The National Times - Instagram offers three routes to two-factor authentication

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Instagram offers three routes to two-factor authentication

TECHNOLOGY 30.08.2026

Instagram offers three routes to two-factor authentication

Instagram users can protect logins with codes from an authentication app, SMS or WhatsApp through Meta's Accounts Center.

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Instagram's two-factor authentication adds a verification code when an account is accessed from a device the service does not recognise. The feature is managed through Meta's Accounts Center and supports authentication apps, text messages and WhatsApp.

To activate it, users open their Instagram profile, select the three-line menu, enter Accounts Center and choose Password and security. They then select Two-factor authentication, choose the Instagram account and follow the setup for their preferred method. Meta recommends authentication apps such as Duo Mobile or Google Authenticator and allows more than one device to receive codes. SMS can use an existing or newly added phone number. WhatsApp delivery becomes available only after text-message authentication has first been enabled.

The same menu can disable an individual authentication method. Instagram also provides backup codes for cases in which a user loses access to a phone or email. Account holders can review login requests and remove devices previously marked as trusted. Two-factor authentication makes a stolen password less useful by requiring a separate code, although users should retain backup access securely.

A.M.Owen--TNT

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