2FA Setup Guide

How to enable 2FA for your Instagram account

Updated June 5, 2026

Two-factor authentication (2FA) protects your Instagram account even if your password leaks. Follow the steps below to generate Instagram verification codes with the Authenticator App on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.

Download Authenticator App
Download Authenticator App from the App Store on your iPhone, iPad or Mac. It's free and no sign-up is required.
Open Instagram security settings
In the Instagram app, go to your profile, open the menu and choose “Accounts Center” → “Password and security”.
Choose two-factor authentication
Tap “Two-factor authentication”, select your account, then choose “Authentication app”. Instagram will show a QR code or setup key.
Scan the QR code with Authenticator App
Open Authenticator App, tap the + button and scan the QR code shown by Instagram. If you can't scan it, choose the manual option on Instagram and type the setup key into the app instead.
Enter the 6-digit verification code
Type the 6-digit code from Authenticator App back into Instagram to confirm the setup. The code refreshes every 30 seconds.
Save your backup codes
If Instagram offers backup or recovery codes, download or write them down and store them somewhere safe. They let you regain access if you ever lose your device.