How do I turn on two-factor authentication for Instagram with the Authenticator App?
If you turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Instagram account, you’ll need a 6-digit code to log in. Here’s how to generate a code using the Authenticator App:
Step 1: Set up 2FA for Instagram. If you haven’t added Instagram to your Authenticator App yet, follow these steps:
Log into Instagram on a browser or the Instagram app.
Go to Settings > Account Center.
Choose Password & security > Two-factor authentication.
Select your Instagram account and the Authentication app option.
Instagram will display a QR code, this is what you’ll scan to link Instagram with your Authenticator App.
Open the Authenticator App, tap the + (plus) button, and scan the QR code.
A 6-digit code for Instagram will now appear in the Authenticator App.
Take that code and enter it into the field Instagram provides to verify and finalize the pairing.
🔗 Need more help? See our full Instagram 2FA Setup Guide.
Step 2: Get a code when Instagram asks for it. Once Instagram is added to your Authenticator App:
Open the Authenticator App.
Look for the Instagram account in your list.
Use the 6-digit code shown; it refreshes every 30 seconds.
Enter this code when Instagram asks for your login code.
ℹ️ Good to know
No internet needed to get the code, the app works offline.
If you changed phones or reset your device, you can restore your vault to get back your codes.
Related Articles
→ How do I turn on two-factor authentication for Facebook with the Authenticator App?
→ How do I set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for my online accounts?
→ How do I restore or sync my accounts on a new device?