How-To

How to Enable Two Factor Authentication on Instagram

By Brian Burgess

Updated April 8, 2024

The extra layer of security that Two Factor Authentication(2fa) provides it is essential. Here’s how to enable 2fa on Instagram.

We constantly focus on ways to keep your digital lives more secure. We provide tips on everything from creating strong passwords to enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2fa) for all online accounts that support it.

The extra layer of security that 2fa provides is an essential tool that helps protect your data and online accounts. Here is how to protect your Instagram account by enabling 2fa.

Why Add 2FA to Instagram?

Everyone loves photos and videos on Instagram. It’s hard to find anyone these days not using the service as it takes the difficulty out of sharing public and private moments with friends, family, colleagues, and others. For many of us, what we love about Instagram is the ability to share private photos with only those we choose. As we talk about frequently, there’s almost a no better way to lock things down, including on Instagram, than using two factor authentication (2fa), also known as multifactor or two-step verification.

How to Enable 2FA on Instagram

Adding 2fa to Instagram takes some digging into the app’s settings but you can learn how to do it in our following step-by-step instructions.

1. Launch Instagram on your phone or tablet.
2. Sign into your account and tap your profile icon in the lower right corner of the screen.
3. Select the menu button (hamburger menu) in the upper right corner of the screen.
4. Select the Accounts Center option fromt he menu.
5. Under the Account settings section tap the Password and security option from the menu.
6. Tap the Two-factor authentication option under the Login & recover section.
7. Choose the account you want to set up 2fa on.
8. Select the second factor security method you want to use for your account. You can choose between using an authenticator app, SMS Text, or WhatsApp if you have an account.
9. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the second factor option you chose. For instance, you will need to enter a verification code via SMS or scan a QR code to use an authenticator app and enter a code.
10. Once you’ve entered the second factore code, tap the Done button.
11. Ensure you print or save your backup codes to a secure location in the event you need to sign in and your phone isn’t available. The codes are a one-time use for when you need them. To reiterate — ensure they are backed up to a secure location.

That’s all there is to it. Once you follow the steps, you’ll need to enter the 2fa code texted to your phone or a generated code on your authenticator app. The second factor will be required the next time you sign in with an untrusted device.

Enabling 2fa to Your Online Accounts

In our modern era we have so much data online. Photos, documents, files, videos, etc. So, it’s essential to add as much protection as possible to your online accounts. Adding 2fa to your Instagram account is a good start.

While using SMS text messages to verify your account is better than no extra protection at all, a more secure method is to use an authenticator app. There are several available to download to your phone like Google Authenticator, Authy, Duo Mobile, LastPass Authenticator, or Microsoft Authenticator.

In addition, you should check out passkeys for a secure and passwordless sign in experience. Even if you use passkeys for your online accounts, you want to ensure 2fa is enabled too. Security is about layers. While 2fa may not be the most convenient way to sign in, remember that convenience is the enemy of security.