How to Secure Your Instagram Account After a Suspicious Login Attempt

Receiving a suspicious login attempt notification on Instagram can be alarming. This guide will help you understand why this happens and provide a clear, step-by-step process to secure your account. By following these steps, you’ll learn how to verify your identity, change your password, and enhance your account security to prevent unauthorized access in the future.

Before you begin, ensure you have access to the email or phone number associated with your Instagram account, as you will need it for verification purposes. Additionally, be prepared to reset your password if necessary.

Step 1: Verify Your Identity

When you receive a suspicious login attempt notification, the first action is to verify your identity. If the message provides an option stating “This was me,” tap on it to confirm that the login attempt was legitimate. If you do not see this option, you can request a security code. To do this:

Select the option to send a security code to your registered email or phone number.
Check your email or SMS for the code.
Enter the received code in the app to verify your identity.

Step 2: Change Your Password

If you are unable to verify your identity or continue facing login issues, the next step is to reset your password. Changing your password helps to secure your account from any unauthorized access. Here’s how:

Open the Instagram app and go to the login page.
Click on “Forgot password?”
Follow the prompts to reset your password using your email or phone number.

Once you reset your password, make sure to create a strong, unique password that you haven’t used before.

Step 3: Log in from a Familiar Device

Instagram tends to trust login attempts from devices that you’ve previously used. If possible, try logging in from a familiar device such as your phone, tablet, or a computer that you have used to access Instagram in the past. This increases the likelihood that your login will be successful without triggering security alerts.

Step 4: Access Instagram’s Help Center

If you are still unable to access your account, your next step is to visit Instagram’s Help Center. Navigate to the section labeled “I can’t login.” Follow the instructions provided to submit an appeal for account recovery. Instagram will guide you through the necessary steps to regain access to your account.

Extra Tips & Common Issues

While following these steps, keep in mind that:

Using a VPN or proxy can trigger suspicious login alerts. If you are using one, try disabling it before logging in.
Be cautious of third-party apps that may attempt to access your Instagram account, as they can lead to security issues.
Always keep your email and phone details updated to ensure you can receive security codes easily.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively secure your Instagram account and mitigate the risk of future suspicious login attempts. Remember to regularly update your password and consider enabling two-factor authentication for added security. If you continue to experience issues, don’t hesitate to seek help via Instagram’s support channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I didn’t initiate the login attempt?

If you did not attempt to log in and received a suspicious notification, immediately change your password and check for any unauthorized activity on your account.

How do I enable two-factor authentication on Instagram?

To enable two-factor authentication, go to your profile, tap on the three lines in the top right, go to Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication, and follow the prompts to set it up.

Can I recover my account if I can’t access my email or phone?

If you cannot access your email or phone number, you can still try to recover your account through the Help Center by providing information that proves your identity.