Quick answer
Go to Accounts Center > Password and security > Two-factor authentication, choose your account, then pick a method: an authentication app (recommended), text message, or WhatsApp. Save your backup codes while you’re logged in: Meta says you can use one if a code can’t be sent because of connection or delivery problems.
Does this match what you see?
- Instagram asks for a login code and it doesn’t arrive.
- You want to add an authentication app but can’t find the option on a computer.
- You changed phones and can’t get codes any more.
- You keep being asked for a code on your own device.
iPhone & iPadAndroidComputer (browser)
Steps are from Instagram’s Help Center for computer, Android and iPhone. Meta is gradually moving people to Meta Accounts, so you may see Accounts Center or Meta Account settings.
Why this happens: the possible causes
If a login code doesn’t arrive, the fix depends on which method you use.
| What’s happening | What to try |
|---|---|
| Code can’t be sent (connection or delivery problem) | Use a backup code |
| You lost the phone or email you get codes on | Use a backup code |
| Asked for a code every time on your own device | Trust this device |
| Can’t turn on an authentication app on a computer | Use the phone app |
- Codes can’t always be deliveredCheck this first
Meta says a code may not be sent because of connectivity or delivery issues, which is what backup codes are for.
Try these 60-second checks first
- Save your backup codes now, while you can still log in.
- If you use text message codes, check the phone number on your account is current.
How to fix it, step by step
Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and only move to steps that sign you out or remove data later.
Fix 1: Turn on two-factor authentication
Meta says two-factor authentication requires a code if there’s a login attempt from a device it doesn’t recognize.
iPhone & iPad
- Tap Profile or your profile picture in the bottom right.
- Tap Menu in the top right.
- Tap Accounts Center, then Password and security.
- Tap Two-factor authentication, then select an account.
- Choose the security method you want to add and follow the on-screen steps.
Android
- Tap Profile or your profile picture in the bottom right.
- Tap Menu in the top right.
- Tap Accounts Center, then Password and security.
- Tap Two-factor authentication, then select an account.
- Choose the security method you want to add and follow the on-screen steps.
Computer (browser)
- Click More in the bottom left, then Settings.
- Click See more in Accounts Center, then Password and security.
- Click Two-factor authentication, then select an account.
- Choose the security method you want to add and follow the on-screen steps.
If any of your Instagram accounts use two-factor authentication, Meta says you’ll enter a login code or confirm your login attempt when you log in to them.
Did it work? Two-factor authentication shows as on for your account.
Did Fix 1 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 1. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Fix 2: Choose a method: authentication app, text message or WhatsApp
Meta says you need at least one of three methods set up.
- Authentication app (recommended by Meta): use an app such as Duo Mobile or Google Authenticator to get codes. Meta recommends it, and says you can add multiple devices so they can all get login codes. Meta says you can only turn this method on in the Instagram app for Android or iPhone.
- Text message: Meta sends a login code to your mobile number. You can use a number already on your account or add a new one.
- WhatsApp: turn on text message first, then you can turn on WhatsApp to get login codes there.
Did it work? At least one method is set up.
Did Fix 2 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 2. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Fix 3: Login code not arriving? Use a backup code
Meta says that if a code can’t be sent because of connectivity or delivery issues, or you’ve lost access to your phone or email, you can log in with a backup code.
- When Instagram asks for your login code, enter one of your saved backup codes instead. (Our tip: look for a backup code option on that screen; Meta’s page doesn’t name the button.)
- Once you’re in, our tip: get a new set of backup codes (Fix 4) and check the phone number or app you use for codes.
Meta says you must be logged in to see your backup codes, so you can’t look them up while you’re locked out. No saved codes and no way to get in? See can’t log in to Instagram. Our advice: never share a login or backup code with anyone, including people claiming to be Instagram.
Did it work? You’re logged in.
Did Fix 3 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 3. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Fix 4: Get or replace your backup codes
Meta says you must be logged in to get backup codes, and to save them so they’re available when you log in.
iPhone & iPad
- Tap Profile or your profile picture in the bottom right.
- Tap Menu in the top right, then Password and security.
- Tap Two-factor authentication, then the account you want codes for.
- Tap Additional methods, then Backup codes.
- To cancel your current codes and get a new set, tap Get new codes.
Android
- Tap Profile or your profile picture in the bottom right.
- Tap Menu in the top right, then Password and security.
- Tap Two-factor authentication, then the account you want codes for.
- Tap Additional methods, then Backup codes.
- To cancel your current codes and get a new set, tap Get new codes.
Computer (browser)
- Click More in the bottom left, then Settings.
- Click Accounts Center, then Password and security.
- Click Two-factor authentication, then the account you want codes for.
- Click Additional methods, then Backup codes.
- To cancel your current codes and get a new set, click Get new codes.
Meta says to copy the codes, take a screenshot, or save them another way.
Did it work? You have a saved list of backup codes somewhere you can reach when logged out.
Did Fix 4 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 4. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Fix 5: Turn off a two-factor method
Meta uses the same path as turning it on: choose the method you want to turn off.
- Go to Accounts Center > Password and security > Two-factor authentication (same path as Fix 1), then select an account.
- Choose the security method you want to turn off and follow the on-screen steps.
Our advice: keep at least one method on. Meta calls two-factor authentication the single most effective step against hackers, and says it turned it on by default for creator accounts, so check you didn’t turn it off.
Did it work? The method you chose shows as off.
Did Fix 5 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 5. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Trusted devices: stop being asked for a code on your own phone
Meta says that when you log in with two-factor authentication, you can tap Trust this device so you won’t need a code the next time on that device. Don’t do this on a public or shared device that people you don’t know can use.
After turning on two-factor authentication, Meta says you can see login requests and remove trusted devices.
How to know it worked
- Two-factor authentication is on with at least one method.
- Your backup codes are saved somewhere you can reach when logged out.
Still not working? Your next steps
- Locked out with no codes? See can’t log in to Instagram.
- Think someone else changed your settings? See Instagram hacked.
Official help routes
SocialAppFix can’t see or change your account. For account decisions, recovery and appeals, only the platform’s own tools can help. These links go to the official sites.
Frequently asked questions
Why isn’t my Instagram login code arriving?
Meta says codes sometimes can’t be sent because of connectivity or delivery issues. Use one of your saved backup codes to log in. Our tip: once you’re in, check your phone number or authentication app.
Where do I find my Instagram backup codes?
Meta says you must be logged in. Go to Password and security (on a computer, through Settings > Accounts Center; in the app, Profile > Menu) > Two-factor authentication, choose your account, then Additional methods > Backup codes. Save them somewhere you can reach when logged out.
Can I set up an authentication app on a computer?
No. Meta says two-factor authentication through an authentication app can only be turned on using the Instagram app for Android and iPhone.
Can I get Instagram login codes on WhatsApp?
Yes. Meta says to turn on the text message method first, then turn on WhatsApp to get login codes there.
Did this solve your problem?
Your answer stays in your browser — nothing is sent or stored. The “tell us” link opens your own email app.
Out of date or didn’t work? Email us — never include passwords or codes.
Sources and how we checked this guide
We base steps on the platforms’ own help pages and the phone makers’ official guides. Menu names change often and can differ by device, app version and region. Where a platform page could not be independently read, we link it so you can check the current wording yourself.
- Securing your Meta Account with two-factor authentication (external site, opens in a new tab)
- How you can use a backup code on Instagram (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Secure your Instagram account (external site, opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed 23 October 2026 by the SocialAppFix editorial team against the sources above. Next scheduled review: 23 April 2027. How we write and review guides.
What changed
- 23 October 2026: First published.
SocialAppFix is an independent guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Meta or Instagram. We never ask for passwords, login codes or payment to fix an account.