It’s quite common these days to hear stories of users who have had their accounts tampered with. As a precaution, you may want to enable extra security measures, such as two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA), when using popular social media apps. Since every social network has its own design, you may not be able to find this security option easily, but this guide shows you how you can quickly enable 2FA for most popular social apps.
Also read: How to Enable Two-factor Authentication (2FA) in Fortnite and All Epic Games
What Is Two-Factor Authentication?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of protection added to ensure that those trying to get access to an account are who they say they are. First, your password and username are entered. Then, instead of instantly gaining access to the account, you are required to provide another piece of information – for example, a code.
You can get the code via text messages or a specialized authenticator app that you can install on your mobile device. Once linked to your accounts, the app will generate a stream of random codes to be utilized whenever needed. This method does not require an Internet connection to give you the code.
To set up Facebook’s two-factor authentication, you’ll need to go through your account’s settings, whether you’re doing so on your PC or mobile. (We used an Android phone for this entire guide). Steps may vary depending on which device you’re using.
PC
- Navigate to Facebook in your browser, then click on the downward arrow in the upper-right corner.
- Select “Settings & Privacy.”
- Select “Settings.”
- Select “Security & Login” from the left side of the display.
- On the right side, scroll until you find the “Two-factor authentication” option and click it.
- You will be presented with 3 options. The recommended option is to use an authentication app to generate verification codes for more protection. The second one is Text Messages (SMS). This method uses texts to send verification codes to your phone after you’ve logged in to your Facebook account. The third one is a Security Key, which is a USB- or NFC-based piece of hardware that plugs in to your computer or mobile device to authenticate.
- To take the recommended route, click on the “Use Authentication App” button. A QR code will be generated on your display.
- Open the authenticator app which you previously installed on your phone and scan the QR code. An authentication code will be generated by the app. It needs to be copy-pasted to your Facebook desktop app. That’s it! Two-factor authentication is now on.
If you go back the same route – “Settings & Privacy -> Settings -> Security & Login -> Two-factor authentication” – you’ll notice that you can now add a backup method so that you can log in even if your security method is not available. This includes Text Messages (SMS), Security Key and Recovery Codes. It may be a good idea to set one of these up just in case you can’t access your account the usual way.
Also read: How to Secure Your Facebook Account
Mobile
If you’re using Facebook on a mobile device, follow the below instructions:
- Open the app on your handset.
- Tap on the hamburger menu located in the upper right and scroll down until you find “Settings & Privacy.”
- Select “Settings.”
- Select “Password and Security.”
- Tap on the “Use Two-Factor Authentication” feature.
- You’ll see the same three options outlined above and should continue in the same manner.
Also read: How to Search Twitter Like a Pro
Like Facebook, Twitter has its own 2FA option available. You can turn it on from both desktop and the mobile app.
PC
- Find the menu on the left side of the display and click on “More.”
- Choose “Settings and Privacy.”
- Select the “Security and Account Access” option, then Security.
- Click on the “Two-Factor Authentication” option and choose your preferred method.
- On Twitter, you get three options to choose from: Text message, Authentication app and Security Key. To use this last method, you’ll have to have one of the two previous options turned on first.
Note: you’ll need to use the latest version of a supported browser – such as Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge or Safari – to add or log in to your account with a security key.
Mobile
Follow the instructions below to enable 2FA on your mobile device.
- Tap on the hamburger menu in the upper-left corner.
- Go to “Settings & Privacy.”
- Select “Security and account access” from the menu.
- Select “Security.”
- Select the “Two-Factor Authentication” feature.
- From there turn on whatever option suits you better (from the three outlined above).
Also read: How to Manage Comments on Instagram
It’s possible to enable 2FA in Instagram on PC and mobile. However, in the former scenario, you can only opt to receive a text message with the code you need for logging in.
PC
- Open Instagram in your browser, then tap on your profile picture in the upper-right corner of the display.
- Select “Settings.”
- From the menu on the left, click on “Privacy and Security.”
- Scroll down until you reach the “Two-Factor Authentication” section and click on “Edit Two-Factor Authentication Setting.”
- Click on “Use Text Message” to activate the option.
- Press “Turn on” in the pop-up that appears and that’s it!
Mobile
To add extra 2FA protection to your Instagram account on mobile, follow the below instructions:
- Open the app on your phone and tap on your profile picture in the lower-right side of the screen.
- Tap the hamburger menu in the upper-right corner.
- Select “Settings” from the menu that appears at the bottom.
- Click on “Security.”
- Look for and click on “Two-factor authentication.”
- Tap on the blue “Get Started” button that appears in the next window.
- You get two options: Text Message and Authentication App, with the latter being the recommended method. Toggle on the option you prefer, then follow the steps outlined to turn on the feature.
Also read: How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication to Protect Your Firefox Accounts
Snapchat
Privacy protection is a priority at Snapchat, so of course the app includes a 2FA feature. It’s available via the mobile app.
- Turn it on by tapping on your profile icon in the upper-left corner as you open the app.
- Go to Settings (the gear icon) on the right.
- From the menu that appears, select “Two-Factor Authentication.” Snapchat calls the feature “Login Verification.”
- Tap the green “Continue” button at the bottom to select whether you want SMS Verification or the Authentication App method.
Also read: 4 Unexpected and Fun Things You Can Do With Snapchat
On WhatsApp, you can only enable the 2FA feature from the mobile app. Follow the steps below:
- Open the app on your mobile device.
- Tap on the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and select “Settings.”
- From there go to “Account.”
- Find the “Two-step verification” option and tap on it.
- Tap on the Enable button, and the app will ask you to enter a six-digit PIN to use as verification.
- The app will also request an email address as a backup option in case you forget your PIN (optional). We suggest you do so to prevent any possible issues that may arise.
Also read: How to Add, Use, and Manage WhatsApp Stickers
Telegram
Telegram’s 2FA function can be activated from the service’s desktop client or the mobile app by following the below instructions:
PC
- On PC, open Telegram and tap on the hamburger menu in the left corner.
- Select “Settings.”
- Opt for “Privacy & Security.”
- Scroll down until you find “Enable two-step verification” and press on it.
- You’ll be asked to enter a new password. You’ll need this and an SMS code to log in to a new device.
Mobile
- Open the Telegram app on your mobile device.
- Tap on the hamburger menu in the upper left of the display.
- Select “Settings.”
- Tap on “Privacy and Security.”
- Select “Two-Step Verification” to turn the option on.
- Tap on “Set Password” to create the new one.
Also read: 7 Ways to Fix Telegram Not Saving Images to Gallery
Signal
If you’re a Signal user, know that you can enable 2FA only when using the mobile app – but not from your PC. It may be hard to find this option because it’s not labelled as such.
- In the Signal app, tap on the three dots in the upper right corner of the display.
- Select “Settings.”
- Tap on “Account.”
- Toggle on the “Registration Lock” option. Once enabled, the app will require your Signal PIN to register your phone number with Signal again.
Note: currently, Signal doesn’t offer support for Authenticator apps or offer support for backup codes.
TikTok
TikTok also lets you secure your account using 2FA. Given that the service is mostly mobile-centric, you will need to use the app to enable the feature.
- Open TikTok on your mobile device.
- Tap on “Profile” in the lower-right corner.
- Tap the hamburger menu in the upper right.
- Select “Settings and privacy.”
- Select “Security and login.”
- Tap on “2-step verification” to turn it on.
- TikTok gives you two options when it comes to 2FA: SMS and email. Choose your preferred method.
Also read: How to Add Two or More Songs to Your TikToks
Discord
If you have a Discord account, know that it’s possible to apply 2FA protection to your account both from PC and mobile by following the steps below:
PC
- Open the Discord client on your PC.
- Click on the gear icon at the bottom on the right.
- You’ll be taken to the “My Account” section. Scroll down and click on the “Enable Two-Factor Auth” button.
- Type in your password, then press “Continue.”
- Discord’s 2FA option relies on an Authenticator app, so you’ll need to download one on your phone to receive the code you’ll need to log in.
Mobile
- In the mobile app, tap your profile icon in the lower-right corner of the screen.
- Select “My Account.”
- Tap on the “Enable Two-Factor Auth” button.
- Enter your password and press “Continue.”
- You’ll need to check your Authenticator app and get the six-digit code required.
Also read: 16 Interesting Discord Servers to Join (And Where You Can Find More)
Twitch
If you’re on Twitch, here’s how you can add an extra layer of security through 2FA to your account on PC and mobile.
PC
- If you’re logged in to Twitch on your browser, click on your profile picture in the upper-right corner of the display.
- Select the “Security & Privacy” tab from the menu at the top.
- Scroll down and click on the “Set Up Two-Factor Authentication” button.
- Click on “Enable 2FA.”
- Enter your phone number if you haven’t already for Twitch to send you a security code.
- But first, you’ll need to type in a verification code that will be sent to your email address.
- Once you do, you will get the code needed to enable 2FA.
Mobile
To enable Twitch on your mobile device, follow the instructions below.
- Open the Twitch app on your phone.
- Tap on your profile pic in the top-left corner.
- Select “Account Settings.”
- Tap on “Two-Factor Authentication.”
- Tap on “Enable 2FA.”
- Type in your phone number and continue to follow the instructions, as above.
Also read: Steam vs. Epic Games Store: Which PC Gaming Client Is Better For You?
Steam
Don’t want anyone accessing your gaming account without permission? Steam offers 2FA, as well, although it calls the option “Steam Guard.” Here’s how to enable it.
PC
- Open the Steam client on your desktop computer.
- Click on “Steam -> Settings” from the menu at the top.
- In the Account section, select “Manage Steam Guard Account Security.”
- Select one of the options in the next panel. You can either get the authentication codes via the Steam app on your phone or via email. Select the appropriate option for you.
- If you’ve selected the first option, you’ll need to enable Steam Guard on your phone app by tapping on the hamburger menu in the left corner, selecting Steam Guard and tapping on “Add Authenticator.”
Also read: How to Share Steam Games with Family
With Linkedin, you need to have as much personal info as possible displayed on your profile to find a good job. With such sensitive information at risk, it’s a good idea to enable 2FA and can do so via desktop and mobile by following the steps below.
Desktop
- Click on the drop-down menu below your profile picture.
- Select “Settings & Privacy.”
- Find “Sign in & Security” in the menu on the left.
- Scroll all the way down and expand “Two-step verification.”
- Click on the “Turn on” button.
- Select between the authenticator app and phone number (SMS) methods to verify your account.
Mobile
On mobile, the process differs a bit to enable 2FA.
- Open the app and tap on your avatar image in the upper-left corner of the display.
- A menu slider will appear. Select Settings.
- Next, click on “Sign in & Security”.”
- Search for and select “Two-step verification.”
- Tap on “Set up” and choose your preferred method.
Also read: The Best Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Apps That Sync With Multiple Devices
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to reset 2FA if get a new phone?
It depends. If you have Google Authenticator as your primary 2FA method on a certain account, you can transfer your current 2FA configuration to your new device. On the other hand, if your 2FA method is SMS and you have the same phone number on the new device, you won’t have to make any updates. If your new phone has a new number, then you’ll need to set up 2FA for the new phone number on most of your accounts.
2. What are some of the best authenticator apps out there?
Google Authenticator is a popular solution, but there are many other options to choose from. Check out our list here.
3. My six-digit authentication code is not working. What can I do?
The six-digit codes you create using the authenticator app expire after a certain amount of time. Make sure you use the code before it expires. On the other hand, note that authenticator apps tend to rely on the time set on your device when they create the code. If the time on your mobile doesn’t match the time on the PC, the code will not work. Therefore, you may need to make sure the two match by modifying one of them.
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