work even if the hacker has changed the account details.
How to recover a hacked Instagram account
Here's the new steps you need to follow...
- Click on the Instagram app and go to the login page
- Select “Need more help”
- Type in your original email address and the phone number you used with your account
- Instagram will then send a six-digit unique code to that email address and number
- Enter the code to recover your account
- Instagram has said it will prevent hackers using the code sent to you on other devices
Instagram also announced another update yesterday, which comes in the form of an imposed time delay before a username can be claimed after an account has been hacked or if the actual user decides they want to change their account name.
This will give hacked account users time to get their accounts back before someone else claims their username.
The new Instagram security code feature is available to all Android users now.
We don’t know exactly when it will be coming to iPhone but it is expected soon.
An Instagram spokesperson said: “We know that losing access to your account can be a distressing experience and, in response to feedback from the Instagram community, we are sharing two new updates that we’ve been working on to make it easier for you to recover your account if it’s been hacked.”
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In other news, Instagram users are being warned over a scam that gives hackers access to your account.
The app recently started letting users pick “close friends” – and it could cause huge rows.
And, photos about a “post limit” asking you to comment are a complete hoax.
Have you spotted a scam on Instagram? Let us know in the comments…
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