Instagram backup codes are 8-digit numbers Instagram generates for you, and you need to save them before you get locked out

Backup codes are a safety net. If you lose access to your phone number, your authenticator app, or your email, these codes let you get back into your account without waiting for Instagram support. Instagram creates a set of 10 codes and shows them to you only once — the moment you turn on two-factor authentication. If you don't save them then, you'll have to turn off two-factor authentication and set it up again to see them.

The codes live in your Instagram settings under "Security", but only if you've already generated them. If you haven't set up two-factor authentication yet, you won't have backup codes at all. This guide assumes you're looking for codes you've already created, or you're about to create them and want to know where they'll appear.

Key Takeaways

  • Backup codes appear in your Instagram settings under "Security" and "Two-Factor Authentication" only after you've turned on two-factor authentication for the first time.
  • Instagram shows you 10 backup codes only once, when you first enable two-factor authentication, so you must save them when ready to a password manager, document, or printed list.
  • Each backup code works only once, so after you use one to regain access, cross it off your list and don't use it again.
  • If you've lost your backup codes and can't find them in your settings, you'll need to turn off two-factor authentication and turn it back on to generate a new set.

Where backup codes appear in your Instagram settings

Open Instagram on your phone or go to Instagram.com on a computer. Tap or click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner on mobile, or the hamburger menu in the top right on desktop. Select "Settings and privacy", then "Security", then "Two-factor authentication".

If you've already turned on two-factor authentication, you'll see a section labeled "Backup codes" with a button that says "View codes" or "Save codes". Tap or click that button. Instagram will ask you to enter your password or use your face or fingerprint to confirm it's really you. After you confirm, you'll see your 10 backup codes displayed on the screen.

If you don't see a "Backup codes" section at all, it means you haven't turned on two-factor authentication yet. In that case, you'll see options to set it up using an authenticator app or text message instead. Once you complete that setup, the backup codes section will appear.

How to save your backup codes so you don't lose them

The moment Instagram shows you your codes, write them down or take a screenshot. You have three main options: save them to a password manager, write them in a document on your computer, or print them out and store the paper somewhere safe.

A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane is the strongest choice because it encrypts your codes and stores them separately from your Instagram password. Most password managers have a "notes" or "find notes" section where you can paste your codes and label them "Instagram backup codes". If you use a password manager, you'll be able to retrieve your codes from any device where you're logged in.

If you prefer a document, create a new file in Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or a plain text editor on your computer. Type or paste your codes, label them clearly, and save the file with a name like "Instagram Backup Codes". Store the file in a folder you'll remember. Do not email the codes to yourself or save them in a shared folder — the more places your codes exist, the more places they can be stolen.

Printing is the safest option if you're worried about hackers, because a printed piece of paper can't be accessed remotely. Write or print your codes on paper, store the paper in a safe place like a locked drawer or safe, and keep it separate from your computer. The downside is that you'll need to physically retrieve the paper if you're locked out while traveling.

What to do if you can't find your backup codes in settings

If you've looked in "Settings and privacy" > "Security" > "Two-factor authentication" and there's no "Backup codes" section, one of two things happened: either you never turned on two-factor authentication in the first place, or Instagram's interface has changed slightly on your device.

Try scrolling down in the "Two-factor authentication" section — sometimes the backup codes option appears below the authenticator app or text message options. If you still don't see it, close the Instagram app completely and open it again. On a computer, try a different browser or clear your browser cache and reload the page.

If you've confirmed that two-factor authentication is turned on but you still can't see the codes, your codes may have been deleted or lost. In this case, you'll need to turn off two-factor authentication and turn it back on to generate a new set of codes. Go to "Settings and privacy" > "Security" > "Two-factor authentication", find the option to turn it off, confirm the action, and then when ready turn it back on. Instagram will show you a new set of 10 codes — save these right away.

How backup codes work when you're locked out

When you're locked out of Instagram and you reach the login screen that asks for your two-factor code, look for a link or button that says "Can't access your authenticator app?" or "Use a backup code instead". Tap or click that option.

Instagram will then ask you to enter one of your backup codes. Type in one of the 8-digit codes from your saved list, exactly as it appears. Instagram will verify the code, let you back into your account, and that code will no longer work — it's used up. Cross it off your list so you don't try to use it again.

Each code works only once, which is why Instagram gives you 10. If you use all 10 codes, you'll need to generate a new set by turning two-factor authentication off and back on again. This is why saving your codes in a password manager or document is so important — you need to be able to find them quickly when you're locked out.

Why backup codes matter more than you might think

Two-factor authentication protects your account from hackers who steal your password, but it can also lock you out if you lose your phone, break your authenticator app, or change your phone number. Backup codes are the only way to regain access without contacting Instagram support, which can take days or weeks.

If you don't have backup codes saved and you lose access to your second factor, you'll have to go through Instagram's account recovery process. This involves proving your identity with a photo of yourself holding your ID, waiting for Instagram to review it, and hoping they approve your request. Backup codes skip all of that — they get you back in within seconds.

This is especially important if Instagram is connected to your business, your income, or your ability to reach people who depend on you. A locked account can cost you money or damage relationships. Backup codes are free insurance against that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my backup codes more than once?

Yes. After you've created them, you can view your backup codes anytime by going to "Settings and privacy" > "Security" > "Two-factor authentication" and tapping "View codes". You'll need to confirm your identity with your password or biometric, but the codes themselves don't change unless you turn off two-factor authentication and turn it back on.

What happens if I lose my backup codes and someone hacks my account?

If someone has your password and your authenticator app or phone number, they can't get in without a backup code. If you've lost your codes, you're protected by the two-factor requirement — they're blocked just like you would be. You can still recover your account through Instagram's identity verification process, though it takes longer than using a backup code.

Can I use the same backup code twice?

No. Each code works only once. After you use a code to log back in, Instagram marks it as used and it won't work again. This is a security feature — it prevents someone who sees one of your codes from using it multiple times. This is why you need to save all 10 codes and keep track of which ones you've used.

Do I need to save my backup codes if I'm using text message two-factor authentication?

Yes. Even if you use text message instead of an authenticator app, Instagram still generates backup codes. Save them the same way — in a password manager, document, or printed list. If you lose your phone number or your phone is stolen, text message won't work, and backup codes will be your only way back in.

What if I generate new backup codes — do the old ones still work?

No. When you turn off two-factor authentication and turn it back on, Instagram creates a completely new set of 10 codes. The old codes stop working when ready. This is why you should only regenerate your codes if you've lost the originals or you suspect they've been compromised.