Instagram backup codes let you finish a two-factor login when a login code can't reach you, for example because of connectivity or delivery problems or a lost phone. You find them in Accounts Center: Password and security, Two-factor authentication, your account, Additional methods, Backup codes. The same screen has Get new codes, which cancels your current set. The catch: Instagram says you must be logged in to see the list or get a new one, so the codes only help if you saved them beforehand. Without them, the routes left are a device that's still logged in or trusted, your other two-factor method, or a support request with identity confirmation. Nobody outside Instagram can create valid backup codes for you: "backup code generators" are scams.
What Instagram backup codes are
With two-factor authentication on, Instagram asks for a login code whenever someone tries to log in from a device it doesn't recognise. The code normally comes from an authentication app, a text message or WhatsApp. Backup codes are the fallback for when that code can't reach you. Instagram says that if a code can't be sent because of connectivity or delivery issues, you can still complete the login with a backup code, and that if you lose access to your phone or email and can't get login codes, you can use a backup code to log in.
Backup codes are a list, and the list belongs to one account: in Accounts Center you choose the account you want codes for. If you manage several profiles, each one has its own list.
Where to find your Instagram backup codes
- In the app, tap your profile picture at the bottom right, then the menu at the top right. On a computer, click More at the bottom left, then Settings.
- Open Accounts Center, then Password and security.
- Open Two-factor authentication and choose the account.
- Open Additional methods, then Backup codes.
Instagram suggests copying the codes, taking a screenshot or saving them in some other way so they're available when you log in. Keep a copy somewhere that doesn't depend on the phone that receives your codes: a password manager, a printed sheet at home, or an encrypted note you can open from another device. Instagram is also gradually moving people from Accounts Center to Meta Account settings, so the menu may be labelled differently on your account.
How to log in with a backup code
When Instagram asks for your two-factor login code, enter one of your backup codes instead of a code from your app, text message or WhatsApp. If the screen offers a choice of methods, pick the backup code option. Type the code exactly as it appears in the most recent list you saved.
Once you're back in, fix whatever made you need the code. If your phone is gone, change the number or authentication app used for two-factor authentication, and check where you're logged in. If you used backup codes because you suspect someone else got in, follow the steps in our hacked-account guide.
How to get a new set and cancel the old one
- Go to Accounts Center, Password and security, Two-factor authentication and choose the account.
- Open Additional methods, then Backup codes.
- Select Get new codes.
Instagram says this cancels your current backup codes and gives you a new set. Do it after you've used codes from the list, after a phone with a screenshot of them is lost or stolen, and after any sign that someone else had access to your account or to the place where you stored them.
If a backup code doesn't work
Instagram doesn't publish a list of reasons a backup code is refused, but these checks cover the usual causes:
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is this the newest list? | Getting new codes cancels the current set, so codes from an older screenshot stop working. Anyone with access to your account could have done this too |
| Is it the right account? | Each profile has its own list; codes saved for one account don't work on another |
| Is it really a backup code? | A code from an authentication app, a text message or an email isn't a backup code; enter it only where Instagram asks for that kind of code |
| Was it typed exactly? | Copy it from your saved list rather than from memory |
If none of your codes work, treat it like having none and use one of the routes below.
No backup codes? The routes that are left
| What you still have | What to do |
|---|---|
| A phone or computer still logged in to Instagram | Open the settings there and get new backup codes or change your two-factor method |
| A device you marked as trusted | Instagram doesn't ask for a security code when you log in again from a device you marked with Trust this device |
| An authentication app on a second device | Instagram lets you add several devices to the authentication app method so they can all get login codes |
| Your number on a replacement SIM | Text message codes go to your phone number, not to the old handset |
| None of these | Request support from Instagram on a mobile device: depending on the account, you're asked for a video selfie or for the email or phone number you signed up with and the type of device you used |
More detail on each route: lost your phone with two-factor on and no access to your email or phone.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my Instagram backup codes?
In Accounts Center: Password and security, Two-factor authentication, choose the account, Additional methods, then Backup codes. Instagram may show Meta Account settings instead of Accounts Center on some accounts.
Can I see my Instagram backup codes without logging in?
No. Instagram says you must be logged in to view the list or get a new one. If you're locked out, use a logged-in or trusted device, your other two-factor method or a support request.
What happens to my old backup codes when I get new ones?
Instagram says getting new codes cancels your current ones, so only the newest list works.
Are Instagram backup code generators real?
No. Backup codes are created by Instagram inside your own logged-in account. Sites and people that claim to generate them are scams and often try to collect your password.
How do I log into Instagram without my backup codes?
From a device that's still logged in or trusted, with another two-factor method, or by requesting support on a mobile device and confirming your identity with a video selfie or your sign-up details.
Stuck at the two-factor screen?
Tell us which login methods you still have. We'll check your case for free and point you to the official route that fits. We never ask for your password or any code.
Sources
- How you can use a backup code on Instagram (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com
- Securing your Meta Account with two-factor authentication (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com
- Use an authentication app for two-factor authentication on Instagram (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com
- Turn two-factor authentication for multiple devices on or off (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com
- If you think your Instagram profile has been hacked (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com