First work out which message you're waiting for. A password reset email that doesn't arrive is usually in spam, blocked by your email provider or going to an address that was mistyped at sign-up; real Instagram emails only come from @mail.instagram.com. A reset link that doesn't work has often expired, so request a new one. A two-factor code that can't be delivered can be replaced by a backup code, if you saved them while you were logged in. If nothing arrives because you no longer have the email or phone, it's an access problem, not a delivery problem, and it has its own route.
Which code or email are you waiting for?
Instagram sends several different messages during login and recovery, and each one fails for different reasons:
| What you're waiting for | When it's sent | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Password reset email or login link | After you tap Forgot password? | Spam folder, your email provider, a new request |
| Two-factor code by text message or WhatsApp | When you log in from a device Instagram doesn't recognize | A backup code or a trusted device |
| Two-factor code from an authentication app | The app creates it, nothing is sent | Open the app on the device where you set it up |
| Email with next steps after a support request | After you ask Instagram for help | The secure email address you entered |
The password reset email doesn't arrive
Instagram's Help Center gives two main reasons a reset email doesn't show up: it went to your spam folder, or the email address was mistyped when the account was created. What you can do:
- Check spam and junk. Search for messages from Instagram there, not just in your inbox.
- Ask your email provider. Instagram suggests contacting your email service provider to make sure you can receive emails from the @instagram.com domain.
- Use Facebook if the accounts are linked. If your Instagram and Facebook accounts are linked, you can reset your password through Facebook verification.
- A typo at sign-up is a dead end. Instagram says that if the email address was mistyped when the account was created, it can't give you access to that account.
Only trust messages that come from @mail.instagram.com. Instagram says emails from any other address may be phishing, and you shouldn't click their links or attachments. More on this: how to spot fake Instagram emails and messages.
The link in the email doesn't work
Reset emails don't stay valid forever. Instagram's advice when a reset link fails:
- Request a new password reset email; the previous one may have expired.
- In the new email, choose the option to reset your Instagram password. Instagram specifically says not to choose to log in from the email.
If you're resetting because you think someone else got into your account, follow the hacked-account route instead: Instagram account hacked: how to get it back.
The two-factor login code doesn't arrive
With two-factor authentication on, Instagram asks for a code when someone logs in from a device it doesn't recognize. It offers three methods: an authentication app (which Instagram recommends), text message, and WhatsApp, which can only be turned on after the text message method.
- Use a backup code. Instagram says that if a code can't be sent because of connectivity or delivery issues, you can still finish logging in with a backup code. The catch: you can only see or create backup codes while you're logged in, so they only help if you saved them earlier.
- Try a trusted device. If you once tapped Trust this device on a phone or computer, Instagram won't ask for a code when you log in from it again.
- Open the authentication app. If you chose an authentication app such as Duo Mobile or Google Authenticator, the code is generated by the app, so there's nothing to wait for. You need the device the app is set up on.
Lost the phone that receives the codes? That's a different problem with its own steps: lost your phone with two-factor authentication on.
Nothing arrives at all
If the code or email goes to an address or number you can no longer use, waiting won't help. Instagram says it can't help you get back into an email account; that's up to your email provider. Two routes are left:
- Get the email or number back. Many email providers have their own recovery process. If you can't regain the email and your Instagram isn't linked to Facebook, Instagram says it can't give you access. The full picture: lost access to the email or phone on your account.
- Request support from Instagram. If a login link doesn't get you back in, Instagram says you may be able to request support on a mobile device. Enter a secure email address that only you can access; Instagram then emails you the next steps, which can include a video selfie if the account has photos of you.
Codes and emails you didn't ask for
A password reset email you didn't request doesn't necessarily mean you've been hacked. Instagram explains that someone may have mistyped their own email or username and entered yours by mistake, and that only people who know your password or click the login link in that email can get into your account. Don't click the link, and don't share any code you receive with anyone who asks for it. If you're worried, change your password and turn on two-factor authentication.
Make sure it doesn't happen again
- Save your backup codes now, while you're logged in: in Accounts Center, go to Password and security, Two-factor authentication, your account, Additional methods, Backup codes. Getting new codes cancels the old ones.
- Switch to an authentication app. It doesn't depend on a text message reaching you, and you can connect more than one device.
- Keep your email and phone number current. If you can still log in but no longer use the old email or number, change them in your settings so codes reach you.
A full list of settings worth checking: Instagram security checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I not getting the Instagram password reset email?
Usually because it's in your spam folder, your email provider is blocking emails from the @instagram.com domain, or the email address was mistyped when the account was created. If the accounts are linked, you can also reset the password through Facebook.
Why doesn't the link in Instagram's reset email work?
The link may have expired. Request a new password reset email and choose the option to reset your password, not to log in from the email.
What can I do if Instagram's two-factor code doesn't arrive?
Use a backup code, log in from a device you've marked as trusted, or open your authentication app if that's the method you chose. Backup codes can only be viewed while you're logged in, so they need to be saved in advance.
Is a password reset email I didn't request a sign of hacking?
Not necessarily. Someone may have entered your email or username by mistake. Only people who know your password or click the login link in that email can get in, so don't click it, and check that it came from @mail.instagram.com.
Still no code?
Tell us which message you're waiting for and what you still have access to. We'll tell you for free which route is left. We never ask for your password or any code.
Sources
- If you didn't receive the password reset email you requested from Instagram (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com
- Links in password reset email from Instagram aren't working (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com
- 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
- Why you received an Instagram password reset email that you didn't request (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com
- Lost access to email or phone number linked to Instagram account (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com
- If you think your Instagram profile has been hacked (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com