Instagram is an incredibly popular platform that people love all around the world. With over 1 billion monthly active users, there’s no doubt that people flock to Instagram for many different reasons and that people spend a lot of time using the app.
Because of this, Instagram wants to make sure that all users remain safe and secure while using Instagram. There are many ways that hackers and phishers can try to scrape information, and Instagram tries to avoid this at any cost.
While it sometimes happens that people get hacked on Instagram, the platform has security measures in place to try and prevent this from happening. They do their best, but technology does sometimes have glitches and some tech issues that end up causing more problems.
One of those problems can be the requirement for security verification when logging into Instagram. Many platforms these days, notably Google suite services like Gmail and Google Drive, require that you do two-step verification to log into your account for security purposes.
In this article, we’re going to review the procedure for Instagram asking for verification, why they do this, and how to avoid any issues if they ask you to verify yourself. Let’s take a look.
Why Does Instagram Ask for a Phone or Email Verification?
As you may have deduced from the first section, Instagram asks for a phone or email verification to protect your account and confirm that it is, in fact, you who is trying to access your account.
There are so many scammers and hackers out there trying to take advantage of people’s personal information, so Instagram is trying to avoid this from happening by ensuring that the correct user is logging into the account lawfully and without malintent.
It makes total sense for them to do this and it helps keep users at ease knowing that Instagram takes security measures to protect their accounts. Even still, it can be annoying when you need to log into your account but can’t get verified.
It’s very common that you’ll have to verify your account the first time you log in with your new account; the link will arrive via SMS or email. When you set up your account the first time, there are typically no problems.
Setting this up correctly the first time can help you avoid issues in the future and also make sure that you can reset your password or perform any other secure changes. You’ll also use the Instagram app to confirm your email, but most security codes will be sent via SMS.
Problems with Instagram Security Codes
As with any other technology, issues may sometimes present itself and your Instagram security code not working can be a frustrating problem. Even still, there are a few different things you can do if you find that your Instagram security code isn’t working.
Instagram Unusual Activity
You may wonder why Instagram is even asking you for a code in the first place when you just recently logged into your account and everything was fine. IF Instagram suspects any suspicious activity, they will prompt you to enter a security code.
If some new or abnormal activity begins to present itself on your account, Instagram will flag you and they’ll require you to use a verification code to sign in the next time.
Also, if you haven’t used the account for a while, they may want to confirm that it’s the true owner that’s coming back to use the account. You can also be asked for verification if you log in and out multiple times.
Lastly, if you are logged in on your computer and want to log in via mobile, you’ll likely be asked for a security code as well. As long as you have your Instagram account set up properly and still have access to the phone number on file, they will send that verification code to the number and you’ll simply enter it to gain access.
You shouldn’t encounter any issues with this; if you do, there is a link that says “I’m having trouble logging in” on the two-factor authentication page. You can click there for additional support.
Instagram Not Sending the Security Code to Your Email
Instagram doesn’t typically send a security code to your email; if you are trying to verify your email, you should receive one to confirm the email address.
If you don’t receive the code, make sure that you check your spam folder; after verifying it’s not in your spam folder, ask them to send the code again if you still don’t have it.
In addition, confirm that you typed in the email correctly, as you won’t receive the code if there’s an input error. Also, if your IP address is blocked, you won’t be able to receive the code and likely you’ll be blocked from Instagram’s services altogether if that’s the case.
How to Fix Instagram Security Code Issues
It can be frustrating when your Instagram security code isn’t working, but one of the main ways to avoid this is to verify your Instagram account information regularly so you can ensure that you always have your most up-to-date information on file. That will help you to have access to the correct phone number and email if you need to receive an Instagram security code.
Here are some things you can do if you don’t receive an Instagram security code:
- Wait for a bit and try again
- Ensure that you have service and you can receive the SMS code
- Change the phone number on your account to your most recent phone number
- Try incognito mode to log in from a different IP address
- Use another device to log into your account
- Use an alternate verification mode or reset the recovery codes from within your Instagram account (follow Instagram’s instructions to do this; must be logged in).
If none of these options worked for you, you’ll want to contact the Instagram help center so that they can figure out what’s going on and get the issue resolved.
Final Thoughts: Instagram Security Code Problems
Any two-factor authentication issues can be troublesome because it may prevent you from logging into your account. Always be sure to keep your contact information updated on the Instagram app and note any important recovery codes or passwords so that you have access to them when you need them.
We hope this guide helped you and that your Instagram security code issues were resolved!
