---
title: "How to Enable Two Factor Authentication on Instagram"
description: "Here's a step by step guide on how to setup Two-Factor authentication on Instagram and why you need it."
datePublished: "2020-04-14"
dateUpdated: "2020-06-22"
author: "Kryshla"
authorImage: "/img/blog/authors/profile-pic-kryshla-shallwesocial.webp"
postType: "learn"
image: "/img/blog/how-to-enable-two-factor-authentication-on-instagram/main.jpg"
imageWidth: 1200
imageHeight: 816
tags: ["account management"]
---

It is every Instagram account owner’s worst nightmare: Being hacked. Imagine losing the ability to connect with your fans, followers and friends overnight or, worse still, your account being appropriated for sinister purposes.

## Why you need Two-factor authentication on Instagram

While it may not be possible to deter the most determined cyber scoundrels, in under a minute, you can increase your account security by enabling Instagram’s Two-factor authentication.

## What is Two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication is a security feature to protect user credentials. 

When set up, you will be asked for a special code or receive a message whenever a login attempt is made from a device that Instagram doesn’t recognise.

## How to turn on Two-factor authentication on Instagram

### Step 1. Open your Instagram profile and click the Menu icon in the top right

![Open your Instagram and click the menu icon](/img/blog/how-to-enable-two-factor-authentication-on-instagram/how-to-enable-two-factor-authentication-on-instagram-281-29.webp){width="700" height="1244"}

### Step 2. Tap ‘Settings’ > ‘Security’ > ‘Two-factor authentication’

![In the menu click the settings button with a cog icon](/img/blog/how-to-enable-two-factor-authentication-on-instagram/how-to-enable-two-factor-authentication-on-instagram-282-29.webp){width="700" height="1245"}

![Next, click on the security menu item](/img/blog/how-to-enable-two-factor-authentication-on-instagram/how-to-enable-two-factor-authentication-on-instagram-283-29.webp){width="700" height="1245"}

![Finally, click on Two factor authentication to start setting it up](/img/blog/how-to-enable-two-factor-authentication-on-instagram/how-to-enable-two-factor-authentication-on-instagram-284-29.webp){width="700" height="1245"}

### Step 3. Choose your security method

Tap the toggle switch next to the Text message (SMS) option or select login codes from a third party authentication app.

![Choose your two factor security method: sms or login code from a third party two factor app](/img/blog/how-to-enable-two-factor-authentication-on-instagram/how-to-enable-two-factor-authentication-on-instagram-285-29.webp){width="700" height="1245"}

![Tap next to finialize the setup and turn your two factor authentication on.](/img/blog/how-to-enable-two-factor-authentication-on-instagram/how-to-enable-two-factor-authentication-on-instagram-286-29.webp){width="700" height="1244"}

### Step 4. Enter code Instagram sent you

Instagram will send you a code via your chosen security method. Enter to complete the set-up process and hit ‘Next’

### Step 5. Save your recovery codes

You will now receive a list of recovery codes to use if your phone is unavailable. Screenshot these and save somewhere you can access without your mobile phone.