Reddit Hacked? How to Regain Access and What to Change Immediately

McAfee

Feb 17, 2026

6 MIN READ

It usually starts with a small, uneasy moment.

A password reset email you don’t remember requesting. A login alert that doesn’t make sense. Strange comments showing up under your username that you swear you didn’t write.

Sometimes you don’t notice at all…until someone messages you asking why you’re suddenly promoting crypto giveaways, posting spam links, or commenting across random subreddits.

A hacked Reddit account isn’t just embarrassing. It can be a real security risk. Attackers often use compromised accounts to spread scams, steal personal information, or take advantage of your reputation in online communities.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do if your Reddit account has been compromised: how to spot the warning signs, how to regain control, and what security steps to take so it doesn’t happen again.

Signs Your Reddit Account May Be Compromised

Reddit account takeovers don’t always look dramatic at first. The earliest warning signs often feel subtle.

Watch for these red flags:

Password or email changes you didn’t make: You may receive an email from Reddit saying your password or email address was updated.

Posts, comments, votes, or chat messages you don’t recognize: Hackers often use your account to upvote scam content or spam communities.

Authorized apps you don’t remember approving: Some attackers compromise accounts through unsafe third-party apps or browser extensions.

Unusual login activity or unfamiliar IP history: Reddit allows you to review recent account activity, which may show logins from locations you’ve never visited.

Sudden account lock or forced reset notice: In some cases, Reddit may lock your account or prompt a password reset as a security precaution.

If any of these are happening, assume your Reddit account is compromised and start recovery steps immediately.

What to Change Immediately If Your Reddit Account Was Hacked

If your Reddit account was hacked, assume your login details may have been stolen.

That means simply getting back into your account isn’t enough, you also need to update the passwords and settings attackers could still use.

Here’s what to change right away:

Change your Reddit password
Change the password for the email account connected to Reddit
Update any other accounts that share the same password
Remove suspicious authorized apps
Log out of all active sessions/devices
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)
Update your recovery options (email, phone, backup codes)

If you think the hack started from malware or a phishing link, it’s also smart to update passwords for other sensitive accounts, like banking, payment apps, or your Apple/Google account. Using a password manager like McAfee’s can help you create strong, unique passwords for every account, and store them securely in one place.

Step-by-Step: How to Recover a Hacked Reddit Account

Step	What to Do	Why It Matters
1. Reset your password immediately	Use Reddit’s password reset flow and create a strong new password.	This is the fastest way to cut off unauthorized access. Resetting your password can also log you out across devices.
2. Check your inbox for Reddit security emails	Look for emails saying your password or email address was changed. Follow any “this wasn’t me” instructions if available.	If a hacker changed your account details, Reddit’s security email may be your best chance to reverse it quickly.
3. Review account activity and active sessions	Check where your account is logged in and log out of unfamiliar sessions/devices.	Hackers often stay logged in even after making changes, especially if you don’t remove active sessions.
4. Remove suspicious authorized apps	Review connected apps and revoke access for anything you don’t recognize or no longer use.	Some account takeovers happen through unsafe third-party apps, not password guessing.
5. Scan your device for malware	Run a trusted security scan to check for spyware, password-stealing malware, or malicious browser extensions. McAfee offers a free antivirus scan service.	If your device is compromised, attackers can steal your new password(s) immediately.
6. Secure the email account tied to Reddit	Change your email password and enable 2FA. Check recovery settings to make sure they’re yours.	If your email is compromised, the attacker can keep resetting your Reddit account and locking you out.
7. Contact Reddit support if you’re still locked out	Submit a request and choose: Security problems → I think my account has been hacked. Include your username and details.	Reddit may be able to help restore access or reverse changes if self-recovery doesn’t work.

Watch for Phishing “Reddit Support” Scams

One of the most common ways accounts get compromised is through phishing.

Scammers impersonate:

Reddit moderators
Reddit admin messages
Security alerts
Fake “copyright violation” notices

They try to trick you into clicking a link and logging in on a fake site.

If you receive a suspicious message, don’t click.

Instead, open Reddit directly in your browser or app and check your account settings from there.

Final Tips: Recovering From a Reddit Hack

A hacked Reddit account can feel strangely personal, because your profile reflects your interests, communities, and identity online.

The most important steps are:

Act quickly
Secure your email account first
Reset your password and log out of all sessions
Remove suspicious authorized apps
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Scan your device for malware

And if you’re still locked out or something doesn’t look right, follow Reddit’s official recovery guidance and contact Reddit support directly.

Reddit may be able to confirm suspicious activity, restore access, or help reverse account changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my Reddit account was hacked?

A: Common signs include password or email changes you didn’t request, unfamiliar authorized apps, unusual IP history, and posts/comments/votes you don’t remember making. If any of these appear, treat your account as compromised.

Q: Will resetting my Reddit password log out the hacker?

A: In many cases, yes. Reddit notes that resetting your password can log you out across devices, which is one of the fastest ways to cut off unauthorized access.

Q: What if my Reddit email address was changed?

A: Check your email inbox for a message from Reddit. Reddit may provide instructions to reverse the change, but you’ll typically need to input the original email address associated with the account.

Q: What should I do if I can’t get my account back?

A: Submit a support request and select: Security problems → I think my account has been hacked. Include your username and explain what suspicious activity you noticed. Reddit also suggests checking r/help for additional guidance.

Q: Should I remove authorized apps after a hack?

A: Yes. Reddit specifically warns that unsafe authorized apps can lead to account compromise. Remove anything you don’t recognize or no longer use.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake people make after a Reddit hack?

A: Only changing their Reddit password. If your email account or device is compromised, attackers can regain access quickly. You should secure your email, scan your device, and update reused passwords.