How to Get an Instagram Backup Code Without Logging In

Getting locked out of your Instagram account is a uniquely modern kind of panic. You reach for the app, type in your password, and then it happens: the two-factor authentication screen pops up, demanding a code. But your authenticator app is on a lost phone, you've changed your number, and you remember setting up backup codes for this exact situation… but you have no idea where they are. In this guide, we'll walk through exactly what to do when you need an Instagram backup code but can't log in to get it. We’ll show you where to search for your existing codes and cover every alternative method to get you back into your account safely.

What Exactly Are Instagram Backup Codes?

Before we go any further, let's quickly review what these codes are and why they exist. Think of Instagram backup codes as the spare keys to your digital house. When you set up two-factor authentication - a security feature you should absolutely have turned on - Instagram gives you a set of five, 8-digit codes. Each code can only be used once.

Their one and only job is to get you into your account when your primary 2FA method fails. This could happen if:

• You lose or break your phone.
• You switch to a new phone and haven't transferred your authenticator app yet.
• You change your phone number and can no longer receive SMS codes.
• You're traveling and don't have cell service to receive a text.

In these moments, you can punch in one of those pre-saved backup codes to prove your identity and regain access. They are a proactive security measure designed to be generated and saved in a safe place before an emergency happens.

The Direct Answer: Can You Get New Backup Codes While Logged Out?

Let's clear this up right away: No, you cannot generate new Instagram backup codes without being logged in.

This might not be the answer you were hoping for, but it’s a critical security feature. If anyone who knew your password could also generate a set of recovery codes, it would create a massive loophole in your account's security, making two-factor authentication almost pointless. The entire system is built on the premise that only the logged-in owner of an account can access or change their security settings.

But don't lose hope. This isn't a dead end. Recognizing that you can’t generate new codes simply means we need to shift our focus to two other goals: finding your old codes and, if that fails, using Instagram's other recovery paths.

Phase 1: Your Mission to Find Your Existing Backup Codes

You might be surprised where you saved these codes a few months or even years ago. When Instagram generates your codes, it strongly suggests you save them somewhere secure. Many people take a screenshot or download the list without giving it much thought. Now is the time for a thorough digital search. Systematically check these common hiding spots.

Common hiding places for saved codes:

• Your Phone’s Photos/Screenshots: Meticulously scroll through the screenshots folder in your phone’s photo gallery (e.g., Google Photos or Apple Photos). Search for terms like "Instagram" or "backup codes."
• Your Computer's "Downloads" Folder: Instagram also gives you the option to download the codes as a text file. On your computer, open your "Downloads" folder and search for a file named instagram-backup-codes.txt.
• Your Password Manager: If you use a password manager like 1Password, LastPass, Dashlane, or Bitwarden, this is the most logical place to have stored them. Many password managers have a "Secure Notes" section perfect for this. Open your vault and search for "Instagram."
• Your Cloud Storage: Think about where you store important documents. Search your Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud Drive, or OneDrive accounts. You may have saved the screenshot or the .txt file there for safekeeping. Again, searching for the file name or "Instagram codes" is a good start.
• Your Email: Did you email the codes or a screenshot of them to yourself for safekeeping? A quick search in your email archives (including spam and trash folders) is worth a shot. Try searching for "Instagram backup" or "recovery codes."
• Your Notes App: Check any notes app you regularly use, such as Apple Notes, Google Keep, Notion, or Evernote. You might have copied and pasted the codes into a note labeled "Important Info" or "Passwords."
• A Physical Location: Did you go old school and write them down? Check your wallet, desk drawer, a dedicated notebook, or even a home safe where you keep other important documents.

Take your time with this search. Finding just one of your five unused codes is enough to get you back in the door.

Phase 2: Alternative Recovery Paths (If No Codes Are Found)

If you’ve searched everywhere and come up empty, it's time to move on to Instagram’s official recovery methods. Instagram has several fallback options precisely for situations like this.

Method 1: Try Another Authentication Method

When you're at the login screen asking for a recovery code, you should see a link that says something like "Try Another Way." This is your first stop. Tapping this will reveal any other recovery options tied to your account. These can include:

• Get a Code via SMS: If you still have access to the phone number connected to your account, you can request that Instagram send a temporary login code via text message.
• Use Your Authenticator App: If you set up 2FA using an app like Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile and you still have access to it on another device (or it's been backed up), you can use the constantly refreshing 6-digit code from that app.
• Approve from a Trusted Device: Are you still logged into your Instagram account on another device, like an iPad, a work computer, or a different web browser? If so, Instagram may send a push notification to that device asking you to approve the new login attempt.

Method 2: Use the "Forgot Password?" Flow

If the methods above aren't an option, you can try starting the recovery process through the password reset feature. This path often unlocks a different set of recovery tools.

1. On the main login screen, tap on "Forgot password?" (iOS) or "Get help logging in" (Android).
2. Enter your username, email address, or phone number associated with the account.
3. Instagram will send a login link or code to your email or phone. If you have access to one of these, you're all set.
4. If you don't have access to any recovery email or phone number listed, look for a button that says "Can’t reset your password?" or "Need more help?" Tap it.

This final step is the entrance to Instagram’s direct support and identity verification processes.

Method 3: Video Selfie Identity Verification

This is often the final option when nothing else has worked, and it’s a surprisingly effective one if your account contains photos of you. This process allows Instagram to confirm your identity by matching a short video of you with photos on your profile.

This option isn’t always available - for instance, if you run a brand account with no pictures of your own face, the system has nothing to compare the video selfie against. But for personal profiles, it’s a powerful tool.

Here’s how to trigger the process:

1. Follow the steps in Method 2 until you reach the "Need more help?" screen.
2. Instagram will ask you a series of questions about your situation. Select the reason that best fits, such as "I can't access the email or phone number on my account."
3. It will eventually ask if you have photos of yourself in your account. If you confirm that you do, you should be prompted to start the video selfie verification.
4. You'll then receive an automated email from Meta with further instructions. You'll be asked to record a short video of your face, turning your head in different directions as prompted. This helps them confirm you're a real person and that your facial features match the ones in your profile photos.
5. Once submitted, you'll need to wait. The review process is largely automated and typically takes between one to three business days. If successful, you’ll receive a secure link to reset your password and a one-time login link to get back into your account.

How to Prevent Getting Locked Out Again

Once you’ve successfully regained access to your account, your very first task should be to strengthen your security settings to prevent this from ever happening again. Don't put it off!

1. Generate and Securely Store New Backup Codes

Since your old codes are now lost (and potentially used), go and get a new set.

• Go to your Profile >, Settings and privacy >, Accounts Center.
• Select Password and security >, Two-Factor Authentication.
• Tap on your Instagram account >, Additional methods >, Backup codes.
• Here you can see your current (old) codes. Tap "Get New Codes" to generate a fresh list.

Now, save these in at least two different secure places. A password manager is the best option, but you could also store the downloaded file in an encrypted cloud drive or even print them out and keep them in a safe place.

2. Review and Update Your Recovery Info

Make sure the email address and phone number on your account are current and accessible. Head to your Personal details in the Accounts Center and double-check that everything is up to date.

3. Use a Modern Authenticator App

Instead of relying solely on SMS for 2FA (which can be vulnerable to SIM-swapping), use a dedicated authenticator app. Modern apps like Authy or the one built into 1Password even allow you to sync your 2FA keys across multiple devices, so losing one phone doesn't mean you lose access to all your codes.

Final Thoughts

Getting locked out of your Instagram account is definitely stressful, but it's usually not permanent. While you can't generate new backup codes from outside your account, you still have several routes to recovery, from searching for your old codes to using alternative authentication methods and, ultimately, verifying your identity with a video selfie.

We know that staying on top of social media can feel like managing a dozen moving parts, and security challenges only add to that complexity. Here at Postbase, we work to simplify your social media management by a great deal, creating a steady and reliable platform where your accounts stay connected and scheduled posts go live every single time. By cutting down on technical headaches, our goal is to give you more time and peace of mind to focus on what matters: planning your content and engaging with your community.