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How to change or turn off two-factor authentication on Instagram
Turn two-factor authentication off or switch its security method in a few taps.
Is this your situation?
You want to turn off two-factor authentication on Instagram, or switch to a different security method. You need the exact menu path so you do not get stuck mid-change.
The short answer
To turn off two-factor authentication, choose the security method to turn off and follow the on-screen instructions. Some people may see Accounts Center and others may see Meta Account settings as the place to manage account settings.
Before you start
- Confirm you are logged in A user must be logged into Instagram to turn off two-factor authentication.Verify: Check that your profile loads normally.
- Know which account to change You select the account when you reach Two-factor authentication.Verify: Check the account name in the list.
- Have a backup method ready Backup codes can be used to access the account if the device is lost or another security method fails.Verify: Check that you have saved backup codes.
How Instagram handles this
- Two-factor authentication requires a code if there is a login attempt from a device Instagram does not recognize.
- If any Instagram account uses two-factor authentication, you must enter a login code or confirm a login attempt when logging into any of these accounts.
- A user needs at least one security method set up to use two-factor authentication.
- Some people may see either Accounts Center or Meta Account settings as the place to manage settings.
Step by step
- Open Settings Start from the main menu.Where: Instagram app → More (bottom left) → SettingsConfirm: Check that the Settings menu has opened.
- Open Accounts Center Go to the security section.Where: Accounts Center → Password and securityConfirm: Check that Password and security has opened.
- Select two-factor authentication Open the two-factor authentication section.Where: Password and security → Two-factor authenticationConfirm: Check that the account list appears.
- Pick the account Tap the account whose setting you want to change.Where: Two-factor authentication → select an accountConfirm: Check that the account's security methods are listed.
- Review the current method See which security method is active before changing it.Confirm: Check which method shows as active.
- Choose the method to turn off Select the security method you want to turn off and follow the on-screen instructions.Confirm: Check the on-screen instructions for the method you selected.If this fails: Restart from Settings and repeat the path.
- Keep at least one method active A user needs at least one security method set up to use two-factor authentication.Confirm: Check that a method still shows as active if you intend to keep two-factor authentication on.
- Finish the change Complete the on-screen instructions for the method selected.Confirm: Check that the method list reflects your change.
Common mistakes
- Turning off without a backup method You turn off a method without having another security method set up.Why it happens: A user needs at least one security method set up to use two-factor authentication.
- Not knowing which menu to look for You look for Accounts Center and are not sure where account settings now appear.Why it happens: Users may see either Accounts Center or Meta Account settings as the place to manage account settings.
- Losing access after turning off two-factor authentication You turn off two-factor authentication and later check account recovery options.Why it happens: Two-factor authentication protects an account by requiring a code if there is a login attempt from an unrecognized device.Already happened: Review your account recovery options if you no longer have two-factor authentication set up.
Roles at a glance
| Security method | How it delivers the code | Prerequisite | Devices supported |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authentication app | Login codes come from an authentication app such as Duo Mobile or Google Authenticator. | Can only be turned on using the Instagram app for Android and iPhone. | Multiple devices connected to the account can all get login codes. |
| Text message | Sends a login code to the user's mobile number. | Requires a confirmed telephone number on the account. | — |
| WhatsApp | Gets login codes from WhatsApp. | Requires the text message method to be turned on first. | — |
| Any method | Users choose one of three security methods when setting up. | — | — |
| Any method | — | At least one security method must be set up to use two-factor authentication. | — |
Keeping track of who has access
After you change or turn off two-factor authentication, keep a record of what each account requires to sign in. Delvia is where you track who has access and what security methods are in place across your accounts.
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