The Dark Truth of Instagram: Why You Need to Make Your Account Hacking-Proof

I know this because someone recently tried to hack my account. I received multiple login attempt notifications, but thankfully, they couldn’t get in because I had the right security measures in place. That moment made me realize just how real this threat is and how important it is to be prepared.

You can complain all you want, but in most cases, once your account is gone, it’s gone. If you’ve spent years building your page, the last thing you want is to wake up one day and find yourself locked out.

So instead of relying on Instagram’s poor recovery system, you need to make your account hacking-proof. Here’s how:

1. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) the Right Way

How to Enable 2FA on Instagram:

Open Instagram and go to your profile.

Tap the menu (☰) in the top-right corner.

Select “Accounts Centre” > “Password and Security”.

Tap “Two-Factor Authentication”.

Choose one or more security methods:

WhatsApp — Receive login codes via WhatsApp messages.

Authenticator App (Best Option) — Use Google Authenticator or Authy for extra security.

Text Message (SMS) — Receive a code via SMS (less secure but still helpful).

You can enable all three options at once for added security. This way, if you lose access to one method, you’ll still have alternatives.

Follow the on-screen instructions and confirm your choice.

Pro Tip: The Authenticator App is the safest method since SMS codes can be intercepted by SIM-swapping attacks.

Using an Authenticator App like Google Authenticator or Authy is the best way to secure your Instagram account. Unlike SMS, it can’t be intercepted by hackers through SIM-swapping attack.

How to Set Up an Authenticator App for Instagram

1️⃣ Download an Authenticator App

If you don’t have one, install Google Authenticator (Android/iOS) or Authy (Android/iOS).

2️⃣ Go to Instagram’s 2FA Settings

Open the Instagram app.

Tap your profile icon (bottom-right).

Tap the menu (☰) in the top-right corner.

Select “Accounts Centre” > “Password and Security” > “Two-Factor Authentication”.

3️⃣ Choose “Authentication App”

Tap “Turn On” under Authenticator App.

Instagram will show a 6-digit setup code.

4️⃣ Add the Code to Your Authenticator App

Open Google Authenticator or Authy.

Tap “+” or “Add an account”.

Select “Enter a setup key” (manual entry) or scan the QR code if given.

Paste the 6-digit code from Instagram into the app.

5️⃣ Enter the Verification Code

Your Authenticator App will generate a 6-digit code every 30 seconds.

Go back to Instagram and enter the current code displayed in your Authenticator App.

Tap Confirm.

6️⃣ Save Your Backup Codes (VERY Important)

Instagram will now show you a set of backup codes.

Screenshot them or write them down somewhere safe (not on your phone!).

If you ever lose access to your Authenticator App, you can use these codes to log in.

✅ Done! Now Your Instagram Is Secure with the Best 2FA Method.

Even if you enable 2FA, you might lose access to your phone. That’s where backup codes come in.

How to Get Backup Codes:

Go to “Accounts Centre” > “Password and Security” > “Two-Factor Authentication”.

Tap “Additional methods” > “Recovery codes”.

Screenshot the codes or write them down somewhere safe (not on your phone!).

If you ever lose access to your device, these codes will help you log in.

Many Instagram accounts get hacked because users connect shady third-party apps to their account.

How to Check for Unauthorized Apps:

Go to Meta Accounts Centre and log in.

Look for “Apps and Websites” under Security Settings.

If you see any untrusted apps connected to your account, remove them immediately.

Rule of Thumb: Never log into Instagram from unofficial apps or sketchy websites.

Instagram has a built-in Security Checkup feature that helps you review your account’s safety.

How to Use Security Checkup:

Go to “Accounts Centre” > “Password and Security”.

Tap “Security Checkup”.

Follow the prompts to review:

Recent logins (log out of any unrecognized devices).

Your email and phone number (ensure they’re correct).

Suspicious activity (check if any settings have been changed).

Your password should be:

✅ Long (at least 12–16 characters).

✅ Complex (mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols).

✅ Unique (never reuse passwords from other account).

Never save your password on Google Chrome on your laptop. If your computer gets compromised, hackers can access your saved credentials.

Never download suspicious software on your phone or computer. Some malware can give hackers unauthorized access to your device and steal your credentials.

Be cautious with phishing emails. Hackers send fake emails pretending to be Instagram or Meta. Never click on suspicious links in emails that ask for your password or verification codes.

Hacking is way too common, and Instagram’s support system won’t help you recover your account. The only real solution is prevention.

Turn on Two-Factor Authentication.

Set up an Authenticator App.

Save your backup codes.

Remove untrusted third-party apps.

Do regular security checkups.

Use a strong password.

Avoid phishing emails and malware.

I learnt this the hard way. I don’t want anyone to go through the same. Hope this hels.