Our social media accounts have become a big part of our identity. They store our conversations, memories, pictures, connections, and sometimes even business information. So when an account gets hacked, it feels like someone broke into your personal life. The good news is that most hacked accounts can be recovered, but you must act fast and follow the correct steps.
This guide will show you clear, simple, and effective steps to recover a hacked Facebook, WhatsApp, or Instagram account, even if the hacker has changed your password.
1. First, Stay Calm and Don’t Panic
When people realize their account is hacked, they panic and make mistakes, like messaging the hacker, posting online, or trying random recovery steps. You don’t need panic. There is always a solution as long as you act quickly and follow the correct procedures.
Take a deep breath, let’s fix it step-by-step.
2. Try Logging In and Resetting Your Password
Before anything else, try to reset your password from the login page.
Go to the login page
Click “Forgot Password”
Enter your phone number or email
Follow the steps to reset
If the hacker has not changed your recovery email or phone number, this will work instantly.
If it works, go immediately to Settings → Security and:
Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Remove unknown devices
Change password again
3. If the Hacker Changed Your Email or Phone Number
If you see a new email or phone number linked to your account, don’t worry, platforms allow you to reverse unauthorized changes.
On Facebook:
1. Go to: https://www.facebook.com/hacked
2. Select “My Account was compromised”
3. Follow the security steps
Facebook will ask:
Your old login details
Proof of identity (optional in some cases)
Recovery codes
Once verified, Facebook will remove the hacker and secure your account.
On Instagram:
1. Open Instagram app
2. Tap “Get Help Logging In”
3. Enter your username
4. Select “My account was hacked”
5. Choose Email security code recovery or Face Verification
Instagram may ask you to:
Record a short selfie video (to verify identity)
Provide old email or phone number
Once confirmed, access will be restored.
On WhatsApp:
1. Log in on your phone normally
2. When WhatsApp asks for verification code, enter the 6-digit code sent to your number
3. If hacker enabled 2FA PIN and you don’t know it:
Wait 7 days
WhatsApp will allow login without the 2FA PIN
The hacker will be logged out automatically
Also go to: Settings → Account → Two-Step Verification
Enable your own PIN to prevent future hacks.
4. Check and Remove Suspicious Devices
Once you regain access, you must log out the hacker immediately.
On Facebook:
Go to Settings → Security and Login
Scroll to Where You’re Logged In
Log out all devices except yours
On Instagram:
Go to Settings → Security → Login Activity
Remove unknown devices
On WhatsApp:
Go to Linked Devices
Remove unknown linked devices
This prevents the hacker from logging in again.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (Very Important)
2FA prevents anyone from logging in without your permission, even if they know your password.
Enable 2FA on:
Facebook,
Instagram,
WhatsApp,
Email accounts (Gmail or Yahoo).
Use:
SMS Codes, or
Google Authenticator App (more secure)
This is your best protection going forward.
6. Inform Your Contacts If Necessary
Hackers often use hacked accounts to:
Ask your friends for money
Send scam links
Spread fake messages
If you think your contacts may have received such messages:
Post a short note informing them you were hacked
Tell them not to trust any suspicious message sent recently
This protects your reputation and others.
7. Increase Your Security Going Forward
To prevent getting hacked again:
Use strong passwords (not your name or birthday)
Don’t click suspicious links or giveaways
Don’t save passwords on shared devices
Keep your phone updated
Avoid logging into accounts on public computers
Your digital safety is in your control.
Being hacked can be emotional, scary, and frustrating, but it is not the end. With the right recovery steps, you can regain your account and secure it permanently. The key is to act quickly, use the official recovery tools, and enable strong security features like 2FA.
Your online identity is valuable, protect it like it matters.
