Why Instagram Requires Phone Verification

Instagram uses phone verification to confirm you're a real person, prevent spam accounts, and secure your profile. Whether you're creating a new account, recovering access, or enabling two-factor authentication, Instagram will ask for a phone number at some point.

The problem is that many users don't want to link their personal number to yet another social platform. Others manage multiple accounts for business or marketing purposes and can't use one number for all of them. And some simply want to keep their private number off Meta's servers.

The solution: a virtual phone number — a real, working number that receives SMS verification codes without being tied to your personal SIM card.

What Is a Virtual Phone Number?

A virtual phone number is a real number hosted online rather than on a physical SIM card. It receives SMS messages just like any standard mobile number — including Instagram's verification codes.

Two types are available on CodesSender:

SMS Activation — a short-term number for a single one-time verification. Best for creating or recovering one account.
Phone Rental (7–30 days) — a long-term number that stays active. Best if you need ongoing access for 2FA or managing multiple accounts.

What You Need Before Starting

A CodesSender account (free to register)
A small balance to purchase a number
The Instagram app or browser open and ready

The whole process takes under 5 minutes.

Step-by-Step: How to Verify Instagram Without Your Personal Number

Step 1 — Open Instagram and start the sign-up or recovery process

Go to instagram.com or open the app. Click Sign Up for a new account, or Forgot Password for account recovery. When Instagram asks for a phone number, stop — this is where your virtual number comes in.

Step 2 — Log in to CodesSender and open the Activation page

Open codessender.com/activation in a new tab. You'll see the service and country selection interface.

Step 3 — Select Instagram as the service

Search for "Instagram" in the service field and select it. You can also go directly to the Instagram activation page to see live prices by country. Then choose your preferred country — numbers from the United Kingdom, United States, France and Germany work well for Instagram.

Step 4 — Purchase your number

Click to activate the number. The price is shown upfront with no hidden fees. Your virtual number appears instantly — copy it to your clipboard.

Step 5 — Enter the number into Instagram

Paste your virtual number into Instagram's phone number field. Select the correct country code and click Next to request the SMS code.

Step 6 — Click "Get SMS" and receive your code

Switch back to CodesSender and click the "Get SMS" button. The verification code from Instagram will appear within seconds. Copy it and enter it into Instagram to complete verification.

Done — your Instagram account is verified without using your personal number.

Best Countries for Instagram Verification

These countries have the highest success rates for Instagram SMS verification:

United Kingdom — widely accepted
United States — high acceptance rate
France — reliable option
Germany — strong success rate
Poland — cost-effective choice

If one number doesn't work on the first attempt, simply request a new one — this is normal and takes seconds.

SMS Activation vs Phone Rental for Instagram

SMS Activation — best for creating or recovering a single account. Quick, cheap, done.
Phone Rental — best if you need a number that stays active for 2FA logins or managing multiple Instagram accounts over time.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

"This phone number isn't available" or "Try a different number"

Instagram has flagged that specific number as previously used. Go back to CodesSender, release the number, and request a new one. Switching to a different country often resolves this immediately.

Verification code not arriving

Wait up to 60 seconds after clicking "Get SMS". If nothing arrives, request a new number, re-enter it in Instagram, and try again. This is rare but can happen with high-demand numbers.

Instagram asking to verify by email instead

Instagram sometimes offers email verification as an alternative. If the phone option isn't working, use email verification instead — it's equally valid for account creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to use a virtual number for Instagram?

Yes. Virtual phone numbers are legitimate tools used by businesses, developers, and privacy-conscious individuals worldwide. We encourage all users to ensure their use complies with Instagram's Terms of Service.

Can I use one number for multiple Instagram accounts?

Each Instagram account requires a unique phone number. You can purchase multiple numbers on CodesSender as needed — each one is separate and independent.

Will the number stay linked to my Instagram account?

For SMS Activation, the number is used once and then expires. Instagram stores it in your account settings, but since it's no longer active it can't receive future SMS. For ongoing 2FA, use Phone Rental instead.

Do I need a VPN?

No VPN is required. Virtual numbers work regardless of your location or IP address.

Conclusion

Verifying Instagram without your personal phone number is simple with a virtual number from CodesSender. Whether you need a quick one-time activation or a long-term rental for ongoing access, the process takes minutes and keeps your personal information private.

Get your Instagram virtual number now and complete verification in under 5 minutes.