Securing your Instagram account with two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication protects your account by requiring a code if there’s a login attempt from a device we don't recognize.
Turn on two-factor authentication
- Tap
or your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your profile.
- Tap
in the top right.
- Tap Accounts Center, then tap Password and security.
- Tap Two-factor authentication, then select an account.
- Choose the security method you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions.
Turn off two-factor authentication
- Tap
- Tap
- Tap Accounts Center, then tap Password and security.
- Tap Two-factor authentication, then select an account.
- Choose the security method you want to turn off and follow the on-screen instructions.
When you set up two-factor authentication on Instagram, you’ll be asked to choose one of three security methods:
- Authentication app: (recommended): Download an authentication app, such as Duo Mobile or Google Authenticator to get login codes. This security method is recommended, because you can add multiple devices connected to an account so they can all get login codes. Note: Two-factor authentication through an authentication app can only be turned on using the Instagram app for Android and iPhone.
- Text message: We’ll send a login code to your mobile number.
- WhatsApp: Turn on the text message security method first. Then, you can turn on the WhatsApp security method to get login codes from WhatsApp.
You'll need to have at least one of these set up in order to use two-factor authentication.
Note: After you've turned on two-factor authentication, you'll be able to see login requests and remove trusted devices. If you lose access to your phone or email address and are unable to get login codes, you can use a backup code to log in. Learn more about login codes.
Keep in mind that:
- If you haven't marked the device you're using as a trusted device, you can do so when you log in from that device using two-factor authentication. This way you won't have to enter a security code when you log in again. Trusted devices are any device that you've already signed in to using two-factor authentication and have marked as trusted by tapping Trust this device.
- You shouldn’t tap Trust this device if you're using a public or shared device that other people you may not know can access.
- To set up text message (SMS) two-factor authentication, you can either use a mobile number that’s already been added to your account or add a new number.
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