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How to set up and save Instagram backup codes
Backup codes let you log in when your usual two-factor method is unavailable.
Is this your situation?
You turned on two-factor authentication and want a backup way to log in if your phone or code method is unavailable. You need to find, save or replace your backup codes.
The short answer
Get backup codes from Accounts Center under Password and security, then Two-factor authentication. A backup code can be used to log in if two-factor authentication can't send you a code.
Before you start
- Confirm you are logged in You must be logged into Instagram to access or renew backup codes.Verify: Check that you can open your account settings.
- Confirm two-factor authentication is on You want backup codes set up as an additional method for your account.Verify: Check the Two-factor authentication section for an active method.
- Have a place ready to store codes Copy codes to clipboard, screenshot them, or save them another way.Verify: Check that your save method is accessible without the app.
How Instagram handles this
- A backup code can be used if a code can't be sent due to connectivity or delivery issues.
- Instagram is gradually updating people to Meta Accounts.
- Some Instagram users may see Accounts Center as the place to manage their account settings.
- If a device is lost or another security method fails, backup codes can be used to access the account.
Step by step
- Open Settings Open the menu to reach account settings.Where: Instagram → More (hamburger icon, bottom left) → SettingsConfirm: Check that the Settings menu has opened.
- Open Accounts Center Go to Accounts Center, then Password and security.Where: Settings → Accounts Center → Password and securityConfirm: Check that Password and security has opened.
- Select two-factor authentication Click Two-factor authentication, then the account you want codes for.Where: Password and security → Two-factor authentication → [account]Confirm: Check that the account's two-factor authentication page is open.
- Open backup codes Click Additional methods, then Backup codes.Where: Two-factor authentication → Additional methods → Backup codesConfirm: Check that the list of backup codes appears.
- Save the codes Copy the codes to your clipboard, take a screenshot, or save them another way.Where: Accounts Center → Password and securityConfirm: Check that your saved copy is readable and complete.
- Get new codes if needed Repeat the path and click Get new codes to cancel the current set.Where: Additional methods → Backup codes → Get new codesConfirm: Check that a new list of codes appears.If this fails: Confirm you are logged in and two-factor authentication is on.
- Use a code if a login code can't be sent If a login code can't be sent due to connectivity or delivery issues, enter a backup code instead to complete the process.Confirm: Check that the account has logged in after entering the code.
Common mistakes
- Codes not saved anywhere Codes that aren't copied, screenshotted, or otherwise saved are hard to find later.Why it happens: You close the codes screen without saving them, expecting to find them again later.Already happened: You lose both your codes and your device and need recovery help: lost backup codes recovery.
- Not logged in when requesting codes Backup codes can only be accessed while logged into Instagram.Why it happens: You try to view the codes list before signing in to the account.
- Old codes kept after getting new ones Getting new codes cancels the current set of backup codes.Why it happens: You keep a saved copy of codes you requested before, expecting them still to work.
Roles at a glance
| Method | How it's used | Where it's set up | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backup codes | Used if a code can't be sent due to connectivity or delivery issues. | Accounts Center → Password and security → Two-factor authentication → Additional methods. | Must be logged in to access or renew the list. |
| Authentication app | Can be used to generate login codes. | Accounts Center → Password and security. | Can only be turned on using the Instagram app for Android and iPhone. |
| Text message (SMS) | Sends a login code to the user's mobile number. | Accounts Center → Password and security. | Requires a confirmed telephone number on the account. |
| Authentication app (multiple devices) | Multiple devices connected to an account can all get login codes. | Login and security → Two-factor authentication. | Recommended because multiple devices can all get login codes. |
| WhatsApp | Gets login codes from WhatsApp after text message is on. | Accounts Center → Password and security. | Must first turn on the text message security method. |
Keeping track of who has access
Once your backup codes are saved, Delvia is where you track which accounts have two-factor authentication and backup access set up. That keeps recovery options visible instead of scattered across screenshots and notes.
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