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Instagram allows you to set up and sign in with a two-factor authentication (2FA) code. This makes your Instagram account more secure by asking for an additional code when signing in with an email address and password. However, some users have reported that they are not receiving a code or that 2FA login is not working.
Problems with two-factor authentication on Instagram
This post will help you decide:
- Two-factor authentication code not received.
- The two-factor authentication code does not work after entering the code.
Why is the Instagram two-factor authentication code not received or not working?
The two-factor authentication code was not received or is not working, which can be caused by the following reasons:
- You have registered an invalid phone number.
- Your phone number cannot receive a text message.
- The text message ends up in the spam folder.
- You registered another type of two-factor authentication that is not related to receiving a code (SMS or WhatsApp). For example, you are using an authentication app (like Google Authenticator) that requires you to manually paste the 2FA code from the app into Instagram.
- Unstable internet connection.
- Phone access permission is not allowed for Instagram.
- Errors in Instagram, WhatsApp (if you use WhatsApp for two-factor authentication) or text messaging app.
How do I sign in without a two-factor authentication code?
Luckily, Instagram provides another way to sign in besides using a two-factor authentication code. You can use backup codes, another authentication app, or WhatsApp (if you used WhatsApp when registering for 2FA).
Use backup codes
When registering for 2FA on Instagram, fallback codes were shown allowing you to log in when you can’t access the authenticator app, can’t get a verification code, or when you lose your phone.
Backup codes can be accessed by clicking Try another way and then selecting Use backup code. Enter one of the received backup codes. Tap Confirm to enter.
Use another registered authentication app
You may have used the wrong login app to verify your two-factor authentication code. If you have registered another authentication app, such as Duo Mobile or Google Authenticator, you can use that to get the correct verification code or two-factor authentication to sign in.
Use WhatsApp verification code if you are registered
Instagram allows you to add an additional method to receive a verification code beyond the authenticator app or SMS/text message that uses your WhatsApp account.
If WhatsApp is registered for the two-factor authentication feature on Instagram, you can choose to receive a code using WhatsApp.
How to fix Instagram two-factor authentication code not received or not working?
You can fix a missing or working 2FA code by trying to sign in from another trusted device, giving phone access to the Instagram app, clearing the Instagram app cache, etc. as described in the following sections.
Try signing in from another device that is already signed in
Instagram allows you to set your device as a “trusted device” when you sign up for two-factor authentication. “Trusted Device” allows you to log into your Instagram account without two-factor authentication.
If you’ve enrolled a trusted device such as a Windows PC, iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Android, use that device to sign in without 2FA – you can then turn off two-factor authentication on Instagram if you want to sign in without 2FA in the future.
Check if you have registered your phone number correctly
If you have registered the wrong phone number, such as using a second phone number by mistake when registering for two-factor authentication, you will not receive a two-factor authentication code. Instead, you will receive a code to the correct phone number.
You can check the WhatsApp text or message on another device that has a SIM card inserted with the desired phone number.
Check if you can receive SMS
SMS may not be sent to your phone number. You can test this by sending a text message from another device to your phone number.
You can also check if a text message with a two-factor authentication code went into your spam folder. Some text messaging apps have a spam folder for spam text messages.
Check if your internet is stable
An unstable internet connection may prevent the Instagram app from sending you a two-factor authentication code. You can check the stability of your internet by visiting other websites. You can also access the Instagram app to see if it’s currently down.
RELATED: Why You’re Losing Instagram Followers
Make sure phone access permission is allowed for Instagram
Instagram may need access to your phone to send a message, and you can allow this permission on Android and iPhone. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Instagram. Choose Application Permissions. Choose Telephone.
Kit Allow.
Clear cache
Instagram may be unable to send a verification code if its cache conflicts. You can try clearing the cache to fix the issue. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Instagram. Choose Clear Data. Choose Clear cache.
Update the Instagram app
Try updating the Instagram app to fix potentially ongoing bugs that could cause the 2FA code to not be received. You can update Instagram by visiting its Play Store or App Store page.
Try disabling the VPN or DNS service
A VPN or DNS service can prevent Instagram from correctly sending the two-factor authentication code. Try disabling the VPN or DNS service if it is enabled.
Contact Instagram Support
If you’re blocked on Instagram, lost access to your phone, lost your backup codes, and can’t sign in with two-factor authentication, try contacting Instagram. You can do this by clicking Try another way and choice Get Support. Enter the appropriate email address and other required details.
Two-factor authentication makes your Instagram account more secure. However, a problem such as missing a code or not working two-factor authentication can block access to your Instagram account. If you still can’t sign in, please contact Instagram support.
RELATED: How to Disable 2FA on Facebook
Doni Prasetillo has been writing at monkeymanifesto.com for about two years to help solve computer and smartphone problems with easy-to-understand blog posts. He has written over 480 blog posts about Windows, Office, Android and more.
