How to Find Backup Codes on Instagram

Getting locked out of your own Instagram account is a uniquely modern kind of panic. Whether you've lost your phone, uninstalled your authenticator app, or just can't get a text message, being unable to access your profile can be incredibly frustrating. This guide will walk you through exactly how to find, save, and use your Instagram backup codes so you always have a key in hand, even when your other login methods fail.

What Exactly Are Instagram Backup Codes (and Why You Desperately Need Them)

Think of Instagram backup codes as a set of spare keys for your account. They are a list of eight, one-time-use, 8-digit codes that let you bypass your normal two-factor authentication (2FA) and log in. You get a fresh set of these codes whenever you enable 2FA or when you manually generate new ones.

But why are they so important? Two-factor authentication is an excellent security measure, but it relies on a second device or service. Your backup codes are your emergency escape hatch for when that second factor isn't available. You'll be incredibly thankful you have them in situations like these:

• You lose or break your phone. Your main 2FA method, whether it's an authenticator app or a text message, is gone. You can't approve the login or receive the verification code on a device you no longer have.
• You switch to a new phone. If you didn't transfer your authenticator app settings correctly (a common mistake!), your old auth app is useless, and the new one isn't synced to your Instagram account yet.
• You're traveling abroad. You might not have cell service to receive an SMS code, and data roaming can be expensive or unreliable. This is a classic "locked out in another country" scenario.
• Your cell service is down. A local outage can prevent SMS messages from coming through just when you need them most.
• The SMS system is delayed. Sometimes, those verification texts just don't show up in time, and the login window expires. It happens more often than you'd think.

In all of these scenarios, trying to log in without a backup plan can be a huge headache, involving lengthy identity verification processes with Instagram's support team. In contrast, having your backup codes stored safely somewhere means a moment of inconvenience becomes a five-second fix. Spending a few minutes now to find and save them can save you hours - or even days - of stress later on.

How to Find Your Instagram Backup Codes (Step-by-Step)

Finding your backup codes is easy, but the menu path is buried deep within Instagram's settings. The steps are almost identical whether you're on the app or a desktop browser, with both paths leading through the Meta Accounts Center. Just remember, you can only access these codes when you're already logged in. So, do this now, before you need them.

Finding Backup Codes on the Instagram Mobile App

Most people will use their phone for this. Here's exactly where to go in the app:

1. Go to Your Profile: Open the Instagram app and tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
2. Open the Menu: Tap the three horizontal lines (the "hamburger" menu) in the top-right corner.
3. Navigate to Settings: Tap on "Settings and privacy" at the top of the menu.
4. Open the Accounts Center: Tap on "Accounts Center," which is the first option at the top of the page. This is the central hub for your Meta accounts (Instagram and Facebook).
5. Go to Security Settings: In the Accounts Center, find the "Account settings" section and tap on "Password and security."
6. Select Two-Factor Authentication: Now, tap on "Two-factor authentication."
7. Choose Your Instagram Account: You might see multiple profiles if you have Facebook connected. Tap on the Instagram account you want to get codes for.
8. Access Additional Methods: The next screen will show your current 2FA method (like an authenticator app or text message). Below that, tap on "Additional methods."
9. View Your Backup Codes: Finally, tap on "Backup codes." You'll be presented with a list of your current codes.

On this screen, you'll see your list of codes and two options: Copy codes to save them and Get new codes to invalidate this list and generate a completely new one.

Finding Backup Codes on a Desktop Browser

The process is nearly the same on a desktop or laptop, just with clicks instead of taps.

1. Go to Instagram.com: Log in to your account.
2. Click the "More" Menu: Find the menu with the three horizontal lines labeled "More" in the bottom-left corner of the sidebar.
3. Open Settings: A pop-up menu will appear. Click on "Settings."
4. Access the Accounts Center: On the left-hand menu, click "Accounts Center." This will take you to the same central hub as the mobile app.
5. Navigate to Security Settings: In the Accounts Center menu on the left, click "Password and security."
6. Select Two-Factor Authentication: In the right-hand panel, click "Two-factor authentication."
7. Choose Your Instagram Account: Again, select the specific Instagram profile.
8. Go to Additional Methods: Click on "Additional methods."
9. Click "Backup Codes": Click on the "Backup codes" option to see your list of active codes.

The Golden Rule: How to Store Your Codes Safely

You've found them! Now for the most important part: storing them properly. The single biggest mistake you can make is taking a screenshot and leaving it in your phone's photo library. If you lose your phone, you lose your backup codes along with it, which defeats their entire purpose.

You need to store these codes somewhere accessible but separate from your primary device. Here are a few solid strategies, ranging from digital to analog.

Secure Digital Storage (Recommended)

• A Password Manager: This is the best practice. Apps like 1Password, Bitwarden, or LastPass are designed for this exact purpose. You can create a secure note inside your Instagram login entry and paste the codes there. They'll be encrypted and accessible across all your devices (laptop, new phone, etc.) once you log into your manager.
• Encrypted Note-Taking Apps: If you use a notes app that offers password-protected or locked notes, like Apple Notes, this is a decent option. Just make sure the note containing your codes is actually locked.
• A Secure Cloud Drive: Save the codes in a document, name it something discreet (e.g., not "INSTAGRAM CODES"), and place it in a secure folder on Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. For an extra layer of security, password-protect the document itself before uploading it.

Reliable Physical Storage ("Analog Backup")

• Print Them and File Them: The old-school method is surprisingly effective. Print your codes and store them with other critical documents, like your passport or birth certificate. Put them in a fireproof box or a locked filing cabinet. It's a physical backup that no digital failure can touch.
• Write Them Down: If you don't have a printer, carefully write the codes down on a piece of paper and store it somewhere safe and memorable. Double-check each digit for accuracy. Keep this piece of paper somewhere you won't accidentally throw it away.

How to Use a Backup Code to Log In

When the inevitable happens and your 2FA method has failed you, using a backup code is straightforward.

1. Start the login process as usual by entering your username and password.
2. On the screen that prompts you for your six-digit authentication code, look for and select the link that says "Try another way."
3. From the list of options, choose "Use backup code" (or similar phrasing).
4. Carefully enter one of your eight-digit backup codes.
5. You're in!

Remember, each code is for single use only. Once you use it, it's inactive. If you have a physical copy, be sure to cross it off your list. If they're stored digitally, delete the line with the code you just used. This prevents you from trying to use it again later unsuccessfully.

"I've Run Out of Codes!" How to Get New Ones

If you've used a few of your codes and get down to just one or two left, you should be proactive and generate a new set. Likewise, if for any reason you think your codes may have been compromised, you should get a new list immediately.

Getting a new set is easy. Simply follow all the steps from the "How to Find..." section above. Once you're on the screen displaying your current codes, just tap or click the "Get new codes" button. Instagram will immediately generate a fresh list of eight codes for you.

Important: The moment you generate a new set of codes, your old list becomes completely invalid. Be sure to securely store the new list and destroy the old one.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to find and store your Instagram backup codes is a simple firewall against future frustration. It's a task that takes less than five minutes but can mean the difference between a seamless login experience and a drawn-out battle to reclaim your account when things go wrong.

Keeping your account secure is only the first step, managing your social presence itself shouldn't add to your stress. At Postbase, we understand the frustration of wrestling with complicated, unreliable social media tools a little too well. We built our platform because we believe planning, scheduling, and engaging with your audience should be seamless and reliable - your social tool should just work so you can get back to creating.