How to disable two factor authentication instagram on pc


How to Turn Off Two-Factor Authentication on Instagram

Two-factor authentication is a popular identity confirmation method for a variety of webpages and online apps. It is an additional layer of security that protects you and your account from imposters. Instagram added two-factor authentication in 2018. With so many users worldwide, the platform has to pay attention to account safety. Of course, some people might have turned on two-factor authentication only to change their mind – it does add a couple more steps.

What Is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

You are probably familiar with single-factor authentication (SFA), which requires users to go through one security step to log in, most commonly a password.

Two-factor authentication adds another layer of security, which can come in several forms. This greatly enhances the security of your account by making it more difficult for cybercriminals to gain access to it. This means that even if a hacker got a hold of someone’s password, they’d still have to go through an entire additional layer of security, preferably in the form of information that they can’t get their hand on.

The Second Factor

While the first security step is almost always a password, the second factor can be any number of things. But one thing is for sure. It should be something that a hacker doesn’t have access to. As you might know, the common 2FA for bank and other financial accounts is having a security code texted to your phone. The assumption is that you have the phone in your possession and thus the hacker won’t be able to retrieve that text (at least not that easily).

Here are all the possible authentication factors (in the order of common adoption):

  • Knowledge factor – Based on the user’s knowledge (like a password, PIN, or personal info), SFA is typically based on knowledge factor.
  • Possession factor – As described, this is the most common form of 2FA. In addition to a password, the user needs access to something in their possession, such as a text to their cell phone, a security token, an ID card, etc.
  • Inherence factor – This is a more complex form of 2FA. It is commonly referred to as the biometric factor as in something physically specific to the user. This includes fingerprint, retinal, facial, and voice ID and up to keystroke dynamics, behavioral biometrics, and gait/speech patterns.
  • Location factor – The location of the login attempt is used as a confirmation factor.
  • Time factor – A specific allowable time window can be used.

Instagram’s 2FA

Instagram’s 2FA is a text message sent to your phone, within which is a code that you’ll need to enter in order to access your Instagram account. This is, of course, a possession factor, where you’ll need to have your phone with you. If you no longer wish to use 2FA for Instagram, or if you need to assign another phone number to it, here’s what to do:

  1. Go to your profile by tapping your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the Instagram app.


  2. Then, tap the three horizontal lines icon in the upper right corner.


  3. Go to Settings.


  4. From there, navigate to Security.


  5. Tap Two-Factor Authentication.


  6. Now, disable both the option you have enable, most likely the Text Message option.

Desktop Site

You can do this on the Instagram site, too.

  1. Click the profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen.


  2. Click the gear icon.


  3. Navigate to Privacy and Security.


  4. Scroll down until you see Two-Factor Authentication and click Edit Two-Factor Authentication Settings.


  5. Uncheck both the Authentication App and Text Message options.


Using Authentication Apps

Authentication apps are often safer than using Instagram’s built-in text message 2FA. That’s because text messages are much easier to hack than an authentication app that’s built with more sophisticated safety and security in mind. If your Instagram account has many followers and an excellent follower/following ratio, you’re better off using both the Text Message and Authentication App options in your Two-Factor Authentication Settings.

Staying Safe on Instagram

Using Instagram’s two-factor authentication all of the time can be a bit of a nuisance, but some might say that it’s better safe than sorry. Additionally, you won’t have to log into your Instagram too many times since the app knows how to keep you logged in.

Do you use 2FA on Instagram? Is it worth the trouble? Discuss what you think about using 2FA on Instagram in the comments below.

Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.

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How To Turn Off Two-Factor Authentication on Instagram

Undoubtedly, social media apps have become an essential part of several people, and security is of utmost importance with the myriad of sensitive information we keep on them. As a result, many apps provide extra security measures to ensure no one except you has access to your account. An example is a Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on Instagram.

This article will see how the two-factor authentication enforces better security on your Instagram account and how you can toggle it on and off.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?
  2. How Do You Turn On the Two-Factor Authentication on Instagram?
  3. How To Turn Off Two-Factor Authentication on Instagram
  4. What To Note After Turning On Two-Factor Authentication on Instagram?
  5. Conclusion

What Is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

Generally, the most popular form of security across social media apps is a password which is usually why they recommend you to go with a strong one. However, some passwords are still vulnerable and can lead to breaches of accounts. So Instagram introduced another layer of security to accounts in 2018 using two-factor authentication.

Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that requires a few more steps than a password before anyone except you tries to log into your account. Anytime someone tries to log in from a device that’s not yours, you’ll be asked for a unique code that’ll be sent to your phone to enter before access is granted.

Hence, Instagram’s first security step is the password, and its second is a possession factor. The possession factor is the second layer which requires you to have a cell phone where you can receive a text and provide an ID card or a security token. So, unless a person gets access to your phone, your account will be safe from any other person trying to log in.

How Do You Turn On the Two-Factor Authentication on Instagram?

If you want an extra layer of security on your Instagram account with two-factor authentication, it’s pretty easy to do so on your Android or iOS device. Follow these steps when you’ve launched and logged in to your Instagram account.

  1. Click on the profile icon to the right of your bottom navigation bar.
  2. Tap on the three-line menu to the top right of the screen and tap Settings.
  3. Click on the Security tab and then on Two-Factor Authentication.
  4. Click on Get started.
  5. Tap on the Security method you want and proceed with the instructions given.
  6. Save backup codes.

The text message is Instagram’s default security method for getting a code for your 2FA. However, if you want even more layers of security, you can download an authentication app (Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile).

How To Turn Off Two-Factor Authentication on Instagram

You can turn off your two-factor authentication like how you turned it on. Launch your Instagram app on your Android or iOS device and log in to your account. When logged in, follow these steps.

  1. Tap the profile icon to the far right of the bottom navigation bar.
  2. Click on the three-line menu at the top right of the page and tap on Settings.
  3. Click on Security and the Two-Factor Authentication.
  4. Disable the second security options you selected when you turned on 2FA.

From a computer/desktop:

  1. Navigate to Privacy and Security under Settings.
  2. Then, toggle off the authentication and text message factors.

Once you turn it off, you can log in from other devices, and Instagram will not bother sending a second code to you. However, you might get a mail that another device logged in to your account, which you can then confirm if it’s still you or an intruder.

What To Note After Turning On Two-Factor Authentication on Instagram?

When you turn on the two-factor authentication, you can track login requests and remove trusted devices from your app. You’ll also be able to track backup codes for your Instagram if you have problems getting recovery codes. Also, ensure the device you’re using to receive two-factor authentication codes has been marked as trusted on your Instagram account.

With a trusted device, you’ll skip the entry of security codes each time you log into your Instagram account. You can mark a device as trusted by signing in to your account with two-factor authentication and tapping “trust this device.” However, if you’re using a shared or public device, do not tap the “trust this device” icon, or you’ll unknowingly give other people access to your account.

When setting up the text message option for two-factor authentication, you can choose a number already attached to your Instagram account or use a new number.

Conclusion

An additional layer of security on Instagram is always good, but if you think you’re safe from breaches on Instagram, you can turn off the 2FA option. Stay safe as you network!

How do I enable or disable two-factor authentication on Instagram for multiple devices?

Help Center

By setting up two-factor authentication for your Instagram account using a third-party app, you can connect multiple devices to your account.

This will send the authentication app a 6-digit login code to your device.

Note. You need to set up two-factor authentication through a third-party app on one device before adding others. Additional devices will also need to download an authentication app before enabling the feature.

How do I set up two-factor authentication on additional devices?

Download a third-party authentication app, such as Duo Mobile, Apple Passwords, or Google Authenticator, to your device. Then open the Instagram app on that device.

Click the or icon on your profile picture in the lower right corner of the screen to go to your profile.

Click the icon in the upper right corner of the screen and select Settings.

Select Security and then Two-Factor Authentication.

Click next to Authenticator Application, and then click Add.

Enter a device name and click Next.

Click Copy key and paste it into the authentication application.

After linking your Instagram account to the authentication app, copy the 6-digit code generated by the app.

Return to the Instagram app, click Next and paste the 6-digit code to complete the setup on this device.

Note. You can enable two-factor authentication for up to five devices associated with one Instagram account. They can be removed at any time.

How do I disable two-factor authentication on a linked device?

Click the or icon on your profile picture in the lower right corner of the screen to go to your profile.

Click the icon in the upper right corner of the screen and select Settings.

Select Security and then Two-Factor Authentication.

Click to the right of the device you want to remove.

Select Delete. Disabling two-factor authentication does not automatically log you out of your account on this device.

Note. You can also apply an Instagram key if you use multiple authentication apps on the same device. To do this, follow the steps above on it.

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Two-factor authentication on Instagram: how to enable, disable

Two-factor authentication is a reliable way to protect your account in any social network, website or service. Instagram, as a social network that stores a lot of sensitive user data, also needs additional protection, and two-factor authentication is a good solution. In this article, we will look at ways to enable and disable two-factor authentication on Instagram. As additional authentication, you can use SMS or an authentication app.

Table of contents

How to enable two-factor authentication on Instagram via SMS

The most popular two-factor authentication method is SMS. Consider ways to activate it on your phone and computer. The two-factor authentication method via SMS involves receiving a message with a temporary password on the phone that is linked to the Instagram account.

On your phone

To enable two-factor authentication on Instagram via SMS from the official mobile app on your phone, launch the app. Next, at the bottom, switch to the account page and click on the three bars in the upper right corner.

Select “Settings”.

Next, click “Security”.

Click on “Two Factor Authentication”.

An information message appears. If you wish, you can get acquainted with the details on setting up and operating the two-factor authentication function. If you just want to turn it on, click Get Started.

Activate the switch next to the SMS point.

Next, enter the phone number that will be used to receive SMS with time codes. After entering the phone number, click "Next".

Please note:

The Instagram account itself can be linked to one phone number, and you can receive authentication codes to another number.

The phone will receive an SMS message, enter the code from it and click “Next”.

Please note:

Two-factor identification code on Instagram from SMS consists of 6 characters.

Two-factor authentication will be activated after a short boot. Click "Next".

Next, you will be given a set of entry codes. They can be used when there is no access to a phone number, but you need to log into your Instagram account. Click "Finish" to complete the setup.

Important:

Do not tell anyone these codes, they can be used by hackers to enter your Instagram account.

On computer

To set up two-factor authentication via SMS from a computer, open the Instagram website in any browser and log in with the required account.

Next, click on the avatar in the upper right corner and select "Settings" from the drop-down menu.

Switch in the left menu to the “Privacy and Security” section.

Scroll down the settings menu and click “Edit Two-Factor Authentication Settings”.

Check the box “Use text message”.

An information window will appear where you need to click “Enable”.

Enter your phone number and click Next.

The phone will receive an SMS, the code from which you need to enter and click "Done".

Please note:

SMS messages do not come from Instagram, but from Facebook, as the social network Instagram is part of Facebook.

A list of backup codes will appear. You need to save them in case you need to sign in to your account when you don't have access to your phone. After that, you can click “Go to feed” to complete the two-factor authentication setup.

How to enable two-factor authentication on Instagram using Google Authenticator

Consider another way to enable two-factor authentication on Instagram using the Google Authenticator app.

Please note:

The Google Authenticator app is free. It allows you to log in using temporary codes to a variety of accounts of sites, services and social networks, including Instagram. It is worth noting that on Instagram, you can also set up two-factor authentication through other applications, but they are less popular.

First of all, download and install Google Authenticator on your phone. This can be done for free.

Next, go to the Instagram application, switch to the account page at the bottom and click on the three bars in the upper right corner.

Select “Settings”.

Next select “Security”.

Go to the “Two-factor authentication” section.

Click “Start”.

Turn on the switch next to “Authentication Application”.

The Instagram app will automatically recognize that you have Google Authenticator installed and offer to use it to set it up. Click "Next".

The app will prompt you to open Google Authenticator. Open it.

The message “Add token” will appear. Click Yes.

Next, copy the Instagram code for the desired account from the Google Authenticator app.

Go back to Instagram and paste the code. Click "Next".

That's it, two-factor authentication is enabled. Click "Next".

A list of backup codes will appear. Save them and click Finish.

Please note:

Authentication code has 6 characters if sent via SMS or generated by Google Authenticator. But backup codes have 8 characters.

Note that two-factor authentication on Instagram can be configured similarly from a computer, but only if the browser supports the appropriate technology.

How to disable two-factor authentication on Instagram

Consider ways to disable previously activated additional protection from your phone and computer.

From the phone

Launch the official Instagram mobile application and click on the profile tab below. After that, in the upper right corner, click on the three stripes.

In the menu that opens, select “Settings”.

Next, go to the “Security” section.


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