Is your Instagram verification code not coming through? 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, in a spam folder or being sent to old contact details. Do not immediately request more codes. First read the login screen to see where you need to 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 correct mailbox open? |
| Code from an authenticator app | The app you linked earlier | Are you selecting the correct Instagram account there? |
| Backup code | The codes you previously saved securely | 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 received 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 details. Restarting your phone will not help if the code is being sent to another 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 signal? If the internet works, that does not necessarily mean you can also receive text messages.
- Ask someone to send a regular text message. Ask for a real text message, not a message via 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? Check whether the SIM card for the correct number is switched on.
Are regular text messages not coming through either? Contact your provider. Can you receive regular messages but not verification messages? Ask whether automated text messages to your number are being blocked. You do not need to share an Instagram code for this.
Instagram code not received by email
Open the mailbox associated with the displayed email address. Do you use multiple addresses? First check whether you are looking in the correct mailbox.
- Search for Instagram in all folders, not just your inbox.
- Check spam, junk mail and the trash.
- Check whether a mail filter automatically moves or deletes messages.
- Check whether your mailbox is full.
- Ask someone to send a test email to check whether new mail is arriving.
Do you usually use a mail app? Also open your mailbox through your email provider’s website. This shows 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 that you started yourself.
Instagram code from your authenticator app does not work
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.
- In the app, select the Instagram account you want to log in to.
- Is the code about to expire? Wait for the next code and enter it immediately.
- Check whether your phone sets the date and time automatically. An incorrect clock can prevent temporary codes from working.
Do you have a new phone? If you reinstall the authenticator app, the link with Instagram will not automatically be 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.
Could not restore it? Use a previously saved backup code if Instagram shows that option. If you do 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 correct 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 then easy to pick the wrong code. Therefore continue on one device and keep one login open.
- Enter the code exactly, 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 correct type of code for the login that is open.
Instagram code is sent to an old number or unknown email address
Do you no longer have access to the displayed number or email address? Sending it again will not help. Do not ask the new owner of your old number to forward codes either.
Check whether you are still logged in on another device. Do not log out there. Try updating your contact details from that device. Instagram may 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 linked authenticator app or a saved backup code if that option is available.
Cannot use any 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 The recovery options you receive depend 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 unrecognized devices 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 claims they can recover your account. Do not pay anyone who promises to bypass the additional login check.
When should you request another Instagram code?
Request a new code only after you have completed 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 waiting 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? Then there may be more than a problem with the code. 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 you change numbers or close an old mailbox.
Do you use two factor authentication? This is an additional check alongside your password. Store the available backup codes in a safe place, for example in 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 wipe 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.
