Reddit Account Hacked or Locked: How to Get Back In

Losing access to a Reddit account usually happens in one of two ways. Either someone else got in and changed your details, or Reddit spotted something unusual and locked the account to protect it. The first steps for both are similar, and both rely heavily on the email address connected to the account. This guide explains how to tell which situation you are in and what Reddit says to do next.

Last checked: 20 October 2026 against Reddit Help.

#Was my Reddit account hacked or just locked?

Reddit lists the signs of a compromise as an unexpected password or email change notice, authorized apps you do not recognise, unusual IP history on your account activity page, and votes, posts, comments or chat messages you do not remember making (Reddit Help).

#How do I unlock a Reddit account locked as a precaution?

Reddit says it may lock an account if it detects technical irregularities, to prevent possible misuse. When this happens, you see a red warning and a security message asking you to reset your password when you log in, and you receive a notification in your Reddit inbox (Reddit Help).

1. Check your account settings, if you can, to confirm the email address on the account is correct.
2. Request a password reset.
3. Open the reset email and choose a strong new password you do not use anywhere else.
4. Log in again and check your account activity.

If you do not have an email address on the account but can still access it, Reddit says you can add one in your account settings and then reset your password.

#What should I do if my Reddit account was hacked?

Reddit gives three steps (Reddit Help):

1. Reset your password.
2. If the email address on the account was changed to one you do not recognise, look for the email Reddit sends explaining how to change it back. Enter the original email that was on the account before the hack and reset your password.
3. If you still cannot get back in, submit a request and select Security problems, then I think my account has been hacked. Include the username of the affected account and explain why you are concerned.

#What should I check once I am back in?

• Turn on two-factor authentication.
• Review authorized apps and remove any you do not recognise.
• Check your account activity page and log out of all active sessions.
• Confirm the email on the account is yours and verified.
• Look for posts, comments or messages sent while you were locked out and delete or explain them.

Reddit's security advice also includes using a strong, unique password, using a password manager, not sharing accounts and not leaving your account signed in on shared devices.

#How do Reddit accounts usually get compromised?

Reddit lists common causes: simple passwords, reusing the same username and password on several sites, logging in on unsecured WiFi, forgetting to log out of a public computer, sharing an account with other people and authorising unsafe apps to use your Reddit account. If you reused your Reddit password elsewhere, change it on those other sites as well.

#What if the reset email never arrives?

Reddit can only send a reset link to the verified email connected to the account. If you signed up with a phone number, Reddit says to log in with Continue with phone number and add an email in settings first. If you signed up with Google or Apple, sign in that way. Reset emails can take up to an hour or land in spam. Our guide on a Reddit password reset email that has not arrived covers each cause.

#Common mistakes

• Ignoring the email about a change you did not make, which is often the fastest route back.
• Requesting resets to an email that is not the one connected to the account.
• Submitting a request without the affected username.
• Paying someone who promises to recover the account for you.

#Watch out for recovery scams

Reddit's official routes are the password reset, the email it sends about changes, and its help request form. Strangers who message you offering to unlock a Reddit account, or who ask for your password or codes, are not part of that process. Our guide on spotting fake recovery services lists the warning signs.

#What are the realistic limits?

Reddit controls account access and reviews hacked account requests. Recovery depends heavily on the email connected to the account. Reddit says it cannot help log in, or reveal the email on an account, when it cannot verify that the account is yours. For general first steps after any hack, see what to do in the first 24 hours.

AwareXone helps people prepare recovery requests through official platform channels. We are independent and not affiliated with Reddit, the work is best-effort, and Reddit makes the final decision. Read more about our social media problem solutions.