Have you ever tried logging into your Instagram account only to find that you are not receiving the security code to your phone or email? This common problem prevents access to your account temporarily.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll explain why Instagram may stop sending verification codes and provide proven methods to fix this issue for good.
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Why You May Not Get The Instagram Security Code
Let‘s first understand the reasons why Instagram‘s two-factor authentication system fails to send the code:
1. Incorrect Contact Information
The most obvious reason is that the phone number or email ID linked to your Instagram account is wrong or outdated.
As a security measure, Instagram needs to validate your identity by sending a code when you log in from a new device. But if the contact details are wrong, the code will go undelivered.
Solution: Go to your profile, open account settings, and ensure your primary email ID and phone number are correct under the contact info section.
2. Issues With Mobile Carrier
Sometimes temporary technical problems with your mobile carrier‘s network can prevent SMS delivery.
There may be a service outage or congestion on the network routes. As a result, the verification code text fails to reach your phone.
Solution: Toggle airplane mode on and off to get a new mobile IP address and try again. Or connect to WiFi and attempt receiving the code over the internet instead of your mobile operator‘s cellular network.
3. Problems with Instagram Servers
With over a billion users, Instagram servers also undergo occasional downtime. High traffic volumes can clog their systems.
Server outages, bugs, or maintenance breaks can impair Instagram‘s ability to dispatch security codes.
Solution: Be patient and try again after a few hours once Instagram‘s systems are up and stable again. The issue is temporary and your code should come through.
4. Spam Filters Blocking The Email
The verification email with the one-time passcode sometimes gets flagged as spam accidentally. As a result, it ends up in your email inbox‘s junk/spam folder.
Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail have filters in place to detect spam. But these aren‘t 100% accurate.
Solution: Open your email inbox and thoroughly check the spam, promotions, and social categories. If you locate the Instagram email, mark it as ‘Not Spam‘ to prevent future blocks.
5. API Limit Exceeded
To prevent abuse, Instagram caps the number of security codes that can be requested within a short period.
If you have tried to log in multiple times incorrectly, Instagram may have temporarily stopped sending further codes as a security measure.
Solution: Wait patiently for a few hours before trying again to prove you are not a spam bot. The API limit will be reset allowing Instagram to dispatch verification emails and SMS again.
6. Restricted By Instagram
If Instagram detects suspicious activity from your account such as spam comments or mass following/unfollowing, it will impose restrictions.
Your ability to request new security codes can also be limited. This is done to prevent compromised accounts from being misused.
Solution: You will have to submit an appeal to Instagram to review the restriction imposed. Explain why you require access to the security codes again and request removal of limitations.
7. Unpaid Dues
For Instagram ads and shopping accounts, any pending payments can disrupt access to security codes. Instagram disables certain account features if your dues are not cleared.
Solution: Clear your outstanding bills and pay off the invoices. Once your account standing is restored as per policy, Instagram will start sending verification codes normally when requested.
Fixes To Try For Instagram Not Sending Code
If you are facing "Instagram not sending security code" issues, here are some top techniques I recommend to fix it and recover access:
1. Add Backup Contact Options
Having just one registered email and phone number is risky. Instead use two for redundancy.
Add a backup mobile number and email address in your Instagram account settings. Now you have 4 pathways to receive the critical verification code.
Even if your primary contact route fails, Instagram can send codes via the secondary options.
2. Check Different Email Inboxes
People often use multiple email services like Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook etc. But only have one added in Instagram by mistake.
Be sure to check all your inboxes including personal, work and school emails for the Instagram verification code if you can‘t find it in your primary email account.
Also thoroughly look through the spam, promotional, updates and forums folders where it may have been misclassified.
3. Use Email Instead of SMS
Mobile networks tend to be less reliable compared to internet connectivity. Email deliverability has fewer dependencies.
So rather than opting for SMS verification when logging in, choose to receive the Instagram security code by email. This averts any cellular network issues.
4. Try Instagram Support
If you have attempted all troubleshooting tips but are still not receiving the verification code, submit a request to the Instagram support team for assistance.
Describe your problem in detail and provide username, email ID and other info to help them authenticate you and restore access.
5. Switch Networks
Change your phone‘s network by turning on airplane mode for a minute before reconnecting mobile data. You can also disable WiFi and use cellular data instead.
This will assign your device a new IP address. Now retry receiving the Instagram verification code. A different network may resolve any connectivity issues.
6. Use New Device
Attempt logging into your Instagram account on a new device like a friend‘s phone, shared computer or public machine.
If Instagram sends the security code here but not to your own device, it indicates a device-specific issue which requires further investigation.
7. Reset Password
Use your username and registered email address to reset your Instagram password instead of waiting for a code. This will also log you into your account.
Once in, be sure to add backup contact options like secondary email and phone number to prevent getting locked out when the primary route fails.
8. Clear Cache and Data
On Android devices, iOS smartphones, or the Instagram website, forcefully log out by clearing app data and cache history. This refreshes all sessions and renews connection with Instagram servers.
With a clean slate, verification codes have a greater probability of coming through when you try to log in again.
Best Practices To Avoid Issues
Apply these precautions to eliminate situations where Instagram won‘t send a security code your way:
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Maintain an updated list of backup emails and phone numbers you can access anytime. Add new numbers or addresses if old ones expire.
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Connect Instagram to Facebook, Twitter or Google so you have multiple login options and don‘t depend solely on codes.
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Use a password manager app to generate and store strong unique passwords for each account and device. This prevents hacking.
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Enable two-factor authentication via an authenticator app instead of SMS codes for better reliability.
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Periodically check spam folders of all linked email accounts to uncover hidden Instagram verification emails.
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If you lost access to your registered contacts, create a new account and migrate followers instead of waiting endlessly for codes.
When Should You Worry?
Minor hiccups with receiving Instagram verification codes are common and easy to fix yourself. However, contact Instagram support if you face persistent problems over 48 hours.
Some red flags that indicate serious account security issues:
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Codes never arrive even after changing networks, devices and contact information.
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You stop receiving codes suddenly without any visible reason or trigger.
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Someone else is able to login to your Instagram without the code which is only sent to you.
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Getting a security notice that an unknown device/location has logged into your Instagram recently.
Key Takeaways
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Check for typos or outdated contacts linked to your Instagram account. Update details if needed.
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Try code delivery via SMS, email, and as a fallback Facebook login to cover all bases.
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Temporary technical issues on Instagram‘s side can also prevent sending codes – so just retry after some hours.
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If problems persist across devices and networks over an extended period, reach out for Instagram‘s help to recover your account access.
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Add backup forms of contact, enable two-factor authentication apps, and vigilantly monitor account activity to stay secure.
With these troubleshooting tips, you can easily fix Instagram not sending a security code or verification email. Double check your profile details, use email instead of SMS, change networks, or contact Instagram support if needed.
Stay calm and regain access with these proven techniques. Let me know if the solutions work for you!
