By Alex Carter, Editor at GetVerifyCode
No. Instagram only shows backup codes inside the settings of an account you're already logged in to, so you can't generate them while locked out. If you saved codes earlier, use one at the login screen. Otherwise use your authenticator app or text code, a phone that's still logged in, or Instagram's recovery steps.
Key facts
- Instagram's backup code help says you must be logged in to Instagram to see your list of backup codes or get a new list.
- Instagram says backup codes let you finish two-factor login when a code can't be sent because of connectivity or delivery issues.
- Getting a new set of codes cancels your current backup codes, so an older saved list stops working.
- Instagram's help for hacked or locked-out accounts lists a login link, a support request and, for accounts with photos of you, a video selfie to confirm your identity.
How to get Instagram backup codes (logged in)
Do this while you still have access, ideally right after you turn on two-factor authentication. Instagram's help gives these steps on the web, and the app uses the same Accounts Center menus. Instagram notes that some people see Meta Account settings instead of Accounts Center while it updates accounts.
- Click More in the bottom left, then click Settings.
- Click Accounts Center, then click Password and security.
- Click Two-factor authentication, then click the account you want backup codes for.
- Click Additional methods.
- Click Backup codes.
Save the list straight away, before you close the screen. To replace the list, open the same Backup codes screen and click Get new codes. That cancels the old codes, so throw away or update any copy you saved before.
Backup codes are a fallback, not your main method. Your main method is usually a text message code or an authentication app. If you're not sure how those differ, see two-factor vs two-step verification and 6-digit login codes from an authentication app.
Locked out without backup codes? What Instagram offers
If you never saved codes, searching for a way to get them without logging in won't help. Instagram doesn't offer that. Work through these options in order:
- Your normal second step. If the authenticator app or the phone number you set up is still with you, use that code instead. Some authenticator apps can restore their codes when you sign in to them on a new phone.
- A device where you're still logged in. If Instagram is still open on another phone, tablet or browser, go to the Backup codes screen there and save a fresh set.
- A login link. On the login screen, tap Forgot password?, enter your username, email address or phone number, and request a login link. Instagram sends it to your email or by text message.
- A support request. If the login link doesn't work, Instagram says you may be able to request support from a mobile device. Use a secure email address that only you can access.
- An identity check. For an account with photos of you, Instagram may ask for a video selfie of you turning your head. For an account without photos, it may ask for the email or phone number you signed up with and the type of device you used.
If your number changed and the old one still gets your codes, using an old phone number for verification explains what usually works. For other ways around a missing phone, see how to get a verification code without a phone.
Ignore anyone who offers to recover your Instagram account for a fee. Paid third-party recovery services are a common scam, and Instagram's official recovery steps are free.
Instagram backup codes not working
When a backup code is rejected at login, it's usually one of these:
- The code was already used. Treat each backup code as one-time and cross it off once you've used it.
- You got new codes later. Clicking Get new codes cancels the old list, so codes from an earlier screenshot or note no longer work.
- It's for a different account. If you run more than one Instagram account, each one has its own list.
- A typo. Type the code exactly as shown, with no spaces, and don't mix up similar characters.
If none of your codes work, go back to the recovery options above. For wider reasons a login code fails, see verification code invalid or expired.
Some people search for an 8-digit backup code. Instagram's help doesn't list a code length, so go by the codes on your own Backup codes screen. Facebook also offers backup codes as a two-factor option, but check Facebook's own help for its steps rather than assuming they match Instagram's.
How to store backup codes safely
Instagram suggests copying the codes, taking a screenshot or saving them some other way so they're ready when you log in. Wherever you keep them, keep them private:
- Store them in a password manager or on paper somewhere safe at home.
- Keep a copy that doesn't depend only on the phone you sign in with, in case you lose it.
- Don't share screenshots of the codes, post them or send them in chat. Anyone with a code and your password can finish your login.
- After you use a code, cross it off. When you're down to a few, get a new set and replace the old copy.
To learn what these one-time codes are and how they differ from texted codes, read what is a verification code and what OTP means.
Where GetVerifyCode fits
It doesn't, for Instagram two-factor login or recovery. Backup codes and authenticator codes are made for your own account, and no temporary number receives them. Don't use a temporary number as the two-factor or recovery number on an account you plan to keep, because you can lose access to that number later.
A temporary number only helps with one-time SMS codes for new sign-ups, when you'd rather keep your personal number private. Top up your wallet from $1. Each number is priced live per service and country. Some apps reject virtual numbers, and that choice is the app's. Using a temporary number to protect your privacy, travel, or test your own app is generally lawful in many places, but laws differ by country and each app sets its own terms. Check both. Never use it for fraud, impersonation, or getting around a ban.
Related guides
- 6-Digit Login Code From an Authentication App
- What Is Two-Factor vs Two-Step Verification?
- Time-Based One-Time Password (TOTP) Explained
- How to Get a Verification Code Without a Phone
- Verification Code Invalid or Expired? How to Fix It
- Didn't Get the Verification Code? 12 Fixes
Need an SMS code for a new sign-up instead? Start on GetVerifyCode or check live pricing.
About the author: Alex Carter is the editor at GetVerifyCode. Alex tests SMS verification routes across services and countries and writes plain-language guides on receiving OTP codes safely.
GetVerifyCode is not affiliated with the apps named in this article. Follow each app's terms and local law.
FAQ
FAQ
No. Instagram says you must be logged in to see your backup codes or get new ones. If you're locked out, use your authenticator app or text code, a device that's still logged in, or Instagram's login link, support request or identity check.
The code was probably already used, replaced by a newer set when you clicked Get new codes, saved for a different account, or typed wrong. Try another unused code from your latest list.
Treat each one as a single-use code. Cross it off after you use it, and get a fresh set when you're running low, which cancels the old list.
Keep them in a password manager or on paper somewhere safe, with a copy that doesn't rely only on your main phone. Never share screenshots of them.
Only Instagram can, through its official recovery steps, which are free. Paid "recovery services" are a common scam, so don't share your login or codes with them.
