Instagram Verification Code Not Received? 8 Fixes That Work

Instagram code not arriving? Usually the number is typed wrong, you asked for codes too often, or texts are filtered. Here are 8 fixes, fastest first.

The same few problems cause almost every missing Instagram code, whether you are signing up, confirming a new number or logging in with two-factor authentication. Start with the 30-second check, match Instagram's message in the table, then work through the fixes in order.

Check these first (30 seconds)

• Country code and number. Choose the right country, then enter the number without a leading 0 and without repeating the country code. A US number is 10 digits.
• Spam and filtered texts. Open your SMS app's spam, "unknown senders" or "filtered" folder. Instagram codes often land there.
• Email instead. If you signed up with an email address, the code goes to that inbox (and its spam folder), not to your phone.
• The wait. Give it a full minute or two before tapping resend. Each request counts toward Instagram's limit.

What Instagram's message means

8 fixes, in order

1. Re-enter the number. Go back one step, pick the country from the list and type the number in local format. One wrong digit sends the code to someone else.
2. Wait, then tap "Resend code" once. Instagram codes usually arrive within seconds, but busy networks can take a few minutes. Several taps in a row only trigger the "please wait" limit.
3. Switch to email. On the sign-up screen choose "Sign up with email" instead of a phone number. At login, use "Try another way" if it is offered.
4. Turn off SMS filters. Spam filters, "filter unknown senders", Do Not Disturb, and call or text blocker apps can hide the code. Pause them during sign-up.
5. Update Instagram or use the website. Install the latest version from the App Store or Google Play, or try instagram.com in a browser. An old app version sometimes fails at the code step.
6. Use your two-factor backup. If the code is for two-factor login, use an authentication app or one of the backup codes you saved, or pick WhatsApp delivery if you set it up.
7. Wait out a block. After "Please wait a few minutes" or "We limit how often", leave the app alone for the full time. A clean try the next day works better than ten tries tonight.
8. Try a different number. Some numbers never get Instagram codes, especially internet (VoIP) numbers and recycled numbers. Another number is the fastest way out (see below).

Sign-up, login and two-factor codes are not the same

Instagram sends three kinds of code, and each goes to a different place. A sign-up code confirms the phone number or email you typed on the sign-up screen, so it goes there. A login code (when you log in with your phone number instead of a password) goes to the number on the account. A two-factor code goes to whatever method you chose in Accounts Center: text, WhatsApp, or an authentication app, which never sends texts at all.

So if you are waiting for a text that should be in your authentication app, or checking your phone for a code that went to the email you signed up with, it will never arrive. Look at the code screen: Instagram usually says where it sent the code, such as "Enter the 6-digit code we sent to the number ending in 42". If that number or email is wrong or old, fix it first.

Travelling? Texts to your home number need roaming that allows incoming SMS. If you can't get texts abroad, use an authentication app or backup codes for two-factor logins.

Locked out and the code goes to an old number?

On the login screen tap "Forgot password?" or "Get help logging in". Instagram can send a link to your email instead of a text, or ask you to confirm your identity. If you had two-factor authentication on and lost the phone, your saved backup codes are the quickest way back in.

Once you are in, update the number under Settings → Accounts Center → Personal details → Contact info, so the next code goes to a phone you have.

When your own number just won't work

Instagram is choosy about numbers. Many internet-based (VoIP) numbers are refused or never receive the text, and a number that was recently used on another Instagram account can trigger "already in use" or extra checks.

In that case a non-VoIP number is the practical fix. These are real mobile-carrier numbers, which is what Instagram expects. On SMS Pin Verify you can pick a USA number for Instagram and the code appears on screen in your account:

• One-time number: held for you for 15 minutes to receive one code. If no code arrives, you are not charged. Good for a single sign-up.
• Rental number: the same number for several days or longer. Pick this if you will keep the account, because Instagram can ask for a new code when you log in from a new phone or after a security check.

Two honest limits: a code is never guaranteed, because Instagram decides whether to send it; and a number may have been used on Instagram before you, so start a fresh account rather than trying to recover an old one.

Keep your account after you get in

• Turn on two-factor authentication (Settings → Accounts Center → Password and security → Two-factor authentication) and choose an authentication app, so a lost number can't lock you out.
• Save your backup codes in the same menu. Each one logs you in once without a text.
• Add an email address under Contact info. It is your way back in if the phone number stops working.
• Never share the code. Instagram will not DM or text you asking for it. "Send me the code I sent you by mistake" is an account-theft trick.

FAQ

How long does the Instagram code take?

Usually a few seconds. If nothing arrives after a couple of minutes, check spam, then tap Resend code once.

Why does Instagram say "please wait a few minutes before you try again"?

You asked for too many codes or tried to log in too often. Wait at least an hour, longer if it repeats, before trying again.

Can I get the Instagram code by email?

Yes. Sign up with an email address instead of a phone number, or choose email when Instagram offers another way to confirm.

Does Instagram send codes on WhatsApp?

For two-factor login, yes, if you chose WhatsApp as your method. Sign-up codes come by text or email.

Does Instagram accept virtual numbers?

Often not free or VoIP numbers. Non-VoIP mobile numbers work much more often; use a rental number if you plan to keep the account.

Related: create an Instagram account without a phone number · change the phone number on Instagram · SMS codes not arriving in general.