A Microsoft app for iOS and Android devices that enables authentication with two-factor verification, phone sign-in, and code generation
Restore the existing Microsoft Authenticator backup on a new phone of the same platform; if no backup exists, use Instagram’s backup code, alternate verification, or account-recovery process.
If Authenticator backup was enabled
Backups can only be restored to the same device type: iPhone to iPhone or Android to Android. Third-party one-time codes, including codes used for social platforms, are restored when they were included in the backup.^1^
Android
- Install and open Microsoft Authenticator.
- Before adding or signing in to accounts, select Restore from backup or Begin recovery.
- Sign in with the same personal Microsoft account used for backup on the lost phone.
- Check whether the Instagram entry appears and generates a six-digit code.
- If already signed in to Authenticator and the recovery option is missing, sign out or remove the accounts first, then return to the opening screen and select recovery.
iPhone
- Sign in to the same Apple ID/iCloud account used on the lost iPhone.
- Enable iCloud Drive, iCloud Keychain, and iCloud Backup.
- Install and open Microsoft Authenticator.
- The backed-up codes should appear automatically; complete any displayed Sign in to restore your account prompt.
Do not delete or replace an available backup while trying to recover it.
If no Authenticator backup is found
Microsoft cannot recreate the Instagram secret or generate the old codes. Recovery must be completed through Instagram:
- Open Instagram and enter the account’s username and password.
- At the 2FA prompt, select Try another way.
- Use one of these options if offered:
- Backup code, if codes were saved when 2FA was enabled.
- A login link or verification through the registered email address or phone number.
- If none is available, select Get help logging in, Forgot password?, or Need more help? and complete Instagram’s identity-verification process. Instagram may request account details or a selfie video.^2^
- Use the official Instagram Help Center for the account-access process.^3^
After access is restored, remove the lost Authenticator registration in Instagram, set up 2FA on the new phone, and save the new backup codes somewhere separate from the phone.
References