Two-factor authentication is a widely used method of confirming our identity on a variety of web pages and online apps. It's an extra layer of security that protects you and your account from impostors. Instagram added two-factor authentication in 2018. With so many users around the world, the platform has to pay attention to account security. For some it may be annoying to take an extra step to enter the app, for this reason we explain how to disable Instagram two-factor authentication.
What is two-factor authentication (2FA)?
You're probably familiar with single-factor authentication (SFA), which requires users to go through a security step to log in, most commonly a password. Two-factor authentication adds another layer of security, which can take many forms. This greatly improves the security of your account by making it more difficult for cybercriminals to access. This means that even if a hacker is in possession of someone's password, he would still have to go through a whole additional layer of security, preferably in the form of information he can't get his hands on.
What is the second safety factor?
While the first security step is almost always a password, the second factor can be any number of things. But one thing is certain. It should be something a hacker doesn't have access to. As you may know, 2FA is used for bank accounts and other financial accounts involving sending a security code over the phone. The assumption is that you have the phone in your possession and therefore the hacker will not be able to retrieve that message (at least not that easily). Here are all the possible authentication factors (in order of common adoption):
- Knowledge factor: based on the user's knowledge (such as password, PIN or personal information), SFA is generally based on the knowledge factor.
- Possession factor: as described, this is the most common form of 2FA. In addition to a password, the user must access something in their possession, such as a text message on their mobile phone, a security token, an identity card, etc.
- Inherence factor: this is a more complex form of 2FA. It is commonly referred to as a biometric factor as being something physically specific to the user. This includes fingerprinting, retinal, facial and speech ID, and up to typing dynamics, behavioral biometrics, and gait / speech patterns.
- Position factor: the location of the login attempt is used as a confirmation factor.
- Time factor: you can use a specific time window allowed.
How to disable Instagram two-factor authentication
The 2FA of Instagram is a text message sent to your phone, inside which there is a code that you will have to enter to access your Instagram account. This is, of course, a possession factor, where you will need to have your phone with you. If you no longer want to use 2FA for Instagram, or if you need to assign it another phone number, here's what to do to take off Instagram two-factor authentication:
- Go to your profile by tapping your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the Instagram app.
- Then, tap the three horizontal lines icon in the top right corner.
- Go up Settings.
- From there, go to Safety.
- Toccata Two-factor authentication.
- Now disable both options you have enabled, most likely the option Message.
How to disable Instagram two-factor authentication on the site
You can also do this on the Instagram site.
- Click icon of Profile in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Click gear icon.
- Go to Privacy and security.
- Scroll down until you see Two-factor authentication and click Change two-factor authentication settings.
- Uncheck both options Authentication app e Text message.
How to disable likes on Instagram
Use of authentication apps
Authentication apps are often more secure than using Instagram's 2FA built-in text message. This is because text messages are much easier to hack than an authentication app built with more sophisticated security in mind. If your Instagram account has a lot of followers, it's best to use both the SMS and app authentication options in your two-factor authentication settings.
Stay safe on Instagram
Always using Instagram two-factor authentication can be a little annoying, but in my opinion, it's better to be safe than sorry. Plus, you won't have to log into your Instagram all the time, as the app knows how to keep you connected.
Further Reading:
- How to enable Steam two-factor authentication
- How to view, download and delete Instagram data
- How to enable WhatsApp two-factor authentication for Android
- How to protect Whatsapp with two-factor authentication
- What to do if your Instagram account has been hacked