Updated May 01, 2020 | 14:39IST
While most of us make use of a two-factor authentication code to add an additional layer of security to your apps, know what are recovery codes and how you can use them on Instagram.
Representational Image 
Okay, so you are super finicky about phone security and why won’t anyone be! From personal data to photographs and banking passwords, almost everything is on that smartphone device. Most of us are also aware of the fact that several apps too require an additional layer of security apart from your account password. A two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA) adds a necessary additional layer of security to many important apps.
On Instagram, 2FA requires you to confirm it's you attempting to log in, with a special code sent to you via text message. This code is known as a recovery code. Enter the code and you can access the app.
While given below is a detailed instruction on how to access your recovery codes, when you do get them, you will see a list of five different numbers – each of them eight digits long.
Underneath the codes, you have the option to screenshot your codes, as well as get new codes. If you decide to screenshot your codes, one of the best ways to keep track of them is to email the screenshot to yourself and add a few keywords into the email to find them easily upon searching.
Using recovery codes to log in
You can log in to your Instagram account on any other device without needing the text message code sent to your phone. Simply login to Instagram like and enter any one of the 8-digit recovery codes (without spaces) when prompted.
It's important to note that each code can only be used once. If you have a saved screenshot of your recovery codes, a good way to keep track of which code you've used is to number them, in correspondence to the list. Once you use up all your codes, get a new set.
1
Section
How to get a list of recovery codes for your account
STEP 1
Go to your Instagram profile and tap the three horizontal bars
STEP 3
Tap Security, then tap Two-Factor Authentication
STEP 4
Tap on Recovery Codes and you have them
2
Section
How to cancel your current recovery codes and get a new set of codes
STEP 1
Go to your profile and tap the three horizontal bars
STEP 2
Click on Settings
STEP 3
Click on Security, then tap Two-Factor Authentication
STEP 4
Click on Recovery Codes, then tap Get New Codes
Get the latest Tech news, on Times Now
)
