Authenticator App - Novaz

Instagram 2FA: How to Set Up an Authenticator App

instagram.com Supported

With two-factor authentication on, someone who learns your Instagram password still can't get into your account without a second code. Instagram lets you get that code from an authentication app, such as Authenticator App - Novaz.

A hijacked Instagram account can be used to impersonate you and scam your contacts, so 2FA matters. Besides an authenticator app, Instagram also offers SMS text codes. An authenticator app (TOTP) is usually the best balance of security and convenience — and it's safer than SMS codes, which can be intercepted through SIM-swap attacks.

2FA methods Instagram supports

  • SMS text message
  • Authenticator app (TOTP)

Before you start

  • The Instagram app on your phone, signed in to your account
  • Authenticator App - Novaz installed on your iPhone or iPad
  • Room in your photos for a quick screenshot of the QR code, if you'd rather not copy the key
Download on the App Store

Part 1: Turn on 2FA in Instagram

  1. 1

    Open Accounts Center from your profile

    Open your Instagram profile, use the three-line menu in the top-right corner, and select "Accounts Center".

    Instagram profile menu with the Accounts Center option
  2. 2

    Go to the two-factor settings

    Tap "Password and security", then "Two-factor authentication".

    Accounts Center Password and security section in Instagram
  3. 3

    Choose the authentication app method

    Pick your Instagram account from the list, select "Authentication app", and tap "Next".

    Instagram two-factor method choice with Authentication app selected
  4. 4

    Grab the setup key or QR code

    Instagram presents "Copy key" and "View barcode/QR code". Copy the key to type the account into Authenticator App - Novaz yourself, or screenshot the QR code and import that image into the app.

    Instagram setup screen with Copy key and View barcode/QR code options

Part 2: Add Instagram to Authenticator App - Novaz

  1. 5

    Add Instagram in Authenticator App - Novaz

    Tap "+" in Authenticator App - Novaz. With "Manually", paste the key into "Secret Key", fill in Service and Account, then use the plus icon to pick Instagram's logo. With "Photo" or "File", choose your QR code screenshot and the app reads it and creates the account for you.

    Authenticator App - Novaz add screen with Manually, Photo and File choices
  2. 6

    Copy the Instagram code

    A 6-digit Instagram code now appears in the app. Tap it to copy, then head back to Instagram.

    Instagram entry in Authenticator App - Novaz showing a 6-digit code

Part 3: Confirm and finish

  1. 7

    Finish setup in Instagram

    In Instagram, tap "Next", paste the code into the field, and tap "Next" again to turn two-factor authentication on.

    Instagram code entry screen with a Next button
  2. 8

    Save a way to recover your account

    If Instagram offers backup or recovery codes, download them or write them down and store them somewhere safe. They are how you get back into your account if you ever lose your phone. If it doesn't, check how Instagram recovers accounts before you need it.

If something goes wrong

  • Instagram says the code is incorrect: make sure your iPhone's date and time update automatically (Settings > General > Date & Time), then try a new code.
  • The code timed out: wait for the next one to show up in Authenticator App - Novaz and paste it quickly.
  • The QR code screenshot won't import: take a fresh screenshot with the whole code in frame, or switch to "Copy key" and add the account manually.
  • Switching to a new phone: while you can still sign in, set up two-factor authentication again with Authenticator App - Novaz on the new device.

Menu names on Instagram can change — the official Instagram 2FA documentation ↗ always has the exact, current path.

How to recover your Instagram account

If you lose access to your authenticator and Instagram gave you backup or recovery codes when you turned on 2FA, sign in with one of them; keep them somewhere safe, away from your phone. Not every service issues codes. If Instagram doesn't, or you didn't save them, use Instagram's account-recovery or support process (or ask your admin, for a work account) to get back in.

Frequently asked questions

Does Instagram work with authenticator apps like Authenticator App - Novaz?
Yes. Instagram supports TOTP authenticator apps, so you can generate its two-factor codes in Authenticator App - Novaz.
Is Instagram two-factor authentication free?
Yes. Enabling authenticator-app 2FA on Instagram is free — you only need the free Authenticator App - Novaz.
What if I lose access to my Instagram 2FA codes?
If Instagram gave you backup or recovery codes during setup, sign in with one of them. If it didn't, or you didn't save them, use Instagram's account recovery or contact its support (or your admin, for a work account), then add the account to Authenticator App - Novaz again.

Generate your Instagram codes in Authenticator App - Novaz

Free, offline, and encrypted. One tap for every 6-digit code.

Get the app

More Social guides

Novaz is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Instagram. Instagram and its logo are trademarks of their respective owner and are used here for identification only.