Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion monthly active users. To protect user accounts, Instagram uses two-factor authentication via SMS codes sent to your phone number. However, sometimes Instagram fails to send the SMS code which can prevent you from logging in or accessing your account. This can be frustrating, but there are several troubleshooting methods you can try to fix Instagram not sending SMS codes.
Instagram Not Sending SMS Codes? 9 Ways to Fix It!
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the top solutions to try when Instagram won’t send you the SMS verification code.
Method 1: Check Network Connection and Restart Device
The first thing to check is whether you have a stable internet connection on your phone. Poor cellular reception or WiFi connectivity issues can prevent Instagram from delivering the SMS code properly.
Here are some steps to try:
- Move to an area with better cellular reception if using mobile data
- Connect your phone to a stable WiFi network
- Turn on Airplane mode for 30 seconds, then turn it off to reset the network connection
- Restart your phone
- Update your device OS and Instagram to the latest versions
After checking your connectivity, try requesting the SMS code again from Instagram. A simple restart or reconnect can often resolve temporary glitches.
Method 2: Verify Your Phone Number
If you still have access to your Instagram account on different devices e.g. Computer or different mobile then you can make sure the phone number linked to your Instagram account is correct and you can receive SMS on that number. To check and update the phone number on your Instagram:
- Go to your Instagram Profile
- Tap Menu (3 horizontal lines)
- Select Settings > Accounts Center > Personal details.
- Tap on Contact info > Tap on your phone number > Confirm or Delete your number.
- Enter your current phone number or add a new one
Request the SMS code again once your phone number is verified as correct.
Method 3: Use Alternative Authentication Method
If you have access enabled for another authentication method like authentication apps or backup codes, try using those instead of SMS to get into your Instagram.
- On the Instagram login screen, select “Get help logging in“
- Choose to login via Authentication App or Backup Codes
- Follow prompts to gain access to your account
Switching to alternative authentication prevents reliance on SMS codes for login.
Method 4: Check If Instagram Servers Are Down
Sometimes the issue may not be on your end but rather an outage on Instagram’s servers. Check Instagram’s status page or sites like Downdetector to see if others are reporting problems with Instagram.
If there is an ongoing Instagram outage, you’ll have to wait until Instagram engineers resolve the server issues before you can receive the SMS code. Keep trying after some time.
Method 5: Update Instagram to Latest Version
An outdated version of the Instagram app can also be the culprit behind SMS codes not sending properly. Update to the latest Instagram version on Android or iOS to eliminate any app bugs that could be interfering with SMS delivery.
On Android devices: Open the Google Play Store > Search for Instagram > Tap Update next to Instagram to upgrade to latest version.
On iPhone: Go to the App Store > Tap your profile icon > Scroll to see pending Instagram updates and tap Update.
Updating the app resolves known SMS issues patched in newer Instagram releases.
Method 6: Disable VPN or Proxy Settings
If you are connected to a VPN service or proxy server, it can sometimes interfere with Instagram’s ability to send the SMS code. As a test, turn off any active VPN apps and disable proxy settings temporarily to check if the SMS verification works without them enabled.
You can turn the VPN or proxy settings back on after gaining access to your Instagram account.
Method 7: Unblock Instagram’s SMS Number
A common reason many users don’t receive SMS codes from Instagram is because they have the originating phone number blocked. Instagram generally sends codes from the phone number “32665” or “40591”. Check your blocked numbers list and unblock that number.
On iPhone: Go to Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts > Unblock “32665” if present.
On Android: Open Phone app > Tap Menu (3 dots) > Settings > Blocked numbers > Unblock “32665” if present.
Unblocking the number allows Instagram codes to be delivered to your SMS inbox.
Method 8: Clear Instagram App Cache and Data
Corrupted cache/data on the Instagram app can also stop the SMS code from coming through. Clearing this data forces the app to re-sync properly with Instagram’s servers.
On Android:
1. Go to Device Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage
2. Tap “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data”
On iPhone:
1. Hold finger on Instagram icon until icons shake
2. Tap the X icon to delete the app
3. Redownload Instagram from the App Store
Clearing cache and data fixes Instagram errors preventing SMS code delivery.
Method 9: Contact Instagram Support
If none of the above solutions work and you still aren’t getting the SMS codes from Instagram, you’ll have to reach out to their support team for further help.
Some ways to contact Instagram support:
- In-app support: Go to your Instagram Profile > Menu > Settings > Help > Contact Us and fill out the form.
- Twitter: Tweet to @Instagram with your issue and username.
- Facebook: Message Instagram’s Facebook page describing your problem.
Provide details on when the problem started and troubleshooting steps you have tried. Support should respond with specialized fixes or escalate the SMS issues if needed.
Also read: How to Unarchive an Instagram Post
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Instagram not sending SMS codes:
Q1. Why does Instagram require an SMS code?
Instagram uses SMS verification codes as part of two-factor authentication to protect accounts from unauthorized logins. Getting a code sent to your phone adds an extra layer of security.
Q2. Can I get codes via email instead?
Yes, if you have email notifications enabled in your Instagram account, you can choose to get login verification codes sent to your email address instead of SMS.
Q3. My number shows as blocked on Instagram. How do I unblock it?
You can unblock your phone number in your Instagram account settings. Go to Profile > Menu > Settings > Security > Phone Number > Unblock Number.
Q4. I’m entering the code Instagram sent but it says invalid. Why?
Double check that you are entering the latest 6-digit code Instagram has texted you and that the code hasn’t expired. If issues persist, clearing cache/data and reinstalling the app can help.
Dealing with Instagram not sending SMS codes can be frustrating, but in most cases it can be easily fixed. If basic steps don’t work, dig deeper into app cache/data fixes, contacting support, and using alternative authentication methods. Also, ensure your registered contact details on Instagram are accurate so you never face SMS code delivery issues during critical account access needs.