Have you ever tried to log into Instagram using a web browser, only to encounter the frustrating error: “CSRF token missing or incorrect”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll break down what this error means, what causes it, and how you can fix it so you can get back to scrolling through your feed in no time.
What is a CSRF Token?
CSRF stands for Cross-Site Request Forgery, and it’s a security measure used in web applications to protect against malicious requests. The CSRF token ensures that the person making the request (for example, logging into Instagram) is the same person who requested the previous page or action. It’s essentially a way to verify that you’re not an outsider trying to perform unauthorized actions on a website.
Common Causes of the Error
When you encounter the “CSRF token missing or incorrect” error, it could be caused by a few different things. Let’s go over some common culprits:
DNS Issues: If you’re using a service like Warp or another encrypted DNS provider, it might interfere with how your browser communicates with Instagram. Try disabling the DNS service and switching to a more traditional DNS like Google DNS or Cloudflare. Alternatively, if you’re not using your internet provider’s DNS servers, try switching them back.
Incorrect Time and Date Settings: Believe it or not, incorrect time settings on your computer can lead to CSRF token issues. This happens when your system’s time is out of sync with the time zone of the location you’re accessing the website from, particularly when using a VPN.
How VPNs Affect CSRF Tokens
If you’re using a VPN to hide your IP address or change your location, you could encounter issues. For example, imagine your computer is set to a time zone of GMT+1, but when you use a VPN with an exit point in a location with a time zone of GMT+11, your device might think it’s a completely different date.
For instance, if it’s January 21st at your location, but when accessing Instagram through the VPN with a +11 timezone, the date might already have changed to January 22nd. In this case, the CSRF token becomes invalid because it’s tied to a specific date and time, and that token expires before you can use it.
How to Fix the Issue
Adjust Time Settings: You can try adjusting your computer’s time and date to match the time zone of the VPN exit point. Websites that show your IP location (like IPinfo.io) can help you figure out the exact time zone based on your VPN’s IP address. Once you have that info, manually set your time zone, date, and time accordingly.
Switch VPN Servers: If adjusting the time settings feels like too much work, you could simply change your VPN server to one that’s geographically closer to your current location. This will help avoid the timezone discrepancy and should resolve the CSRF token error.
Manually Insert the CSRF Token: If you’re familiar with web development, you can copy the CSRF token from the browser’s console and paste it into the new page. Keep in mind, you’ll need to reinsert this token for each subsequent page, as it is tied to the session.
Caution: Beware of Scammers
As you search for solutions to fix your Instagram login issues, be wary of scam accounts. There are countless fake comments and bots online claiming they can help restore your Instagram account for a fee. These scammers have no affiliation with Instagram and will often steal your money — and your account. Instagram’s only official support channel is through their platform. Avoid any third-party offers, as they are usually designed to exploit users during their frustration.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still unable to fix the error after trying these methods, your best bet is to reach out to Instagram’s official support team. While Instagram’s customer support may not be the easiest to access due to the size of the platform, it’s the only legitimate way to resolve your account issues.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid the “CSRF token missing or incorrect” error and protect yourself from scammers trying to take advantage of your situation.