Instagram recently announced plans to allow users to use WhatsApp as a two-factor authentication method to log into the platform. In this article, you will learn how to get Instagram login codes on WhatsApp. If this is something you’re interested in, go ahead and learn how to use WhatsApp for two factor authentication (2FA) on Instagram.
Use WhatsApp for Two-Factor Authentication on Instagram
Before we start, it is worth noting that the WhatsApp-Instagram 2FA feature is gradually being rolled out. Therefore, you may not see the feature right away on your Instagram account. However, we’ve also included an alternative way to set up Instagram two-factor authentication using an authentication app.
Steps to Get Instagram Login Codes on WhatsApp
In this section, we will show you the whole process of associating your WhatsApp account with your Instagram account to get 2FA codes in the messaging app in the future. The steps will remain the same on Android and iOS. We are using an Android device for this tutorial. However, take a look at the steps below:
1. Go to your Instagram profile and tap on the horizontal three-dot menu in the upper right corner. Next, tap on “Settings” To access Instagram settings.
2. From the list of options displayed, Select “Security” and tap on “Two-Factor Authentication” on the next screen.
3. If you have not set up 2FA for Instagram before, you will see a feature descriptive banner. After that, tap on “Get started” and Turn on the “WhatsApp” toggle Under the “Choose Your Security Method” heading. This will start the process of setting WhatsApp as your Instagram two-factor authentication method.
4. Now you have to Add your WhatsApp phone number and tap on “Next”. You will soon receive a 6-digit code from Instagram’s official business account on WhatsApp. Type the code and hit “Next” to confirm WhatsApp as your Instagram 2FA method. From now on, Instagram will send login codes to your WhatsApp account when you log in.
5. In case you were wondering, the WhatsApp message from Instagram looks like this.
note: If you receive WhatsApp messages claiming to be someone from Instagram, do not share any personal information.
Other Ways to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Instagram
If you no longer use WhatsApp, you can use the other two ways to set up 2FA for your Instagram account. You can use a two-factor authentication app or use your phone number to receive verification codes as SMS. Authy (Free | Android, iOS) or LastPass Authenticator (Free | Android, iOS) as they are more secure than a traditional SMS authentication system.
1. Go to Instagram’s Settings and Security-> Two factor authentication and “Authentication Application (Suggested)” switch. Then tap “Next” to open your preferred authentication app and connect it to Instagram. If you haven’t used a 2FA app in the past, I recommend using Authy.
2. When you connect the 2FA app to Instagram, you will see a 6-digit passcode. Copy the code from the authentication app and paste it on Instagram to confirm the new authentication method. You can now use the codes in your 2FA app to login to your Instagram account.
Connect WhatsApp to Instagram for Two-Factor (2FA) Authentication
So, this is how you can use your WhatsApp account as a two-factor authentication method for Instagram. This method can help reduce clutter in your SMS inbox and make the 2FA authentication process more secure. The latter is especially true as you can lock your WhatsApp with Face ID or fingerprint. In the meantime, you should also check out our article on enabling two-factor authentication on Facebook and Twitter. For more such tips, check out our article on the best Instagram tips and tricks.
