How to set up two-factor authentication for Instagram

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Instagram logo on phone
Instagram logo on phone (Image credit: Joe Maring / iMore)

With Instagram's two-factor authentication tool, your account is protected by an additional layer of security. Instead of simply entering your password with two-factor authentication, you must also input a code whenever you attempt to access your Instagram account on a new device. Here's how to do it using iOS 15 on our best iPhones.

How to set up two-factor authentication for Instagram

  1. Tap the Instagram app on your iPhone Home screen.
  2. Choose the menu icon at the top right of the Instagram Profile page.
  3. Select Settings on the menu.

To set up two-factor authentication for Instagram, tap the Instagram app on your iPhone Home screen, then choose the menu icon at the top right of the Instagram Profile page. From there, select Settin (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Tap Security.
  2. Select Two-Factor Authentication.
  3. Choose Get Started.

To set up two-factor authentication for Instagram, tap Security, then select Two-Factor Authentication. Next, choose Get Started. (Image credit: iMore)

You will now need to decide which way to use two-factor authentication for Instagram. The three choices are an authentication app (recommended), text message, or WhatsApp.

Using an authentication app

Follow these steps if you intend to use 2FA with an authentication app.

  1. From Instagram, toggle on Authentication App.
  2. Tap Next.
  3. Next, either add your Instagram password to Apple Passwords or confirm your Instagram password. This will create a confirmation code. The number changes every 30 seconds.
  4. Add the confirmation code in Instagram.
  5. Choose Next.

To authenticate through a text message, toggle on Text Message, then enter the six-digit code you've received through your mobile phone. Tap Next, then follow additional directions. (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Finally, copy and save the listed backup codes. You might need to use these in the future.
  2. Tap Done.

Using text messages for authentication

  1. Toggle on Text Message.
  2. Enter the six-digit code sent to your mobile phone via text.
  3. Tap Next.

To authenticate through a text message, toggle on Text Message, then enter the six-digit code you've received through your mobile phone. Tap Next, then follow additional directions. (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Finally, copy and save the listed backup codes. You might need to use these in the future.
  2. Tap Done.

Using WhatsApp for authentication

  1. Toggle on Text Message.
  2. Enter the six-digit code sent to your mobile phone via text.
  3. Tap Next.

To authenticate through WhatsApp, toggle on WhatsApp, then enter the six-digit code you've received through your mobile phone. Tap Next, then follow additional directions. (Image credit: iMore)

Follow additional directions in WhatsApp.

There's a lot of bad people in the world, and it's nice to know Instagram offers 2FA. Use it to protect your account better. Happy posting.

Bryan M Wolfe
Bryan M Wolfe
Staff Writer

Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.