How to Use an Authenticator App for Instagram

Protecting your Instagram account from hackers is one of the most important things you can do for your brand, but your password alone isn't enough. By adding an authenticator app for two-factor authentication, you create a powerful security barrier that stops unauthorized access cold. This guide will show you exactly how to choose an authenticator app, connect it to your Instagram account step-by-step, and save your backup codes so you never get locked out.

What Is Two-Factor Authentication and Why Should You Use an App?

You've probably seen the term "two-factor authentication" or "2FA" before. In short, it's an extra layer of security that requires two separate pieces of information to log into your account: something you know (your password) and something you have (a temporary code).

By default, Instagram often suggests sending login codes via text message (SMS). While that's better than no 2FA at all, it has a significant weakness. Hackers can use a technique called "SIM swapping," where they trick your mobile carrier into transferring your phone number to a new SIM card they control. Once they have your number, they can intercept those text message login codes and break into your account.

An authenticator app solves this problem completely. Instead of relying on your phone number, the app is installed directly on your device and generates a constantly changing 6-digit code. This code is tied to your physical device, not your phone number, making SIM swapping attacks irrelevant. It's a far more secure and reliable way to protect your account, which is why it's the recommended method for anyone serious about their Instagram presence.

Three Popular Authenticator Apps to Consider

You don't need to spend hours researching apps. Most top-tier authenticator apps are free and work similarly. The key differences usually involve convenience features like cloud backup.

Here are three trusted options:

• Google Authenticator: This is the classic, no-frills choice. It's incredibly simple and gets the job done without any complicated features. Its main downside is that it doesn't offer cloud backup, so transferring to a new phone can be a manual process.
• Authy (Twilio): Authy is a favorite for many because of its encrypted cloud backup feature. If you lose your phone, you can easily restore your authenticator codes on a new device by entering a backup password. It also has a desktop app, giving you another way to access your codes. For many, this built-in safety net makes Authy the best choice.
• Microsoft Authenticator: Much like Authy, Microsoft Authenticator also offers cloud backup to your Microsoft account. Its interface is clean and straightforward, making it another excellent and secure option.

For this tutorial, the steps are nearly identical no matter which app you pick. Just download one from your phone's app store, and you'll be ready to go.

How to Connect an Authenticator App to Your Instagram Account

Adding this layer of security only takes a few minutes. Follow these instructions from inside the Instagram mobile app, and you'll be set up in no time.

Step 1: Navigate to Your Security Settings

First things first, get to the right menu. It's tucked away in Instagram's new Accounts Center, which manages settings for both Instagram and Facebook.

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile page.
2. Tap the hamburger icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
3. Tap on Settings and privacy.
4. Select Accounts Center, which is usually the first option at the top.
5. Under Account settings, tap on Password and security.

Step 2: Choose Two-Factor Authentication

Now that you're in the security hub, you can enable 2FA.

1. On the "Password and security" screen, tap on Two-factor authentication.
2. If you have multiple accounts connected, you'll be asked to select which account you want to secure. Tap on your Instagram profile.

You'll now see the different methods available for 2FA. Ignore the SMS (Text message) option and focus on the recommended one.

Step 3: Acknowledge the Recommendation and Select Authentication App

Instagram itself recommends using an authenticator app. From this screen, the app will guide you through the setup process.

1. The app will likely show a screen titled "Here's how it works." Tap Next.
2. Select Authentication app from the list of methods and tap Next. You will likely see a notice that this is the recommended and most secure option.

Step 4: Link Instagram to Your Authenticator App

This is where you make the connection between the two apps. Instagram makes this very easy by providing you with a special key or QR code.

• Option 1 (The Easy Way): If your authenticator app is on the same phone, Instagram will show a screen with your setup key and a button like "Set up automatically" or an option to simply tap the key to copy it. Instagram may even automatically launch your installed authenticator app for you. Follow the prompts in your authenticator app to add a new account for "Instagram."
• Option 2 (The Manual Way): If you prefer to use a QR code (for example, if you're setting this up on your computer or a different device), Instagram will display a QR code on the screen.
  1. Open your authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, etc.).
  2. Tap the '+' symbol to add a new account.
  3. Choose the option to "Scan a QR code."
  4. Use your phone's camera to scan the code displayed by Instagram.

Once connected, your authenticator app will now show a new entry for your Instagram account, displaying a fresh 6-digit code that changes every 30-60 seconds.

Step 5: Confirm the Connection in Instagram

To finalize the setup, you need to prove to Instagram that you've successfully linked your account. This final check is what activates app-based 2FA.

1. Go back to your authenticator app and look at the 6-digit code for your Instagram account. Remember, it's timed, so you'll want to be quick about the next step.
2. Switch back over to the Instagram app.
3. Enter that 6-digit code into the confirmation field and tap Next.

If the code is correct, you'll see a confirmation message! Two-factor authentication is now active on your account.

The Most Important Step: Save Your Backup Codes

You've done the hard part, but there's one last, absolutely vital step: saving your recovery codes. What happens if you lose your phone or it breaks? Without access to your authenticator app, you'd be locked out of your Instagram account permanently. Backup codes are your emergency key.

After you enable 2FA, Instagram will prompt you to view these codes. Do not skip this.

How to Find and Save Your Backup Codes:

1. On the setup confirmation screen, or by going back into the Two-factor authentication settings, tap on Additional methods.
2. Tap on Backup codes.
3. Instagram will display a list of ten 8-digit codes. These are one-time use codes that can be used to log in if you don't have access to your authenticator app.

Where to Store Your Codes Securely

How you store these codes is just as important as generating them. Remember, anyone with these codes can bypass your 2FA.

• Don't just take a screenshot. Your phone's camera roll isn't a secure or reliable place. If you lose your phone, you lose the screenshot too.
• Write them down on paper. It's old school, but it works. Keep them in a safe place where you keep other important documents, like a desk drawer or a personal safe.
• Use a password manager. If you use a password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden, create a secure note and save the codes there.
• Print them out. A physical copy stored away from your devices is a solid idea for an extra layer of protection.

Treat these codes like a master key to your digital home. Someday, they might be the only thing that gets you back in the door.

Best Practices and Quick Tips for Using Your Authenticator App

Once you are set up, keeping things running smoothly is easy. Here are a few final pointers to have in mind:

Moving to a New Phone? Transfer Your Accounts First.
Before getting rid of your old phone, make sure to move your authenticator app data to the new one. Google Authenticator has a dedicated "Transfer accounts" feature. If you're using Authy with cloud backup enabled, you just need to install the app on your new phone and verify your identity.

Code Not Working? Check Your Phone's Time.
The codes generated by authenticator apps are based on the current time. If your login attempts are failing, the most likely culprit is that the clock on your phone is out of sync. Go into your phone's settings and make sure it's set to update the time automatically from the network. This usually fixes the problem instantly.

Don't Remove 2FA Casually.
It can feel like a small extra step to log in, but the protection it offers is immense. The slight inconvenience of entering a 6-digit code is a small price to pay for preventing your hard-built brand and community from being taken over.

Final Thoughts

Setting up an authenticator app for your Instagram is a brief, one-time task that delivers lasting peace of mind. It's the single best upgrade you can make to your account's security, shielding the content and community you've worked so hard to build.

Once you've fortified your profile, managing it shouldn't introduce new security worries. For our part at Postbase, we prioritize maintaining stable, secure connections to your social accounts. Having reliable API connections means you aren't constantly asked to re-authenticate, which simplifies your workflow and keeps your workflow moving without frustrating interruptions.