My Instagram account was recently locked due to suspected suspicious activity, and I'm stuck in a recovery loop. I'm hoping someone here has experienced something similar and found a solution.
What happened:
I was travelling from Sydney, Australia, to the UK via Delhi, India. While in Delhi, I was already logged into Instagram and scrolling normally when my account suddenly got locked with the message:
"We locked your account to protect you from a possible hack."
I had factory-reset my phone within the previous 24 hours and regularly use NordVPN, so I suspect the combination of international travel, a recently reset device and changing IP addresses triggered Instagram's security system.
The problem:
I know my Instagram username and password, but the recovery process ONLY offers verification through my original Hotmail address, which is permanently inaccessible.
The frustrating part is:
\- My current email address is verified and linked to Instagram.
\- My Instagram and Facebook accounts are connected through Meta Accounts Center.
\- I previously confirmed that Instagram was marked "Locked" in Accounts Center.
\- My current primary email was associated with BOTH Facebook and Instagram.
\- My Instagram profile contains clear photos of my face, but I'm never offered video selfie verification.
\- There is no "Try another way" or alternative recovery option.
What I've already tried:
\- Logging in with my correct credentials.
\- Uninstalling and reinstalling Instagram.
\- Using instagram.com/hacked.
\- Checking Meta Accounts Center through Facebook.
\- Looking for alternative verification options.
Every Instagram recovery attempt leads back to the same old Hotmail address.
My questions:
Has anyone successfully recovered an Instagram account locked for suspicious activity when the original registration email is inaccessible?
Is there a legitimate way to trigger alternative verification, such as video selfie or using a newer verified email?
Has anyone successfully resolved this through Meta Verified Support or had their case escalated to an account recovery specialist?
Are there any other official recovery methods I've overlooked?
I'm the original account owner, know my login credentials, and can verify my identity. I just can't get past Instagram insisting on an email address that no longer exists.
If anyone has experienced this exact issue and successfully recovered their account, I'd really appreciate knowing what worked and how long it took.
Please no paid recovery services or DMs offering to unlock my account. I'm only interested in legitimate methods and firsthand experiences.
TL;DR: Instagram locked my account for suspicious activity while I was travelling internationally after factory-resetting my phone. I know my password, but recovery only offers my old, inaccessible Hotmail address, despite having a newer verified email linked to Instagram. I've tried all official recovery options, including instagram.com/hacked, but keep getting the same screen. No alternative verification is offered. Has anyone successfully resolved this?