How to turn on two-factor authentication on Instagram

Two-factor authentication asks for a code whenever there's a login attempt from a device Instagram doesn't recognise. A stolen password alone is then not enough to get in.

For a business account it matters more than usual: the account often holds years of posts, customer messages and, on a professional account, ad access. If several Instagram accounts use two-factor authentication, you'll enter a code or confirm the login for each one.

Source: Instagram Help Centre: Securing your Meta Account with two-factor authentication, checked 15 October 2026

Instagram is moving people to Meta Accounts, so you may see Accounts Center or Meta Account settings. Some of its help pages go straight from Menu to Password and security without the Accounts Center step; use whichever your app shows. To turn it off later, follow the same path and choose the method to turn off.

1. Tap Profile or your profile picture in the bottom right.
2. Tap Menu in the top right.
3. Tap Accounts Center, then tap Password and security.
4. Tap Two-factor authentication, then select an account.
5. Choose the security method you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions.

Sources: Instagram Help Centre: Securing your Meta Account with two-factor authentication, checked 15 October 2026; Instagram Help Centre: Use an authentication app for two-factor authentication on Instagram, checked 15 October 2026

The authentication app method can only be turned on in the Instagram app for Android and iPhone, so set that one up on your phone.

1. On instagram.com, click More in the bottom left, then click Settings.
2. Click See more in Accounts Center, then click Password and security.
3. Click Two-factor authentication, then select an account.
4. Choose the security method you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions.

Source: Instagram Help Centre: Securing your Meta Account with two-factor authentication, checked 15 October 2026

You need at least one of these three:

1. To add an authentication app: go to Menu, then Password and security, then Two-factor authentication, and tap the account.
2. Tap Authentication app, then tap Next.
3. Enter the confirmation code from the authentication app to finish.

• Authentication app (recommended by Instagram): an app such as Duo Mobile or Google Authenticator generates login codes. You can add several devices to the account, so more than one person or phone can get codes
• Text message: Instagram sends a login code to your mobile number. You can use a number already on the account or add a new one
• WhatsApp: turn on text message first, then you can also get codes through WhatsApp

Sources: Instagram Help Centre: Securing your Meta Account with two-factor authentication, checked 15 October 2026; Instagram Help Centre: Use an authentication app for two-factor authentication on Instagram, checked 15 October 2026

Backup codes let you log in when a code can't be sent, for example because of connectivity or delivery problems. You can only see them while you're logged in, so save them now:

1. Tap Profile or your profile picture in the bottom right.
2. Tap Menu in the top right, then Password and security.
3. Tap Two-factor authentication, then the account.
4. Tap Additional methods, then Backup codes.
5. Copy them, take a screenshot or save them somewhere safe. To cancel them and get a new set, tap Get new codes.

Source: Instagram Help Centre: How you can use a backup code on Instagram, checked 15 October 2026

• The code can't be sent. Use one of your backup codes instead
• You're trying to set up an authentication app on a computer. That method only works in the Android or iPhone app
• WhatsApp isn't offered. Turn on the text message method first
• You've lost the phone. Log in with a backup code, then review login requests and remove trusted devices you no longer use
• You're asked for a code every time on your own phone. Tap Trust this device when you log in there, but never on a public or shared device
• You can't log in at all to turn it on. Two-factor authentication needs you to be logged in, so recover the account first

Sources: Instagram Help Centre: Securing your Meta Account with two-factor authentication, checked 15 October 2026; Instagram Help Centre: Use an authentication app for two-factor authentication on Instagram, checked 15 October 2026; Instagram Help Centre: How you can use a backup code on Instagram, checked 15 October 2026

Disclosure: this is our product. With the login locked down, the next job is keeping the feed active. Zolyp plans, writes and designs your Instagram posts and publishes them once you approve. There's a 3-day free trial, no card required.