Enhance your Instagram security: Easy guide to set up two-factor authentication for your account

In today’s digital age, where sharing moments and connecting with friends is just a tap away, safeguarding your online presence is more important than ever. Meta-owned Instagram, a popular platform for sharing photos and stories, has become an integral part of our daily lives. However, with the convenience of social media comes the responsibility of protecting your personal information from potential threats.

One powerful tool in the battle against unauthorised access is two-factor authentication (2FA). Two-factor authentication protects your Instagram account by requiring a code if there’s a login attempt from a device that Instagram doesn’t recognise.

In this step-by-step guide, we will tell you how you can set up two-factor authentication for your Instagram account.

Also read: How to update your phone no. or email address on Instagram: Quick guide

How to set up two-factor authentication for your Instagram account

Step 1: Open the Instagram app.

Step 2: Tap your profile picture present at the bottom right corner to go to your profile.

Step 3: Tap the three horizontal lines present at the top right corner.

Step 4: Select the Settings and privacy option.

Step 5: Tap Accounts Centre

Step 6: Select the Password and security option.

Step 7: Tap the Two-factor authentication option.

Step 8: Choose the account for which you want to set up two-factor authentication.

Step 9: Choose the security method that you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions.

Also read: Manage multiple Instagram accounts: Easy guide to adding and switching between profiles

When you set up two-factor authentication on Instagram, you will be asked to choose one of the following three security methods:

1. Authentication app (recommended by Instagram): You have to download an authentication app to get login codes. This method is recommended by Instagram because it allows you to add multiple devices connected to an account so that they can all get login codes.
2. Text message: When you choose this security method, Instagram sends a login code to your mobile number.
3. WhatsApp: With this security method, you will receive login codes on WhatsApp.

You will need to set up at least one of these security methods in order to use two-factor authentication. 

How to change your phone number for two-factor authentication on Instagram

Step 1: Open the Instagram app.

Step 2: Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner to go to your profile.

Step 3: Tap the three horizontal lines present at the top right corner.

Step 4: Select the Settings and privacy option.

Step 5: Tap the Accounts Centre option.

Step 6: Select Privacy and security.

Step 7: Select the Two-factor authentication option.

Step 8:  Choose the account.

Step 9: If two-factor authentication is already on, tap Text message.

Step 10, Now, tap the Change phone number option.

Step 11: Enter the new phone number that you want to use, and then tap Next.

Step 12: You’ll receive a text message (SMS) to the new phone number with a 6-digit security code. Enter the code in the Instagram app, then tap Next.

Step 13: You will now see a list of backup codes. Save those codes so that you can access your account if you lose your device or face trouble with using another security method.

Step 14: Finally, tap Done to complete the two-factor authentication process.