In short
What is the first thing to do when my account is hacked?
Look in your email for a message from the platform about a changed email or password and use its link to reverse the change. If that is not possible, start the platform's official hacked-account process straight away.
In the first hour
- 1Search your email, including spam, for security messages from the platform and use any link to undo the changes.
- 2Secure the email account linked to your social media first: a new password and two-factor authentication.
- 3Start the platform's official hacked-account or account recovery process.
- 4Ask friends to ignore messages from your account and not to click any links.
- 5Take screenshots of everything the attacker changed or posted.
After you get back in
- 1Set a new, unique password.
- 2Turn on two-factor authentication with an authenticator app.
- 3Log out of all other sessions and remove unknown devices.
- 4Remove third-party apps you don't recognize.
- 5Check your email, phone number and recovery details.
How takeovers usually start
Most takeovers begin with a phishing message: a fake copyright warning, a fake verification offer, or a message from a friend's hacked account asking you for a code. Knowing these patterns is the best protection.
Frequently asked questions
The hacker turned on two-factor authentication. Can I still recover the account?
Often, yes. Platforms have identity checks for exactly this situation. Which route works depends on what the attacker changed.
Should I delete the account and start again?
Usually not. You lose your followers and history, and the attacker may keep using your name. Recovery through the official routes is normally the better option.
Do I need to report it to the police?
If money was taken, or someone is threatening or blackmailing you, yes. A police report can also strengthen some platform reports.
Official sources
The platforms' own help and policy pages. We are not affiliated with them.
Related services
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