Instagram 2FA code not arriving: what to do

In short

What can I do if my Instagram login code doesn't arrive?

First check which method you set up: an authentication app, a text message or WhatsApp. If a code can't reach you, Instagram lets you finish logging in with a backup code. If you no longer have the phone number or email on the account, try to regain access to it first. Instagram says it can't help you get back into your email.

Check which method you set up

Instagram offers three two-factor methods: an authentication app such as Duo Mobile or Google Authenticator, a text message to your phone number, or WhatsApp, which you can add once text messages are on. If you chose an authentication app, the code is in that app, not in your messages.

Instagram recommends the authentication app, because you can connect more than one device and all of them receive login codes.

Log in with a backup code

If a code can't be sent because of connection or delivery problems, Instagram lets you complete the login with a backup code instead. You can only see your backup codes, or get new ones, while you're logged in, so save the list in advance: copy it, take a screenshot or keep it somewhere safe.

1While logged in, open Settings and go to Accounts Center, then Password and security.
2Tap Two-factor authentication and choose the account.
3Tap Additional methods, then Backup codes, and save the list somewhere you can reach without your phone.

Still logged in on another device?

If Instagram is still open on another phone, tablet or computer, use it now: get your backup codes there, or change your two-factor method in Accounts Center under Password and security.

A device you marked as trusted doesn't ask for a code again when you log in. Don't mark a public or shared device as trusted.

Lost the phone number or email?

Start by getting the number or email back. Instagram is clear about one limit: if you can't access the email you signed up with and the account isn't linked to Facebook, it says it can't give you access to the account.

For a phone number, ask your mobile carrier: they can usually issue a new SIM with the same number.
For email, contact your email provider. Instagram says it can't help you get back into your email account.
Once you're back in, replace the old email or phone number on your profile with one you can reach.

If someone else is behind it

Instagram asks for a code when someone tries to log in from a device it doesn't recognize. If codes arrive that you didn't ask for, someone may be trying your password, so change it. If your email or phone number was changed, start at instagram.com/hacked, which first asks you to find your account, and follow our Instagram hacked guide.

What doesn't help

Paying someone who offers to “remove” two-factor authentication: the setting can only be changed from inside the account, in Accounts Center, and these offers are a common scam
Sharing a login code or backup code with anyone, including people who say they work for Instagram

So it can't lock you out again

1Use an authentication app, as Instagram recommends, and connect a second device.
2Save your backup codes somewhere you can reach without your phone.
3Keep the email address and phone number on your profile up to date.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I find my Instagram backup codes?

While logged in: Settings, Accounts Center, Password and security, Two-factor authentication, choose the account, then Additional methods and Backup codes. You can also get a new list there, which cancels the old codes.

Which two-factor method is safest?

Instagram recommends an authentication app. You can connect several devices to one account, so losing one phone doesn't have to cut you off.

Will you ask me for a code to help?

No. We never ask for login codes, backup codes or passwords. Anyone who does is not helping you.

Official sources

The platforms' own help and policy pages. We are not affiliated with them.

Instagram two-factor code not arriving: what to do