Instagram Security Code Not Sending? Here‘s What to Do

If you‘re having issues receiving Instagram security codes via SMS, you‘re not alone. Many users have reported problems with two-factor authentication (2FA) codes not coming through, leaving them unable to access their accounts.

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In this expert guide, we‘ll dive into the common reasons Instagram security codes aren‘t sending, step-by-step troubleshooting tips to resolve the issue, and how to ultimately protect your account. As a cybersecurity analyst specializing in social media, I‘ll also share insights into the strength of Instagram‘s 2FA system and the future of online authentication.

Why Instagram 2FA Matters

With over 1 billion monthly active users [^1], Instagram is one of the world‘s most popular social platforms – and a primary target for hackers. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new methods to break into accounts, from using leaked password databases to social engineering tactics like phishing.

Reports of hacked Instagram accounts have surged in recent years, with users locked out and their profiles held for ransom[^2]. Influencers, celebrities, and brands are especially at risk given the value and reach of their accounts. But anyone can fall victim to an account takeover.

That‘s why enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on Instagram is a critical security measure. 2FA adds an extra layer of protection beyond just a password. When you log in from a new device, you‘re prompted to enter a one-time security code sent via SMS to your linked phone number. This ensures that even if a hacker obtains your password, they still can‘t access your account without that code.

"Two-factor authentication is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your online accounts. It‘s a simple yet powerful way to stop unauthorized access and protect your digital identity." – Rachel Tobac, Ethical Hacker & CEO of SocialProof Security [^3]

Instagram 2FA Adoption and Effectiveness

Since launching SMS-based 2FA in 2018 [^4], Instagram has continued to ramp up its account security measures. However, adoption of 2FA among Instagram users still remains relatively low. A 2021 survey found that only 44% of Instagram users had 2FA enabled, compared to 53% of Twitter users and 57% of Facebook users [^5].

This leaves a large portion of Instagram accounts vulnerable to takeovers. In 2020, Instagram reported that it had detected and blocked millions of attempts to create fake accounts and hijack existing ones [^6]. The company has stated that 2FA is an effective tool in mitigating these attacks.

However, Instagram‘s 2FA isn‘t foolproof. One issue is that it relies solely on SMS, which has some security vulnerabilities. Hackers can attempt a "SIM swap attack" – convincing your carrier to port your number to a SIM card they control to intercept 2FA codes [^7]. Instagram has yet to add more secure options like authenticator app integration or hardware security keys.

There have also been occasional glitches with Instagram‘s 2FA system resulting in codes not being sent. While usually resolved quickly, these issues can leave users frustrated and temporarily locked out of their accounts.

Reasons Instagram Security Codes Aren‘t Sending

If you‘re not receiving your Instagram 2FA codes, there could be a few reasons why:

You accidentally blocked Instagram. In your phone settings, Instagram‘s SMS number may have been blocked, preventing their texts from coming through.
Your phone number is outdated. If you changed your number and didn‘t update it in Instagram, codes are still being sent to your old one.
There‘s an issue with your mobile carrier. Service outages or problems with the SMS network can disrupt delivery of your codes.
Instagram‘s 2FA servers are down. While rare, technical issues on Instagram‘s end can sometimes interfere with sending codes.
Too many login attempts. If a hacker is repeatedly requesting login codes to break into your account, Instagram may temporarily block new requests.

Troubleshooting Tips for Instagram 2FA Codes

Let‘s walk through some steps to troubleshoot and get your Instagram security codes sending again.

For iPhone Users:

Check your blocked contacts. Go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts and see if Instagram is listed. Tap "Edit" then the "-" icon to remove the number. Consider unblocking all numbers to ensure you haven‘t blocked other Instagram nums.
Confirm your Instagram phone number. In the Instagram app, go to Settings > Account > Personal Information > Phone Number. Remove any old numbers and make sure your current one is added.
Update iOS and carrier settings. Bugs in your iPhone‘s software could cause issues with receiving SMS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to install any iOS updates. Also check for any carrier updates under Settings > General > About.

For Android Users:

Look for blocked numbers. Open the Phone app, tap the three dots, then Settings > Blocked Numbers. If you see Instagram, tap the "X" next to it to unblock. Unblock all numbers to be safe.
Double check your IG phone number. In Instagram, tap your profile icon, then Settings > Account > Personal Information > Phone Number. Ensure your current, active number is listed. Delete any outdated numbers.
Troubleshoot with Android and carrier updates. Issues with your Android OS could interfere with receiving texts. Check for system updates by going to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update. Contact your carrier too to ask about any known SMS issues or needed updates on their end.

If those steps don‘t resolve the problem receiving your security codes, here are a few other things to try:

Uninstall and reinstall the Instagram app, then re-add your phone number
Contact your mobile carrier to check if your number has any blocks or issues
Use Instagram‘s "Login Request" feature to get a code through WhatsApp instead
Report the problem to Instagram via their Help Center

Instagram 2FA vs Other Social Media Platforms

Now that we‘ve covered troubleshooting, let‘s take a look at how Instagram‘s 2FA stacks up against other major social networks.

Platform	2FA Methods	User Adoption Rate
Instagram	SMS	44%
Twitter	SMS, Authenticator App, Security Key	53%
Facebook	SMS, Authenticator App, Security Key	57%
TikTok	SMS	38%
LinkedIn	SMS, Authenticator App	46%
Snapchat	SMS	39%

As shown above, Instagram lags behind other platforms in 2FA adoption and available authentication methods [^5] [^8] [^9]. Twitter and Facebook offer more secure options like authenticator apps and hardware security keys in addition to SMS.

However, Instagram is still ahead of TikTok and Snapchat, which also only support SMS 2FA at this time. LinkedIn is similar to Instagram in its current options but has slightly higher user 2FA adoption.

Ultimately, SMS is better than no 2FA at all, but Instagram has room for improvement. Relying on text messages for authentication has risks like SIM swapping, and Instagram‘s account recovery options if you lose access to your 2FA number are limited. Adding more secure factors and recovery flows could boost 2FA adoption and overall account security.

The Future of Instagram Security

Looking ahead, Instagram will need to continue evolving its security tools to stay ahead of emerging threats. Some key areas I expect (and hope) Instagram to focus on:

Expansion of 2FA options – Supporting authentication apps and security keys would give users more secure alternatives to SMS. Instagram could also consider push notification-based 2FA like Google and Microsoft offer.
Wider use of WebAuthn – This new web standard enables biometric and hardware-based authentication. Instagram could let users log in with Face ID, fingerprints, or USB security keys, significantly upgrading account protection.
Enhanced account recovery – If a user loses access to their 2FA device, regaining control of their account is tricky. Instagram could implement more robust identity verification methods, like submitting a photo ID or answering extra security questions.
More proactive security – Instagram is already using artificial intelligence to detect suspicious login attempts and alert users. Expanding this could help catch unauthorized access even faster, like notifying you when your account is accessed from a new location or device.
End-to-end encryption – Facebook has announced plans to implement E2EE across its messaging services [^10], which could eventually extend to Instagram DMs. This would provide greater privacy and security for sensitive communications.

Of course, there‘s always a balance between security and convenience. Not everyone may want to use a physical security key or go through extra recovery steps. But by providing a range of 2FA options and regularly prompting users to enable it, Instagram can increase adoption and better protect accounts.

The bottom line is that 2FA is a critical tool in the fight against Instagram account takeovers. While no system is perfect, using any form of 2FA is far better than relying on a password alone. As Instagram continues to grow and evolve, prioritizing account security will be key to maintaining user trust and safety.

So if you‘re one of the many users struggling with Instagram security codes not sending – don‘t give up on 2FA. Work through the troubleshooting steps in this guide and keep your account secure. Stay safe out there!