Google Authenticator is a great app that improves your online security by providing two-step verification codes. Every time you sign in to an app, you’ll be asked to enter your password and a code generated by the app. This prevents potential intruders from accessing your account. Instagram is one of the many apps that allow you to use the Google Authenticator app to protect your account.
If you want to know how to add Instagram to Google Authenticator, you’ve come to the right place. This article will explain what you need to do to set up Google Authenticator on Instagram using your Android or iPhone device.
Add Instagram to Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator is based on two-factor authentication (2FA). This is an additional layer of security that verifies identity. How does it work? First, users enter their username and password to access a social network or application. Instead of automatically gaining access, the user must enter the “second factor.” Typically, the factor represents unique combinations of letters and numbers or answers to “secret” questions. The most advanced options are fingerprint patterns and voice scans.
With 2FA, you need to know both factors to access an account. So even if someone finds out your password, they won’t be able to get into your account without the second factor.
Google Authenticator is a great app that allows you to set up 2FA for numerous apps and programs, including Instagram. It is completely free and easy to use, even for those who are not tech savvy.
Add Instagram to Google Authenticator on an iPhone
The Google Authenticator app can be downloaded from App Store. Please note that you must access the Instagram app to add Google Authenticator to it.
Here’s how to add Google Authenticator to your Instagram:
- Open the Instagram app and sign in to your account if prompted.
- Select your profile photo in the lower right corner.
- Press the three lines in the upper right corner.
- Go to settings.”
- Choose “Security.”
- Tap “Two-factor authentication.”
- Press “Start.” Here you will see three options: Authenticator App, WhatsApp and Text Message. Choose “Authentication App.” Once you toggle the toggle button, Instagram will check to see if you have the Google Authenticator app installed. If not, they will recommend installation. Please note that Instagram will take you to “Duo Mobile”. In that case, use the search button to find Google Authenticator.
- Once you’ve installed the app, return to Instagram and follow the on-screen instructions to set up 2FA.
Add Instagram to Google Authenticator on an Android
Android users can improve the security of their Instagram account by using the Google Authenticator app. Follow the instructions below to set it up:
- Launch the Instagram app on your phone and log in to your account if necessary.
- Tap your profile photo in the bottom right corner.
- Select the three lines in the upper right corner.
- Choose “Settings.”
- Tap “Security.”
- Press “Two-factor authentication.”
- Tap “Get Started.” Out of the three options, choose the first one (Authentication App) by toggling the toggle button. Once you do that, Instagram will automatically check if you have an authenticator app installed on your Android. If you don’t have it, the app will recommend “Duo Mobile.” Press the search button in the upper right corner to search and install Google Authenticator.
- After installing the app, return to Instagram and follow the instructions to set up 2FA.
Frequent questions
How to transfer Google Authenticator codes to a new device
If you use Google Authenticator for numerous accounts, you may think that switching to a new device is complicated. Fortunately, the app makes transferring codes to a new device quick and easy. You’ll need your old device with Google Authenticator codes and your new one to do this. Here’s how to transfer the codes:
1. Install Google Authenticator on your new phone. Depending on the operating system you are using, download the application from Play store or the App Store.
2. Launch the app and select “Get Started”.
3. Choose “Import existing accounts?” option at the bottom.
4. Take your old phone, open the Google Authenticator app and press the three dots.
5. Choose “Transfer Accounts” and select “Export Accounts”.
6. Check the accounts you want to move to your new device and press “Next.” Your old phone will now create a QR code that you will need to scan with your new phone. If you selected more than one account, you may need to scan multiple QR codes.
7. Take your new phone and select “Scan QR Code”.
After scanning the codes, you will receive a notification that your accounts have been transferred to the new device.
My code is wrong. That I have to do?
Getting incorrect codes is not an uncommon problem in Google Authenticator. Fortunately, solving the problem is not complicated. Before proceeding with the steps, confirm that you entered the correct code before it expires. You should also make sure that your device’s time matches your time zone. If you still receive a notification that your code is incorrect, you can try to sync your device:
1. Launch the Google Authenticator app and press the three dots.
2. Choose “Time Correction for Codes”.
3. Press “Sync Now”.
Keep your Instagram account safe and secure
Unfortunately, having a strong password is not always a guarantee that your accounts are protected. Google Authenticator allows you to add an additional layer of security to your Instagram account and prevent potential intruders from accessing it. Since it acts as a hub for all your online accounts, you can use it for other social networks and apps. Although some may find the extra step too much, we would say it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
We hope this article explained how to use Google Authenticator for your Instagram account and you are now enjoying improved security.
Do you use 2FA to protect your accounts? Have you ever had problems with that? Tell us in the comments section below.
