How to set up two-factor authentication on Instagram to help protect your account

Any social media user will tell you how important securing your account is. Hackers and spammers have become a lot more sophisticated, so platforms like Instagram have encouraged users to enable two-factor authentication — an extra level of security connecting your account with two or more devices before you're granted access. 

On Instagram, there are two ways you can enable two-factor authentication. The first, and by far the easiest, is with your cell phone number. When you log into your Instagram account, it will send a text message to your phone with a unique code. The second is with a third-party authentication app. 

Here's how to do both.

How to set up two-factor authentication on Instagram using your phone number 

1. Open the Instagram app on your device. 

2. Go to your profile by tapping the profile icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.

3. Select the three horizontal lines icon in the top right corner. 

4. From the pop-up menu, select "Settings." 

5. In the Settings menu, select "Security." 

6. Under "Login Security," tap to select "Two-Factor Authentication." 

7. Select "Get Started."

8. Select "Text Message." 

9. Enter your phone number and then select "Next." 

10. Enter the code sent to your phone and then select "Next." 

11. Once you've entered the correct code sent to your device, your two-factor authentication should now be active. Instagram will also give you a list of codes you can use when you don't have access to your phone, so be sure to take a screenshot or save wherever you keep your password manager.

How to set up two-factor authentication on Instagram using a third-party app 

1. Open the Instagram app on your device. 

2. Go to your profile by tapping the profile icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.

3. Select the three horizontal lines icon in the top right corner. 

4. Select "Settings." 

5. Select "Security." 

6. Select "Two-Factor Authentication" from the menu options. 

7. Select "Get Started."

8. Select "Authentication App." 

9. If you don't already have one of these apps on your phone, Instagram will recommend either Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile, depending on your device. Download the suggested app, and tap "Next."

10. Once the app is done downloading, a pop-up will take you to the third-party two-factor authentication app to retrieve an access code. 

11. Copy the code from the third-party app and then return to Instagram and paste it in the text field. 

12. Now you will be registered with the third-party app so that anytime you log into your Instagram account, a code will be sent to the app for verification. 

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• How to set up two-factor authentication on Skype, and increase the security of all your Microsoft accounts
  

• How to set up two-factor authentication on Amazon to protect your account data and payment information

• How to turn off two-step and two-factor authentication on an iPhone, through your Apple ID account

• How to log out of Instagram on your phone or computer to protect your account's security

• How to disconnect your Instagram account from Facebook

Meira Gebel

Meira Gebel is a freelance reporter based in Portland, Oregon. She writes about business, culture, and technology for Insider. Her work has been featured in Digital Trends, Willamette Week, USA Today, and more. She is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School and San Francisco State University.  Feel free to reach out to her on Twitter, where she can be found most of the time, @MeiraGebel.

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