How to Recover Your Old Account on Instagram: A Guide for 2021 Users

If you're struggling to get back into your old Instagram account from 2021, you're not alone. Many users face similar challenges, whether it's forgetting their password, dealing with a hacked account, or even accidentally deleting their profile. Fortunately, Instagram offers several ways to recover your account. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to regain access to your old account Instagram 2021, so you can reconnect with your friends and followers.

Key Takeaways

Instagram accounts can be temporarily deactivated or permanently deleted, with different recovery options for each.

You can reset your password or log in with Facebook if you've forgotten your login details.

If you don't have access to your email or phone number, there are alternative ways to verify your identity.

If your account has been hacked, act quickly to secure it and report the issue to Instagram.

To prevent future account loss, enable two-factor authentication and keep your contact info up to date.

Understanding Instagram Account Recovery Options

Before diving into the recovery process, it's important to understand the different scenarios that might lead to needing account recovery and the options available to you. Instagram offers various methods, but their effectiveness depends on the situation.

Types Of Account Deletion

It's easy to confuse deactivation with deletion, but they're very different. Knowing which one you did (or someone else did to your account) is the first step. Was it a temporary thing, or did you (or someone else) nuke the whole thing?

Temporary Deactivation vs. Permanent Deletion

Temporary deactivation is like putting your account on pause. Your profile, photos, comments, and likes are hidden until you reactivate it by logging back in. Permanent deletion, on the other hand, is, well, permanent. Think of it like this:

Temporary Deactivation: Account is hidden, can be restored.

Permanent Deletion: Account is gone, cannot be restored after a certain period.

What Happens When You Delete Your Account

When you delete your Instagram account, it's not immediately erased from the face of the internet. Instagram gives you a grace period, usually around 30 days. During this time, you can change your mind and recover your account. After that, it's gone for good. All your photos, videos, followers, and everything else associated with the account will be permanently deleted and unrecoverable. So, think carefully before hitting that delete button!

Deleting your account is a serious step. Make sure you've backed up any photos or videos you want to keep, because once the grace period is over, there's no going back. It's like closing a chapter, but making sure you have a copy of the book first.

Steps To Recover Your Old Account Instagram 2021

Using The Password Reset Feature

Okay, so you're locked out. First things first, let's try the password reset option. It's usually the easiest way to get back in. On the Instagram login screen, there should be a "Forgot Password?" link. Tap that. Instagram will ask for your username, email, or phone number associated with the account. Enter whichever one you remember. They'll then send you a link to reset your password. Make sure to check your spam folder if you don't see it in your inbox! Follow the instructions in the email or SMS to create a new, strong password. And boom, hopefully, you're back in.

Logging In With Facebook

If you originally linked your Instagram account to Facebook, this could be your golden ticket. Instead of trying the password reset, look for the "Log In With Facebook" option on the Instagram login screen. If your Facebook account is still active and you remember the login details, this should grant you immediate access to your Instagram. It's a super quick and easy way to bypass the whole password rigmarole. If you're lucky, you'll be scrolling through your feed in seconds. This is especially useful if you've forgotten your Instagram password completely. If you're having trouble with Facebook login, make sure your accounts are still linked in the settings.

Contacting Instagram Support

Alright, so the easy options didn't work. Time to bring in the big guns: Instagram Support. This can be a bit of a process, but it's worth a shot. You'll need to go through Instagram's help center, which can be found on their website or within the app (if you can access any account at all). Look for the "Help" section, then "Report a Problem," and finally, "Login Issues." You'll likely need to fill out a form explaining that you can't access your account and why. Be as detailed as possible. The more information you provide, the better your chances of them helping you. Be prepared to provide proof of ownership, like screenshots or any information that verifies it's your account. It might take a few days (or even weeks) for them to respond, so be patient and persistent.

Remember to keep checking your email (including spam) for any communication from Instagram Support. They might ask for additional information or verification.

Here's a quick rundown of what you might need to provide:

Username

Email address associated with the account

Phone number associated with the account

A detailed explanation of the issue

Recovering Without Email Or Phone Number

It can be a real headache when you're locked out and can't access your email or phone. Don't worry, there are still ways to try and get back in. It might take a little more effort, but it's worth a shot.

Using Your Username

Your username can be your best friend in this situation. If you remember it, head to the Instagram login screen and tap on "Forgot password?" or "Get help logging in." Instead of entering an email or phone number, type in your username. Instagram will then try to locate your account and provide alternative recovery options. This is often the easiest first step, so give it a try!

Verifying Your Identity

If the username approach doesn't work, Instagram might ask you to verify your identity. This usually involves providing some form of official ID, like a driver's license or passport. They might also ask you to take a photo of yourself holding a code they provide. This is to make sure you're really the account owner. Be patient, as this process can take a few days. Make sure the information you provide matches what's on your account as closely as possible.

Alternative Recovery Methods

Sometimes, Instagram offers other ways to prove you own the account. This could involve answering security questions or providing information about when you created the account and who you frequently interact with. The more information you can provide, the better your chances of getting back in. It's like a detective game, and you need to give them as many clues as possible. If you have a forgotten password, this might be the only way to get back in.

It's important to remember that Instagram's support team is dealing with a lot of requests. Be polite and persistent, but don't spam them. Provide all the information they ask for as accurately as possible, and hopefully, you'll be back in your account soon.

What To Do If Your Account Was Hacked

So, you think your Instagram account might be hacked? It's a pretty awful feeling, but don't panic. There are steps you can take to try and get things back under control. It's important to act fast, because the longer a hacker has access, the more damage they can do. Let's walk through what you need to do.

Recognizing Signs Of Hacking

First, you need to figure out if you've actually been hacked. Sometimes it's obvious, like if you can't log in anymore or your profile picture has been changed to something weird. But other times, it's more subtle. Here are some things to watch out for:

Posts or stories you don't remember creating.

Direct messages sent from your account that you didn't write.

Changes to your profile information (name, bio, email, phone number).

Follow requests to accounts you don't recognize.

Password change notifications you didn't initiate.

If you see any of these, there's a good chance your account has been compromised. The sooner you notice, the better.

Steps To Secure Your Account

Okay, so you're pretty sure you've been hacked. Here's what to do:

Try to reset your password immediately. Go to the Instagram login screen and click "Forgot password?" Enter your username, email, or phone number associated with the account. If the hacker hasn't changed this information yet, you should receive a link to reset your password. Choose a strong, unique password that you haven't used anywhere else.

If you can't reset your password because the hacker has changed your email or phone number, don't worry. There are still other options. Go to the "Need more help?" link on the password reset screen.

Check your email for any messages from Instagram about changes to your account. These messages might contain information that can help you recover your account.

If you can still access your account, go to Settings > Security > Login Activity to see where your account has been logged in from. If you see any suspicious locations, end those sessions immediately. Also, change your password right away and enable two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security to your account, making it harder for hackers to get in, even if they have your password.

Reporting The Hack To Instagram

If you've tried everything and still can't get back into your account, you'll need to contact Instagram support. Here's how:

Go to Instagram's Help Center.

Search for "hacked account" or "compromised account."

Follow the instructions for reporting a hacked account. You'll likely need to provide information to verify your identity, such as a photo of yourself holding a code that Instagram provides.

Be patient, as it can take some time for Instagram to respond. Provide as much detail as possible about what happened, including when you noticed the hacking and any changes the hacker made to your account. The more information you give them, the better chance you have of getting your account back.

Common Issues During Account Recovery

Account recovery isn't always smooth sailing. You might hit a few snags along the way. Let's look at some common problems and how to deal with them.

Forgotten Password

Forgetting your password is, without a doubt, one of the most frequent issues people face. It happens! We all have too many passwords to keep track of. The good news is Instagram has a pretty straightforward password reset process. Just make sure you have access to the email or phone number associated with your account. If you don't, things get a bit trickier, but we'll cover that later.

Account Disabled By Instagram

Sometimes, Instagram might disable your account, usually because of a violation of their community guidelines. This can be anything from posting inappropriate content to using bots to inflate your follower count.

Read Instagram's Community Guidelines carefully.

If you believe your account was disabled by mistake, you can appeal the decision.

Gather any evidence that supports your case.

If your account was disabled, don't panic. Take a deep breath and follow the appeal process. Be polite and explain your situation clearly. Sometimes, it's just a misunderstanding.

Inaccessible Email Accounts

What if you can't get into the email account linked to your Instagram? This can be a real headache. Maybe you forgot the password for that email too, or perhaps the email provider is no longer active. This is where things get a bit more complicated. You'll likely need to contact Instagram support directly and prove your identity through other means, such as providing a copy of your ID or answering security questions. Be prepared for a bit of back-and-forth, but don't give up!

Tips For Preventing Future Account Loss

It's happened, you've recovered your account, and now you want to make sure it never happens again. Here's how to keep your Instagram safe and sound.

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is your best friend. Seriously, turn it on right now if you haven't already. It adds an extra layer of security, so even if someone gets your password, they still can't get into your account without that second verification method (usually a code sent to your phone).

Regularly Updating Your Password

Don't be that person who uses the same password for everything. And please, don't use "password123." Change your password every few months, and make it strong. Think a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. A password manager can really help keep your account secure and generate strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.

Keeping Your Contact Information Current

Make sure your email address and phone number are up-to-date in your Instagram settings. This is super important for account recovery. If you ever get locked out, Instagram needs a way to verify that you're really you. If your contact info is old or wrong, you're going to have a much harder time getting back in. Also, ensure the email account tied to your Instagram is secure to prevent unauthorized access, as it can be used to reset passwords and gain control of your Instagram account.

Think of your Instagram account like your house. You wouldn't leave the front door unlocked, would you? These tips are like locking the doors and windows, setting up an alarm system, and making sure you have a spare key hidden somewhere safe. It's all about taking those extra steps to protect what's yours.

Here's a quick checklist to keep in mind:

Enable two-factor authentication.

Update your password regularly.

Keep your contact information current.

Be wary of suspicious links or messages.

Don't use third-party apps that ask for your login credentials.

What To Expect After Recovery

So, you've managed to get your old Instagram account back. Awesome! But what happens now? It's not always as simple as just picking up where you left off. There are a few things you should be prepared for.

Restoring Your Profile

First things first, check your profile. Make sure all your information is correct – your bio, profile picture, and any linked websites. Sometimes, during the recovery process, things can get a little jumbled. You might find that some of your information is missing or outdated. Take a few minutes to go through everything and update it as needed. It's also a good idea to review your privacy settings to make sure they're set the way you want them.

Recovering Lost Content

This is where things can get a bit tricky. Depending on how long your account was inactive or compromised, you might find that some of your content is missing. Instagram usually keeps your photos and videos safe, but there can be exceptions. If you notice anything missing, contact Instagram support immediately. They might be able to help you recover it. Also, check your archived posts and stories – sometimes things end up there by accident.

Reconnecting With Followers

Now for the fun part: reconnecting with your followers! Don't be surprised if you've lost some followers during your absence. It happens. Start by posting a story or a post letting everyone know you're back. You could say something like, "Hey everyone, I'm back! So glad to be back on Instagram!" Engage with the people who are still following you, and start following new accounts that interest you. It might take some time to rebuild your following, but with consistent effort, you'll get there. Also, be prepared for some people to unfollow you – it's just part of the process. Don't take it personally!

Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it! Recovering your old Instagram account isn’t as tough as it might seem. Whether you forgot your password, got hacked, or just can’t remember the email you used, there are steps you can take to get back in. Just remember to stay patient—sometimes it takes a bit for Instagram to respond. If all else fails, creating a new account is always an option. Just make sure to keep your login info safe this time around. Good luck, and happy Instagramming!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my deleted Instagram account back?

No, once an Instagram account is permanently deleted, it cannot be recovered. You will need to create a new account.

What’s the difference between deactivating and deleting an account?

Deactivating your account is temporary, and you can reactivate it anytime. Deleting your account is permanent and cannot be undone.

How can I recover my Instagram account if I forgot my password?

You can recover your account by clicking 'Forgot password?' on the login page and following the instructions to reset your password.

What should I do if my account is hacked?

If your account is hacked, try to reset your password immediately. If you can't, contact Instagram support for help in securing your account.

Is it possible to recover my account without my email or phone number?

Yes, you can try to recover your account using your username or by verifying your identity through Instagram support.

What happens to my photos and followers if I delete my account?

All your photos, comments, likes, and followers will be permanently lost if you delete your account.