Instagram phone verification: how to sign up and what to do if the code does not arrive

The full process for signing up for Instagram with a phone number, how to troubleshoot a missing code, what to do when asked to confirm it is you, and what to know before using a virtual number.

Instagram lets you sign up with either a phone number or an email address. If you choose a phone number, Instagram sends an SMS code, and it may ask you to verify the number again if it detects an unusual login. This guide covers the full sign-up process with a phone number, how to troubleshoot a missing code, and how to protect your account after signing up with a virtual number.

Before you sign up

• Choose the country carefully: a number from the same country as your usual network reduces extra verification.
• Add an email: link an email address soon after signing up so account recovery does not depend on SMS.
• Limit your requests: requesting codes for the same number many times may temporarily stop delivery.

Sign-up steps

1. Open Instagram, choose to sign up with a phone number and enter the number.
2. Enter the 6-digit code you receive, then set a username and password.
3. Add a profile photo and details, and fill in your birthday and other information as prompted.
4. Go to settings to link an email address and turn on two-factor authentication.

What if the code does not arrive?

If no SMS arrives after you submit the number, check these in order:

• Check the country code and number, and do not enter the country code or the leading 0 twice.
• Wait for the countdown to finish before resending; repeated requests in a short time may be limited.
• Turn off any VPN that changes your network location, and make sure the app is up to date.
• If the code still does not arrive, cancel the order and try a country or number with plenty of stock.

The code may be sent through other channels

In some cases Instagram offers to send the code through WhatsApp or by email. If you are using a temporary number that can only receive SMS, choose the SMS option and read the code on your order page.

Receiving an Instagram code with a virtual number

Check available countries and prices on the Instagram SMS page, or compare US numbers on the US virtual number page. If you are not yet familiar with how temporary numbers work, read What is an SMS verification service? first.

When choosing a number, prefer countries with plenty of stock that match your network region. If Instagram says the number is already in use or cannot be used, switch to another number rather than retrying the same one.

What to do when asked to confirm it is you

Shortly after signing up, Instagram sometimes asks you to confirm that it is really you, which may require another SMS code, an email code or other verification steps. This usually happens because activity on a new account looks unusual to the system, such as following many accounts in a short time, editing the profile frequently or switching devices.

If the account is linked only to a temporary number, you will not be able to complete SMS verification once the number expires. So be sure to link an email soon after signing up, and take things slowly in the early days to avoid triggering these checks.

Security settings after signing up

• Link an email: add and verify an email in your account settings as your main way to recover the account.
• Turn on two-factor authentication: choose an authenticator app as the method instead of relying on SMS.
• Save backup codes: after enabling two-factor authentication, save the backup codes so you can log in if you lose your phone.

FAQ

How many digits is an Instagram code?

Usually 6 digits, and it expires after a while. If you request several codes, use the latest one you received.

Can I sign up for Instagram with only an email?

Yes. Instagram supports email sign-up, but some security checks may still ask you to verify a phone number.

How many Instagram accounts can one number register?

Instagram does not publish an exact number. The more accounts linked to the same number, the more likely security checks are triggered, so use a different number for each account.

Can I still log in after the temporary number expires?

You can log in with your username and password. But if a security check requires SMS verification, an expired number cannot receive the code, so link an email in advance.

Am I charged if the code does not arrive?

Orders that have not received an SMS can be cancelled, and the held amount returns to your balance according to the order rules.

If the code does not arrive, check the Help center first, and please follow Instagram’s Terms of Use.