How to generate new backup codes in Instagram ?


๐Ÿ‘คย Diwas Poudel ย ย  ๐Ÿ•’ 26 May 2023 ย ย  ๐Ÿ“ TECH

Logging in with your username and password does not appear to be the best way to secure your Instagram account. 2-step/2-factor authentication is unquestionably a better option for securing your Instagram account login.

When enabled 2-factor authentication, then aside from your username and password, you will be required to enter a security code sent to your phone number. As a result, no one else can access your account.

However, you may encounter situations where you are unable to log in to your Instagram account because you do not have phone access if you have a phone but you did not receive a notification, or your phone has been damaged or stolen. If you find yourself in this situation, you can proceed to log in with backup codes. Let's take a look at what backup codes are and how to generate them.

Backup Codes

Backup Codes in Instagram are 8-digit recovery codes that are useful when you do not have a smartphone for 2-f verification and you simply need to carry those backup codes with you and then use these codes once. You can now sign in from different devices without worrying about the login.

They act as a backup method for logging into your account if you are unable to access security codes.

But keeps the following things in mind

1 When you create new codes, your old set is automatically deactivated.
2 You can obtain a fresh set of 5 backup codes at any time. You need to carry those backup codes with you and use them when need
3 Backup codes can only be used if 2-Step Verification is enabled.

Also read: What is a black profile picture on Instagram?ย 

How to generate new backup codes on Instagram App?

If your backup codes are lost or you've used all the codes or your backup codes were stolen, then you generate a new one with the following steps:

1 Click on Profile Picture at the bottom right corner.

2 Click on 3 bar hamburger icon

3 Click on Settings

4 Click on the security

steps 1-4 for generate new backup codes instagram

5 Click on Two-factor authentication

6 Click on Additional methods

7 Click on Backup codes. Then by default, you will get the current 5 8-digit backup codes.

steps-for-generating-backup-codes-instagram

9 Click on Get new codes text.

If the code generates successfully then you will get a message saying "New codes has been sent".

generates-new-codes-button

10 Just click on Screenshot and this will get saved on your phone.

If saved successfully then you will get a message like "A screenshot of your backup codes has been added to your gallery".

screenshot-backup-file

Also read: Why Can't You Post Multiple Pictures on Instagram?

How to generate new backup codes in a Web Browser?

Log in to your Instagram in the web browser. Then follow the below steps:

1 Click on Profile Picture at the bottom right corner.

2 Click on Settings

3 Click on Privacy and security

4 Under Two Factor Authentication, click on "Edit Two-Factor Authentication Setting"

edit-two-factor-authentication-in-generating-backup-codes

5 Under Additional Methods, click on Get Backup codes.

get-backup-codes

6 Click on Get New Codes

get-backup-codes

If you are unable to receive a security code via text or an authentication app, your backup codes can help you regain access to your account. Make sure you keep them in a secure location.

Also read:ย How to view and delete Instagram login history?

How to Use new Backup Codes on Instagram?

With the help of the above procedure, you have successfully generated backup codes. Now let's look at how to use them.

Steps:

1ย log in to your Instagram using your username and password.

2ย In the next screen, you will get the screen to enter security codes. Just below the same screen, you will get the "Try another way" text. Just click on it.

3ย Then tap on "Use backup code"

4 Then enter any of the 8-digit backup codes that you saved earlier.

enter-8-digit-code

How to Cancel Instagram Backup Codes?

Actually, there is no cancel button to cancel your existing already generated Instagram backup code or recovery code.Instead, you can use you can generate a new backup code with the following steps.

1 Navigate to Settings.

2 Go to Security Settings and then to the Two-factor authentication.

3 Select Backup codes, followed by Get new codes.

Instagram Code New
fig. Instagram Code New

How to remove backup codes in Instagram?

If you want to remove Backup Codes then you have to turn off two-factor authentication.

How can I retrieve my Instagram account after losing my authenticator code?

Ans: For this Please enter the email address or phone number that you most last utilized to log in. You will then be taken to a new screen where you will be able to input the email address or phone number that is connected to your Instagram account. Enter the most recent email address or phone number then the code will be generated you can check on your phone or email address you entered earlier. Then you will get code there. You can use that code to login to Instagram again.

What are the Limitations or Restrictions on using backup code on Instagram?

Here are some of themย 

  1. The backup code can only be used to log in to Instagram. There is no other use of the Backup code.
  2. The backup code can only be used one time.
  3. You can only generate limited backup code.
  4. In any case, if you lost your backup code then you have to request the new one or seek the help of Instagram customer support.

FAQs:

Are Instagram backup codes and passwords the same?

Ans: Backup codes are static like passwords. However, users do not reuse backup codes in the same way that they do passwords.

How long are Instagram backup codes?

Ans: Instagram backup codes are 8-digit long numbers.

Why is my backup code for Instagram not working?

Ans: There might be a situation where you have already used that particular backup code. Then using another backup code for login. If all of the 5 are used then try to generate new backup codes.

Can we use the same backup code multiple times?

Ans: Backup codes are only for one-time use. Once you use the code to log in to Instagram, it will be invalid and you cannot use the same code again.

Can I generate a backup code without having a phone number for SMS verification?

Ans: As of now Instagram does not yet provide such facility. A phone number is needed because Instagram uses this for 2-factor authentication to protect your account.

What are the best tips to keep it secure?

Some of the few things you can try:

1. You can print the backup code and keep it in safe place.

2. Store code in Password Manager

Conclusion:

If you connect your Instagram and don't have a mobile phone to validate two factor authentication, having backup codes could be very useful. So, save it somewhere else so you can use it whenever you want.