How to Troubleshoot Instagram's Two-Factor Authentication?

Are you having difficulty logging into Instagram due to two-factor authentication? If Instagram isn’t letting you log in because you lost access to your 2FA method, or if 2FA is not working on Instagram, this guide is for you.

Today, I will explain why Instagram uses 2FA for login security, what types of 2FA methods are available, and how to troubleshoot common 2FA problems. Let’s get into it!

Before You Start: Quick Checks That Prevent Most 2FA Problems

First, here are some quick checks that can help prevent common issues causing your Instagram 2FA code not to work:

Make sure you have a stable internet connection on the device you are logging into Instagram on.
If you are receiving an SMS code, make sure the SIM card is properly inserted and you have cellular network access.
If you are receiving a WhatsApp code or getting a code on an authenticator app, make sure the device on which you are getting the code has a stable internet connection.
If you are getting a code on an authenticator app, make sure you are logged into the correct account (the correct Google account for Google Authenticator, for example).
When using an authenticator app, the code expires quickly. Make sure to enter it on time.
You may have set up 2FA on your authenticator app for multiple Instagram accounts. Make sure you are inputting the code for the correct Instagram account.

If you are still experiencing Instagram login issues, read on.

Why Your Instagram Authentication Code Isn’t Working

If you are entering your Instagram authentication code, and it is being marked as invalid, here are the most common reasons:

The code expired. This is a common problem when using authenticator apps, which refresh codes very quickly.
You requested a second login code, causing the first code to be invalid. Wait for the second code to arrive and input it.
You entered the code for the wrong account. This can happen if you are using an authenticator app for multiple Instagram accounts, as it’s easy to get confused as to which code to use.
You simply mistyped the code. This happens more often than people think.
You don’t have a valid internet connection, causing an error, or your internet connection isn’t stable, causing problems with the authentication process.
You don’t have cellular network (for getting SMS codes).

What to Do if You Lost Access to Your Authenticator App

If you lost access to your authenticator app, first see if you can approve your login on another device. For example, if you are logged into Instagram on an old phone, you are usually able to approve your login attempt by opening Instagram on your old phone and confirming that the login attempt is yours when prompted.

Alternatively, see if you can log in to the authenticator app from another device. For example, Google Authenticator allows you to log in to your authenticator app on any new device, using your Google account, and the codes will sync automatically to your new device, unless you chose the option to use it without your Google account.

If you still can’t log in to the authenticator app, see if there might be some other way to authenticate yourself. Instagram supports three 2FA methods:

Authenticator apps
SMS codes
WhatsApp codes

If you can’t use the authenticator app, try getting an SMS code, if you enabled that option. If you can’t get an SMS code because you are traveling abroad and didn’t activate roaming, try getting a WhatsApp code.

However, WhatsApp as a verification method must be enabled separately. After enabling 2FA via SMS with your phone number, you can enable WhatsApp as well. If you didn’t enable it, you won’t be able to use it now.

There is a workaround if you didn’t enable it, though. Typically, Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp accounts are linked in your Accounts Center (since they are all owned by Meta). If you linked your Facebook or WhatsApp account to your Accounts Center, and you are logged in on WhatsApp or Facebook elsewhere, you’re still in luck.

Simply go to the Accounts Center from Facebook or WhatsApp. Once there, navigate to Password & security > Two-factor authentication and select your Instagram profile. You may be able to set a new 2FA method or access your backup codes.

Similarly, you may be able to click on “Log In With Facebook” on the Instagram login screen and log in with Facebook, if you are already logged in there.

Finally, if all else fails, use backup codes. Read on to learn how to use them.

How to Use Instagram Backup Codes to Sign In

Backup codes are single-use codes that can be used in lieu of a 2FA code if you can’t access your number or authenticator app. Each backup code can be used only once.

It’s important to print out these backup codes, screenshot them, or save them somewhere safe. I recommend printing them out or writing them down and putting them in a safe or a drawer.

To see your backup codes, go to Profile > Menu > Accounts Center > Password & security > Two-factor authentication > [Instagram Profile] > Additional Methods > Backup Codes.

Note that if you click on Get New Codes, new codes will be generated, and the older codes will be rendered invalid. You typically get 10 codes at a time. Each can be used only once.

If you can’t access your 2FA code when trying to log in, you can use a backup code instead. This backup code will then be invalid for future login attempts, but you can use the other nine codes. If you use up the other nine codes as well, you will need to generate new codes.

When to Contact Instagram Support for 2FA Problems

If you were locked out of your account and can’t recover it using any of the methods mentioned in this guide, contact Instagram support. While they may not be able to help you recover your account, there is a small chance they may be able to verify your identity using another method.

Conclusion

I hope this guide was useful! Two-factor authentication on Instagram helps protect your Instagram account, but it can also lock you out if you are not prepared and can’t get the code. After reading this guide, though, you should usually be able to find a way to get back in.