Steps
- Use Instagram's hacked account help from the login screen.
- Check old emails from Instagram about username or email changes.
- Once in, try the old handle in Edit profile.
- Turn on two-factor authentication.
If the handle moved to another account
That account may be the hacker's. An impersonation or hacked account report can fit.
Next time
Use an authenticator app, not SMS, for short handles.
Official sources
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