How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Dec. 2, 2019

In the backdrop oframpant hackingand ever-mounting data tracking, anadditional layer of safeguardfor sensitive information against unauthorized access has become indispensable. Of course, nothing can guarantee a full-proof shield against hackers these days. However, it always pays to have some extra cushion under the hood to prevent the unexpected from turning out to be a reality, doesn’t it? So, if the security of your major social accounts has been giving you sleepless nights and you don’t want your personal data to easily fall into wrong hands, make the most of two-factor authentication. If you don’t know where to begin, here is a rundown to help you enable two-factor authentication on your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Set Up Two-Factor Authentication for Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Accounts

For those unfamiliar, 2FA adds an extra layer of shield to your account. Thus, even if someone is able to steal your password, the master key will still be with you. Once you have set up 2FA for your social accounts, the respective app will send you a verification code on your registered number or the authenticator app to verify the login attempt – every single time.

So, if someone wants to break into your account, they must require the access of not only your ID, password but also the registered phone number/authenticator app i.e Google Authenticator (free foriOSandAndroid) or the security key depending on whatever verification method you have chosen. To prevent account hacking, today most apps offer two-factor authentication.

And most of them work almost the same way (check out their respective settings > security/privacy). In this guide, we are just going to focus on setting up 2FA for Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. That all being said, let’s get started!

Note:Steps are almost the same for both iOS and Android. So, you shouldn’t have any problem going through them regardless of which side of the stream you belong to.

1. On your mobile device, openFacebook> tap on theMorebutton (three horizontal lines) and then head into theSettings.

2. Under theSecuritysection, tap onSecurity and loginoption.

3. Now, tap onUse two-factor authenticationand hitGet Startedon the next screen.

4. Then,choose a preferred security methodand tap onContinue. Next up, follow the instructions to set the two-factor authentication for your Facebook account.

5. Open a web browser on your computer and head over tofacebook.com. After that, sign in to your account and click on the tinydownward arrowat the top right corner of the screen. Then, chooseSettingsin the menu.

6. Under theGeneralsection in the sidebar, click onSecurity and login.

7. Next, click onUse Two-Factor authentication.

8. Next up, click onGet Startedand then follow the instructions to set up two-factor authentication for Facebook.

If you like this tip check out our in-depth article on othercool Facebook tricks and tipsthat can help you use Facebook in a useful and fun way.

1. Open theInstagramapp on your mobile device > tap on theprofile taband then head into theSettings.

2. Now, tap onSecurityand choose theTwo-factor authenticationoption.

3. Next, tap on theGet Startedand then choose your desired security method as per your convenience. After that, follow the instruction to enable thetwo-factor authenticationfor your Instagram account.

4. Open a web browser on your device and head over toinstagram.com. After that, log in to your account and then click on theprofile tab at the top right cornerof the screen.

5. Now, click on theSettings iconlocated near your profile picture.

6. A menu will pop up on the screen with multiple options, choosePrivacy and Security.

7. Next, scroll down a bit and click onEdit Two-Factor Authentication Setting.

8. Finally,select your preferred security methodand then follow the instructions to add the extra layer of safeguard to your Instagram account.

Check out othercool Instagram tricksto enhance your Instagram experience by clicking on the link.

1. Open theTwitterapp on your mobile device and then tap on yourprofile photo.Now, tap onSettings and privacy.

2. Next, tap onAccountand chooseSecurity.

3. Next up, tap onTwo-factor authentication. Now, select your preferred authentication option and then follow the instructions to add an additional shield to your data.

Note:As of now, you can’t use a security key to authenticate your Twitter app. Do note that it doesn’t work on the web either.

1. Open a web browser on your computer and go totwitter.com. Then, sign in to your account, if you aren’t already. After that, click on theMore button (…)in the sidebar.

Note:You can follow the same steps for Twitter’s desktop app to enable 2FA.

2. Now, chooseSettings and privacy.

3. Under theAccountsection, click onSecurity.

4. Next up, click onTwo-factor authentication.

5. Finally,choose the medium through which you want to receive the verificationcode and then follow the instructions to set up the two-factor authentication for your Twitter account.

Do check out our article onbest Twitter tips and tricks. It mentions many nifty tips that can help you get the most out of Twitter.

So, that’s the right way to shield your Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts using 2FA. When the risk is always lingering around, it’s always better to stay guarded against the untoward incidents. As we are talking about improving the security of our personal information, you might want to have a look at the bestpassword managersandVPN appsto further boost the safeguard your data. Finally, share your thoughts on online security and privacy in the comments section below.

An old school bibliophile who turned a tech nerd out of obsession. When he is not digging into hacks and tracking down stories that are breaking the internet, you may find him reciting poems.