How To Enable Instagram Two-Factor Authentication

— April 2, 2017

On Thursday 23rd March, Instagram announced that they have rolled out Two-Factor Authentication to all users which they have been trialing for the past few months. It’s a relatively straightforward process to complete, and one that we’d recommend for all Instagram users. Particularly considering the increased level of hacks to social accounts over the past few months across numerous networks. So to help you prevent this happening, here’s our step by step guide on how to enable Instagram two-factor authentication that you can complete in less than 5 minutes.


Step 1

Open Instagram on your device and select your profile in the bottom right corner. When you land on your profile page, select “Settings” in the top-right corner of your screen.

Instagram-Settings How To Enable Instagram Two-Factor Authentication

Step 2

Scroll down to the “Account” section and tap on Two-Factor Authentication to begin the process.

instagram-two-factor-authentication How To Enable Instagram Two-Factor Authentication

Step 3

If you haven’t already registered your phone number with your account, you’ll be prompted to do so at this stage. This is absolutely required in order to enable Two-Factor Authentication. So any reservations you might have about Instagram (& Facebook) having your phone number will have to be overcome I’m afraid if you want to avail of the security feature.

instagram-phone-number How To Enable Instagram Two-Factor Authentication

Step 4

Enter the mobile phone number you use Instagram with. This number will be used for all future correspondence with Two-Factor Authentication, so ensure it’s the correct one.

instagram-phone-number-entry How To Enable Instagram Two-Factor Authentication

Step 5

You’ll now receive a 6 digit security code by SMS. Open the text and enter the confirmation code (without the hyphen).

instagram-security-code How To Enable Instagram Two-Factor Authentication

Step 6

Once completed, Instagram will present you with a list of 5 Backup codes, that it will automatically screenshot for you. These are used for instances, where you can’t access your account or are unable to receive Instagram security codes by text. So it’s a good idea to move that screenshot to a folder for safe keeping, in the event you misplace your phone.

instagram-backup-security-codes How To Enable Instagram Two-Factor Authentication

That’s it. You now have Two-Factor Authentication active for your Instagram account.

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Author: Paul O’Byrne

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