Is your Instagram verification code not arriving? First, check whether the displayed phone number or email address is correct. Then test whether you can receive other text messages or emails. The code may be delayed, be in a spam folder, or be sent to old contact information. Do not request more codes right away. First, read the login screen to find out where you should find the code.
Follow the steps below for text message, email, or your authenticator app.
Which Instagram code do you need?
The login screen shows which type of code you need. Sometimes you receive a message. In other cases, you need to look up a code yourself in an app or among your saved backup codes.
| Code type | Where do you look? | What do you check first? |
|---|---|---|
| Code by text message | Your messaging app | Is the displayed part of your number correct? |
| Code by email | Your mailbox and spam folder | Do you have the right mailbox open? |
| Code from an authenticator app | The app you previously connected | Are you choosing the right Instagram account in it? |
| Backup code | The codes you previously stored safely | Do you still have an unused code? |
The CoreVisioners guide to Instagram verification codes also distinguishes between text messages, email, authenticator apps, and backup codes. Follow the explanation below for the type of code Instagram is requesting from you.
Instagram code not arriving by text message
Compare the visible part of the phone number with your current number. Is it an old number? Then go to the explanation about old contact information. Restarting your phone will not help if the code is going to a different number.
Is the number correct? Then check one thing at a time:
- Check your mobile connection. Is airplane mode off, and does your phone have reception? If the internet works, that does not necessarily mean you can also receive text messages.
- Have someone send a regular text message. Ask for a real text message, not a message through WhatsApp. This tests whether your phone receives text messages.
- Check blocked messages and spam. Your messaging app may have a separate folder for messages that are blocked.
- Check your SIM card. Do you use two numbers? Then check whether the SIM card for the right number is turned on.
Is the regular text message not arriving either? Contact your provider. Can you receive regular messages, but not verification messages? Ask whether automated text messages are being blocked on your number. You do not need to share an Instagram code for this.
Instagram code not arriving by email
Open the mailbox associated with the displayed email address. Do you use multiple addresses? First, check that you are looking in the right mailbox.
- Search for Instagram in all folders, not just your inbox.
- Check spam, junk mail, and the trash.
- Check whether an email filter automatically moves or deletes messages.
- Check whether your mailbox is full.
- Have someone send a test email to check whether new email arrives.
Do you usually use an email app? Also open your mailbox through your email provider’s website. This lets you see whether the message is already there but has not yet appeared in the app.
Is someone asking for your password or code in a message? Do not respond. Enter the code only in the Instagram login you started yourself.
Instagram code from your authenticator app is not working
An authenticator app, also called an authenticator, generates temporary codes itself. You therefore do not wait for a text message or email.
- Open the app you previously set up for Instagram.
- Select the Instagram account you want to log in to in the app.
- Is the code about to expire? Wait for the next code and enter it right away.
- Check whether your phone sets the date and time automatically. An incorrect clock can cause temporary codes not to work.
Do you have a new phone? If you reinstall the authenticator app, the connection to Instagram will not automatically appear there. Check whether you can restore it using the app’s recovery options. Do not delete the app from your old phone while you still need it.
Can’t restore it? Use a previously saved backup code if Instagram shows that option. Do you not have a backup code? Check which other ways Instagram offers to regain access.
Instagram code is invalid or expired
Does the code arrive, but Instagram reject it? Check whether the code belongs to the right account and the login you currently have open.
Suppose you request a code on your phone and then also try to log in on your laptop. Multiple messages arrive. It is easy to choose the wrong code. Therefore, continue on one device and keep one login open.
- Enter the code exactly as shown, without extra spaces.
- Do not use an old code from an earlier message.
- When using autofill, check that your phone is not selecting an earlier code.
- Does it say that the code has expired? Do not try it again.
Does a new code not work either? Do not keep entering the same code. Read the message and check whether you are using the right type of code for the login that is open.
Instagram code is being sent to an old number or unknown email address
Do you no longer have access to the displayed number or email address? Resending will not help. Also, do not ask a new owner of your old number to forward codes.
Check whether you are still logged in on another device. Do not log out there. Try updating your contact information from that device. Instagram may then ask you again to confirm that the account belongs to you.
Are you logged out everywhere? Check the login screen to see which other ways Instagram offers to confirm your account. Use your connected authenticator app or a saved backup code if that option is available.
Can you use none of those options? Continue through Instagram’s account recovery help. You cannot simply replace an old number by entering a new number on the code screen.
No Instagram code and signs of a hack
A missing code by itself does not mean that your account has been hacked. Do you see an unknown contact address, unexpected changes to your profile, or messages you did not send yourself? Use Instagram’s help to recover your account.
Open Instagram itself and look for login help on the login screen. You can also view the official Instagram help page for account access Which recovery options you get depends on your situation.
Also secure your mailbox if someone may have access to it. Change the password with your email provider and check whether any devices you do not recognize are logged in. Someone who can read your email may also be able to intercept recovery messages.
Do not share your password, verification code, or backup codes with anyone who says they can recover your account. Do not pay anyone who promises to bypass the extra login check.
When should you request another Instagram code?
Request a new code only after completing the checks. For example, after confirming that the number is correct and checking your message filter.
- Stay on one device and keep one login open.
- Check whether a message has arrived in the meantime.
- Follow the message on the screen, even if you have to wait.
- Request one new code as soon as that option becomes available again.
There is no fixed wait time after which the code is guaranteed to arrive. So do not keep pressing resend repeatedly.
Are your profile and other parts of Instagram not loading either? There may be more going on than a code problem. Then read why Instagram is not working and what you can check.
Preventing problems with Instagram codes
Can you log in again? Check your phone number and email address. Update them before switching numbers or cancelling an old mailbox.
Do you use two factor authentication? This is an extra check in addition to your password. Store the available backup codes in a safe place, such as a password manager. Do not store them only on the phone you could lose.
Are you switching to a new phone? First, check whether your authenticator app works on it and whether you can log in. Only then erase your old device. Once your account is working as intended, you can explore our Instagram services to compare packages for followers and likes for your public profile or content.
