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How To Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) For Instagram Using An Authenticator App

Setting up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on Instagram helps keep your account secure by requiring a second step, usually a code from an app on your phone, when logging in. This is especially important if you schedule Instagram Stories with tools like Storrito.


We strongly recommend using an authentication app instead of SMS or email-based 2FA. Why?


  • More secure: codes from apps can’t be intercepted like SMS messages or emails.
  • Faster access: the code is available instantly, even if you have no mobile signal.
  • Works offline: your app doesn’t need internet access to generate codes.


Here’s how to set it up using Google Authenticator or Apple’s built-in Authenticator.


What you’ll need


Your smartphone with:


  • Google Authenticator (Android or iOS), or
  • An iPhone with iOS 15 or later (for Apple’s built-in Authenticator)
  • The Instagram app, installed and logged in


Enable 2FA on Instagram


1. Open the Instagram app

  • Go to your profile and tap the menu icon in the top-right corner
  • Tap Settings and Privacy, then Accounts Center


2. Go to Password and Security

  • Tap Password and security, then Two-factor authentication


3. Choose your account

  • Select the Instagram account you want to protect


4. Select your method

  • Tap Authentication app (recommended)
  • Instagram will automatically look for an authenticator app on your phone


Set up with an Authenticator App


If you’re using Google Authenticator:

  • If the app opens automatically, approve the connection
  • If not, tap Set up another way, then Copy Key
  • Open Google Authenticator, tap the + icon, then choose Enter a setup key
  • Paste the key and save the new Instagram code entry


If you’re using Apple’s built-in Authenticator:

  • iPhone should offer to save the code directly to your Passwords app


If not:

  • Copy the key shown by Instagram
  • Go to Settings > Passwords > Your Instagram login
  • Tap Set Up Verification Code, then Enter Setup Key
  • Paste the key and save


Complete the setup


  • Return to Instagram and enter the 6-digit code from your app
  • Tap Next
  • Two-Factor Authentication is now active on your Instagram account


Switching phones?


Google and Apple both offer guides for moving 2FA codes


Make sure to transfer your codes to the new device before resetting your old phone


Can I use this alongside SMS or email 2FA?


Yes, and we recommend it. You can keep SMS or email 2FA enabled as a backup, but using an authenticator app as your primary method offers the most reliable and secure experience.


Need help?


Instagram also offers backup codes, which you can save in case you lose access to your device.

You can find them under Settings > Accounts Center > Password and Security > Two-factor Authentication


Still have questions? Reach out to our team!

Updated on: 14/07/2025

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