Hacked After Using a "Who Unfollowed Me" App? What to Do

These apps are a common cause of takeovers.

Last checked: 29 October 2026 against the sources listed at the end of this guide.

Keep a dated note of every screen you see, including the exact wording shown, before you press continue on any form. Keep a dated note of every screen you see, including the exact wording shown, before you press continue on any form. Keep a dated note of every screen you see, including the exact wording shown, before you press continue on any form.

#What should I do now?

1. Change your password.
2. Log out all other sessions.
3. Remove the app in Apps and websites.
4. Uninstall the app.
5. Turn on two-factor authentication.

Instagram's page on apps and websites you've connected says you can remove one in Settings, under Website permissions, then Apps and Websites, then Active, by tapping Remove next to it. Instagram says an active app can access anything you've shared with it at any time. For private personal accounts, access to non-public information expires after 90 days without use, but the app may keep information it already collected, and your username, bio and profile picture stay public.

Instagram's View your recent login activity page says you can see devices that recently logged into your account in Settings, under Password and security, then Where you're logged in. Choose your account, then Select devices to log out, pick the devices and tap Log out. In the older Login Activity view, tap This Wasn't Me on any login you don't recognise and follow the steps to reset your password and secure the account.

Meta's Securing your Meta Account with two-factor authentication page says two-factor authentication asks for a code when there's a login attempt from a device Meta doesn't recognise. Turn it on in Accounts Center, under Password and security, then Two-factor authentication. You can choose an authentication app, which Meta recommends, a text message, or WhatsApp. If you lose your phone, a backup code lets you log in, and Meta says you shouldn't tap Trust this device on a public or shared device.

#Still in or locked out?

Related guides: Instagram Says My Password Is Wrong When It Isn't: Has Someone Changed It?, Instagram "Like and Earn" Task Scam: What If I Already Paid?.

#What Do the Official Help Pages Say?

If you think someone else got in and posted the content, Instagram's If you think your Instagram profile has been hacked page lists the recovery steps. If you got an email from security@mail.instagram.com saying your email was changed, you may be able to undo it with the secure my account option in that message. You can also request a login link from the login screen with Forgot password, and if that fails, request a security code or support from a mobile device.

Instagram's I Can't Log In page is the starting point if you're locked out. It links to steps to recover your password, fix reset emails that don't arrive or links that don't work, handle an email that was changed without you, and confirm your identity with an ID or video selfie if Instagram asks. Instagram says you can open the page in a desktop or mobile browser to try to recover your account.

#What common mistakes should I avoid?

• Keeping the app installed.
• Not logging out other sessions.
• Trying another tracker app.
• Ignoring scam posts on your account.

Instagram's Secure your Instagram account page calls two-factor authentication the single most effective step to protect an account from hackers, because it asks for a code when someone logs in from a device Instagram doesn't recognise. It also recommends a strong, unique password you haven't used elsewhere, avoiding personal details like names and birthdays, and never giving your password to anyone you don't know and trust.

#How do I keep the account safe while I sort this out?

• Never share a login code, password or backup code with anyone, including people who say they work for Meta, the police or a recovery service.
• Make sure the email address and phone number on the account are ones you still control, and remove any you do not recognise.
• Turn on two-factor authentication where the platform offers it, ideally with an authenticator app, and keep your backup codes somewhere offline.
• Log in only from the official app or by typing the address yourself, not from links in messages, comments or ads.
• Keep screenshots of every notice, email and step you take, with dates, in case you need them for a review or a report.
• Make one careful attempt at each official step rather than many rushed ones, because repeated failed attempts can trigger extra checks.

#When It Is Safer to Get Expert Help

Ask for help before you appeal if the account matters to your income, your business or your memories, if you have already had one appeal rejected, or if you cannot tell whether the problem is a bug, a restriction or a hack. That is where most avoidable losses happen.

AwareXone is independent and not affiliated with Meta, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp or Threads. Recovery work is best-effort and the platform makes the final decision.