'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Recover Instagram Access After Losing Your Authenticator Phone
Question details
The user needs to regain access to their Instagram account after losing the phone with their two-factor authentication (2FA) app, with no backup codes available.
- Product
- Instagram / Microsoft Authenticator
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to log into Instagram without access to the 2FA authenticator app or backup codes.
- Observed behavior
- The user is locked out of their Instagram account because they cannot bypass the two-factor authentication prompt.
Ensure you are attempting to log in from a device or Wi-Fi network that you previously used to access your Instagram account, as this can sometimes help verify your identity.
Use Instagram's Official Account Recovery Options
Since the authenticator app is lost and no backup codes are available, you must verify your identity directly through Instagram's support system.
Microsoft Authenticator and other 2FA apps only generate the security tokens and do not have access to your Instagram account data. Therefore, you cannot recover your Instagram account through Microsoft support.
Open the Instagram app on your mobile device. On the login screen, tap 'Get help logging in' (on Android) or 'Forgot password?' (on iPhone) just below the login fields.
Enter your username, email address, or phone number linked to the account, then tap 'Next'.
Select 'Need more help?' at the bottom of the screen instead of sending a login link.
Follow the on-screen prompts to submit a support request. You will likely be asked to record a video selfie to verify your identity if your account contains photos of you.
Looking for a Reliable Office Suite? Try WPS Office
While you recover your social media accounts, streamline your daily tasks with WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, featuring robust cloud synchronization so your important documents are never lost—even if you lose your device.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions.
- 3. Start Creating: Open WPS Office and instantly access Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Microsoft support help me recover my Instagram account if I used their authenticator?
No. Microsoft Authenticator only generates the 2FA tokens. Microsoft does not have access to your Instagram account details and cannot disable two-factor authentication for third-party services.
What are Instagram backup codes and how do I use them?
Backup codes are a set of 8-digit numbers generated when you first set up 2FA on Instagram. If you saved them, you can enter one of these codes on the login screen instead of the 6-digit authenticator token.
How long does Instagram's video selfie recovery take?
Once you submit a video selfie for account recovery, Instagram typically reviews the request and responds via email within 1 to 2 business days. If rejected, you can submit a new video and try again.
