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Get back into your Instagram account without a verification code with this user-friendly guide
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Whether you’ve forgotten your Instagram password or you’re trying to log in on a new device with two-factor authentication (2FA), you may need to use a recovery code to get back into your account. However, there are times when using one of these codes just isn’t an option—for instance, if you no longer have access to the phone number where the code would be sent. In this wikiHow, we’ll talk you through the best ways to get around having to use a recovery code when logging into Instagram.
Things You Should Know
- Request a login link by tapping "Forgot password?" → enter your email → "Find account".
- Open the email sent by Instagram and select "Log in" or "Reset your password".
- If you don't have access to the email account you registered with, Instagram won't be able to recover your account.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
Requesting a Login Link
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Open the Instagram app on your phone or tablet. Password recovery usually works by sending a recovery code to the phone number associated with your Instagram account. However, if you can’t access that number anymore, there are other options. Start by opening Instagram. If you’re logged out of all your accounts or using the app for the first time on your device, you should see a Log In screen.
- If you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled, you must have access to the phone number or authentication app. Otherwise, you may be locked out of your account.
- If you’re already logged into another account, log out by going to your profile, tapping the ☰ button in the top right side of the screen, then selecting Settings and privacy . Scroll down Login and select Log out . [1] X Research source
- You can also remain logged into your current account and select Add Account under Logins to log into another one at the same time.
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Enter the name of the account you’d like to log into . Type your username into the top text field. You can also enter the email address or phone number associated with your account.Advertisement
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Enter your username or email. Use the same username or email address you use to log in. [3] X Research source
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Tap Find account . This will send an email to the associated account. At the bottom of the page, you should see a preview of the email address censored by asterisks (*).
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Open the email. This will be sent by Instagram's official email address. In most cases, this will be "security@mail.instagram.com".
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Tap Log in or Reset your password . If you don't have 2FA enabled, you'll be able to instantly log into your account by tapping the first option. If you have 2FA enabled, you'll need to provide the code sent to your phone number or authentication app. Tap the second button if you'd rather reset your password . You'll be taken to the password reset page in your browser. [4] X Research source
- You should now be logged into your account.
- If you're having trouble, you can contact Instagram for assistance.
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Section 3 of 4:
Disabling Two-Factor Authentication
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Launch the Instagram app. This looks like a camera with a multicolored background.
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Tap your profile picture to go to your profile. When you have two-factor authentication (2FA) set up, you may be required to enter a recovery code every time you log in on a new device. To turn off this extra security measure, first go to your Instagram profile on a device where you’re already logged in. Tap your profile picture or icon in the lower right corner of the screen. [6] X Research source
- These codes may be sent to the phone number associated with your account or via a third-party security app if you’ve connected one with your Instagram account.
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Tap ☰ . This button is located in the upper right corner of the profile screen. A pop-up menu will open.
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Tap Settings and privacy . This will be at the top of the pop-up menu.
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Tap Accounts Center . Most Instagram accounts are connected to Meta Accounts Center, and you can find this option at the top of the page. If your account isn't connected to Accounts Center, you'll see Settings instead.
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Tap Password and security . This will be underneath Personal details .
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Tap Two-factor authentication . You can find this underneath Change password .
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Tap Instagram . If you have other accounts linked to your device, be sure to select the correct account.
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Tap the two-factor authentication method and select Turn off . This will be an authentication app, text message (SMS), or WhatsApp.
- Two-factor authentication will be turned off for your account. You won't need to provide a code when you log in again.
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Section 4 of 4:
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Launch the Instagram app. This looks like a camera with a multicolored background. If you’re concerned that you’ll have a hard time getting a recovery code in the future due to connection problems, you can get a list of backup codes to use in a pinch. Each of these codes can only be used once, but you can always generate more at a later date. Start by logging into your account on the Instagram app. [7] X Research source
- If you aren't already logged in, enter your username, phone number, or email address and password to do so now.
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Tap your profile picture. This will be in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
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Tap ☰ . This button is located in the upper right corner of the profile screen. A pop-up menu will open.
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Tap Settings and privacy . This will be at the top of the pop-up menu.
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Tap Accounts Center . Most Instagram accounts are connected to Accounts Center, and you can find this option at the top of the page. If your account isn't connected to Meta Accounts Center, you'll see Settings instead.
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Tap Password and security . This will be underneath Personal details .
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Tap Two-factor authentication . You can find this underneath Change password . [8] X Research source
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Tap Instagram . If you have other accounts linked to your device, be sure to select the correct account.
- If you haven’t set up 2FA yet, you’ll need to select a primary method and tap Next .
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Tap Additional Methods . This option is at the bottom of the list of two-factor authentication methods. A new menu will open.
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Copy down the list of backup codes. The next screen will display five backup verification codes. If you’re unable to get a verification code text because you don’t have access to your phone, you can use any of these codes one time to log in.
- Take a screenshot of the codes, copy and paste them into a note or document, or write them down on paper and keep them in a safe place.
- To generate more codes once you’ve used up the original set, tap Get New Codes at the bottom of the screen.
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References
- ↑ https://help.instagram.com/623835647655355
- ↑ https://help.instagram.com/358911864194456/
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/accounts/password/reset/
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/accounts/password/reset/
- ↑ https://help.instagram.com/149494825257596/?cms_platform=android-app&%3Bhelpref=platform_switcher
- ↑ https://help.instagram.com/566810106808145
- ↑ https://help.instagram.com/1006568999411025
- ↑ https://help.instagram.com/1006568999411025
- ↑ https://help.instagram.com/1006568999411025
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