Instagram, the widely-popular photo-sharing platform, has various features designed to protect users from fraudulent activity. One such feature is account verification that requires users to verify their identity. Unfortunately, some users have experienced difficulty verifying their accounts when they don’t receive the requested code. This article will provide an overview of why Instagram requires account verification and how users can verify their Instagram accounts even if they don’t receive a code.
1. Understanding Instagram Verification Process
Verifying your Instagram account is important for branding and credibility in the platform. It gives you the coveted blue tick sign and helps to protect you from impersonation. To get verified, you must meet certain criteria and follow a verification process that includes an application. Here are the steps you need to follow to get your account verified:
- Create an Eligible Instagram Profile: You must be a public figure, celebrity, or brand. You also need to have a huge following and a profile picture and bio.
- Complete the Verification Application: You’ll see a blue button labelled ‘Verify’ in your profile page. Click the button and answer all the questions that follow.
- Wait for the Response: Instagram will review your application and let you know if your account is eligible for verification. It usually takes a couple of days to get a response.
Verified accounts are given priority support from Instagram and appear more prominently in search results. If your application is not accepted, you can apply again after a certain period. It is important to have complete and accurate information to get accepted for verification.
2. Reasons for Verification Code Denial
Incorrect Time Format
Time formats are a key consideration when using one-time verification codes. Too often, users make simple mistakes by disregarding the appropriate time format. This can lead the system to invalidate a seemingly correct code or fail to recognize it as valid. To avoid this, ensure that you are entering the code in the correct format and that any timing composition allows for the input of accurate digits.
Too Many Attempts
In addition to a potentially incorrect time format, too many attempts can also lead to a denied verification code. Systems have anti-spamming protocols in place to protect their system security. If a user attempts to enter too many codes in quick succession, the system may automatically lock the code input and prevent it from being further verified. To avoid this, wait a few moments between each code entry.
Incorrect Usage
The final potential reason for a code denial is incorrect code usage. Many systems will require users to enter the code in a specific format. If the entry does not match the required format, the code may be denied regardless of whether it is correct or not. When entering the code, confirm that it matches the acceptable format and make any necessary corrections before submission.
- Confirm that you are entering the code in the correct time format
- Wait a few moments between each code entry
- Ensure that the code entry matches the acceptable format
3. Strategies to Troubleshoot Away from Instagram
If you’ve ever been in a rut while using Instagram, or feeling like you’re stuck in never-ending scroll, it’s time to get creative and try new strategies. Here are three ideas and tech-focused strategies to get inspired and move away from Instagram:
- Meditate: Taking a break from the constant scrolling and pressure to produce something is key to your mental health. Meditate for a few minutes and take a break from screens. Spend the time taking a walk outdoors and exploring the world around you.
- Connect to Different Platforms: For those connected to multiple channels across different platforms, look for ideas and strategies in one platform and translate them over to Instagram. Take a glance at other more creative fields, like architecture or photography and apply their approaches to your Instagram posts.
- Engage Your Followers: Engaging your followers is a great way to get their attention and break away from the Instagram algorithm. Ask your followers questions, create interactions and create networking amongst them. You can also ask them to comment and share their thoughts
By breaking out of the routine and stepping away from Instagram, we give ourselves permission to explore, experiment and expand our ideas. There are so many ways to get creative without returning to the algorithm. Come up with your own methods and ideas to keep the flow both interesting and inspiring.
4. Alternatives to Verification Code Request
For verification purposes, “code request” is the method most companies use these days. It involves the user providing a phone number, that is then used to send a verification code to. It seems like the standard method, but it’s not the only one available. Here are four alternative options:
- Biometric Authentication: Authentication via biometrics, such as fingerprint, facial, and iris recognition, is becoming increasingly commonplace. This system is increasingly seen as more secure than traditional method as biometric data is unique and more difficult to replicate.
- Knowledge-based Authentication (KBA): This type of authentication usually involves multiple fields of personal data in a user’s account. App security measures such as these combined with other variables make this type of authentication more secure.
- Two Factor & Multi-factor Authentication (2FA & MFA): Multi factor or two factor authentication is becoming more popular because of its effectiveness in keeping accounts secure. It involves two or more layers of identification, such as a combination of an entered password, SMS code, and biometric data in order to gain access.
- CAPTCHAs: CAPTCHA stands for “Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart”. These tests require users to prove they are human by completing a series of challenges, such as distorted text or audio recognition.
Each of these options has its strengths and weaknesses. Companies may find a combination of methods more efficient, or maybe just one. It is important to experiment, analyse data, and understand what method offers the best security and user experience.
5. Steps to Request a New Verification Code
Verifying your account typically requires a verification code. If you didn’t receive any verification code or would like to receive a new one, here are the five steps to request one:
- Visit the settings page: You need to make sure you’re logged in and then visit the account settings page.
- Find the verification code option: Look for a button or form that says “Request a Verification Code.”
- Enter the email address: If you’ve changed your primary email address for the account, make sure you enter the current address.
- Submit the form: As soon as you click submit, you should receive a new verification code via email.
- Enter the verification code: Enter the new code in the “Verification Code” field on the settings page and click “Verify.”
That’s it! You’re now ready to use the account’s services with the newly verified code. Make sure you keep the code in a secure location as you may need it if you wish to make any changes to the account in the future.
If it doesn’t arrive within a few minutes, you may need to contact customer service. Make sure you mention the email address and details of the account associated with the verification request.
By understanding the process behind account verification on Instagram, you can be more informed before beginning the process, and better equipped to troubleshoot the common problems that might arise. With this knowledge, you can now follow your verification process with confidence, ensuring that your account remains safe and secure.
