Instagram security: How to turn on 2FA and protect yourself from hackers right now

If you haven’t enabled two-factor authentication yet, we’d recommend getting it done as soon as you can

Facebook-owned WhatsApp recently embraced two-factor authentication too (Shutterstock)

Instagram introduced two-factor authentication a year ago, but it’s just started rolling out to more users, according to a new report.

The security feature, also known as 2FA, is designed to make it harder for hackers to break into your account.

With 2FA enabled, you’ll be required to enter an authentication code – sent to you via text message – in addition to your email address and password.

Therefore, even if a hacker managed to steal your login details, they wouldn’t be able to get into your account without that code.

Android Police reports that 2FA on Instagram is now rolling out more widely on Android devices.

If you haven’t enabled two-factor authentication yet, either on Android or iOS, we’d recommend taking a few moments to get it done as soon as you can.

Simply take the following steps:

• Launch settings
• Select Two-Factor Authentication in the Account section
• Tap the toggle button to enable 2FA
• Wait for your six-digit authentication code and enter it when prompted

WhatsApp recently introduced two-factor authentication too, though users need to have the latest version of the app in order to turn it on.

Facebook, which owns both WhatsApp and Instagram, went a step further by introducing support for security keys earlier this year, becoming the first major social network to do so.