How to Verify Your Identity for Threads Account Recovery

If you cannot log into your Threads account because you forgot your password, lost access to your email, or your account was compromised, you must verify your identity to regain access. Threads uses Instagram as its account backbone, so identity verification happens through Instagram’s recovery process. This article explains the specific steps to prove you own the account using your trusted device, phone number, or a security code. You will learn how to pass the verification screen and restore your Threads profile without delay.

Why Threads Identity Verification Is Tied to Instagram

Threads does not have its own separate login system. When you created your Threads account, you logged in using your Instagram profile. This means that recovering a Threads account always starts with recovering the associated Instagram account. The identity verification process is designed to confirm that you are the legitimate owner of that Instagram profile before Meta allows you to reset the password or change the email address.

The verification methods available depend on what information you still have access to. If you can still receive texts or emails from Meta, you can use a security code. If you have a device that was previously logged into Instagram, you can use the trusted device option. If you have neither, you must submit a video selfie or a government ID to Meta’s support team. Each method has a different time frame and success rate.

Steps to Verify Your Identity for Threads Account Recovery

1. Go to the Instagram login screen on a web browser
   Open a desktop browser or mobile browser and visit instagram.com. Click the Log In link. Enter your Threads username or the email address associated with your Threads account. Click Next.
2. Click the Forgot Password link
   On the password entry screen, click Forgot Password. Instagram will ask for the email address, phone number, or username associated with your account. Enter the same information you used for your Threads account.
3. Choose your verification method
   Instagram presents three options: Send a code to your email, Send a code to your phone number, or Log in with a trusted device. Select the method you can still access. If you choose email or SMS, Instagram sends a six-digit code. If you choose a trusted device, Instagram sends a notification to your phone or tablet.
4. Enter the security code or approve the notification
   If you received a code, type it into the box on the recovery screen and click Next. If you chose a trusted device, unlock that device and tap Yes, It’s Me on the Instagram notification. The browser screen will automatically advance to the password reset page.
5. Create a new password
   Type a new password that is at least eight characters long. Confirm the password by typing it again. Click Reset Password or Log In. You are now logged into your Instagram account.
6. Open Threads and log in with your new Instagram credentials
   Launch the Threads app on your phone or go to threads.net on a browser. Tap Log In. Enter your Instagram username and the new password you just created. Threads will sync your profile and posts automatically.

If You Cannot Access Your Email or Phone Number

If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number on your Instagram account, you must use the Need More Help link on the recovery screen. Click Need More Help and then select Try Another Way. Instagram will ask you to provide a new email address where the support team can contact you. You will then be prompted to submit a video selfie or a photo of your government-issued ID. Meta’s team reviews these submissions manually, which can take 24 to 72 hours.

If Verification Fails or Gets Stuck

Threads Account Recovery Screen Loops Back to the Login Page

This usually happens when the browser cookies are corrupted or when you are using a VPN. Clear your browser cache and cookies, disable any VPN or proxy service, and try the recovery process again from a fresh incognito or private browsing window. If the problem persists, try using a different device or a different network, such as a mobile hotspot instead of a corporate Wi-Fi network.

Security Code Never Arrives

If you selected email but the code does not appear, check your spam or junk folder. Add instagram.com to your email safe senders list. If you selected SMS but the text does not arrive, confirm that your phone number is correct and that your carrier is not blocking short-code messages. Ask your carrier to unblock short codes from Meta. After making these changes, request a new code by clicking Resend Code on the recovery screen.

Trusted Device Notification Does Not Appear

Make sure the device you are using as a trusted device is connected to the internet. Open the Instagram app on that device and ensure you are logged into the correct account. If the notification still does not appear, close and reopen the Instagram app. You can also try tapping the profile icon, going to Settings, and selecting Login Activity to confirm the device is recognized.

Threads Account Recovery Methods Compared

Method	Speed	Requirements
Security code via email	Instant to 5 minutes	Access to the email inbox on file
Security code via SMS	Instant to 5 minutes	Access to the phone number on file and carrier support for short codes
Trusted device approval	Instant	A phone or tablet previously logged into Instagram with the app installed
Video selfie or government ID	24 to 72 hours	A valid government ID or a clear video selfie and a new contact email address

You can now recover a locked Threads account by verifying your identity through Instagram. Start with the fastest method, such as a security code to your phone or email, before moving to the manual ID submission option. To avoid future lockouts, add a recovery email address and a phone number to your Instagram account by going to Settings > Account Center > Personal Details > Contact Info.