Instagram is one of the top apps for Android and iOS, used by millions of people worldwide. It allows us to post photos, videos, stories, go live, and share our precious moments. If you are using this app, then it is essential to keep it safe, to protect your privacy and to prevent hacking. Not sure what to do? No worries. We are going to share some tips and show you how to secure your Instagram account. Go though our guide and make some simple changes.

See also: How To Download Instagram Videos On Android

How to secure your Instagram account: Strong password

Let’s start with the basics. When it comes to any account, one of the essentials is to create a strong password. Don’t use your name, nickname, date of birth, the name of your pet and similar things when creating the password. There is no point of having a password if it’s easy to crack.

The stronger the password the better. Use the combination of numbers and letters, and make the password as long as possible. So, if your password is weak, before you do anything else, and make some other changes we are going to list here, make the password stronger.

How to secure your Instagram account: Enable 2FA

The next thing you should do is to enable two-factor authentication. Other leading apps, including Snapchat, offer their users to enable 2FA. How can this keep your Instagram account safe? Well, whenever you want to log in from a new device, you will be asked to provide your username, password, and an SMS security code that will be sent to your phone. Follow the steps below:

• Launch Instagram and go to your profile
• Next, tap on the icon located in the top-right corner
• Tap two-factor authentication
• Now toggle the switch next to “Require security code”
• When a pop-up message shows up, tap Turn on

Once you enable 2FA, you’ll be asked to add your phone number. Then tap Next, and you’ll receive an SMS with a security code.

 

How to secure your Instagram account: Private profile

Another thing that you should do is make your Instagram account private. This way, not everyone will be able to see your photos and videos. Only your followers. When your account is public, anyone can see your posts and anyone can follow you. Once you switch to a private profile option, you will get follower requests, and then if you like, you can accept them.

This requires just a moment of your time. Here is what you need to do:

• Open Instagram and go to your profile
• Tap the icon in the top-right corner
• In the Options menu, scroll down and toggle the switch next to Private account.

 

How to secure your Instagram account: Block unknown followers

If your account has been public, you may have many unknown followers. If their accounts seem shady, it would be the best to block them. Just follow a few simple steps:

• Open Instagram app on your device
• Go to the profile of the follower you wish to block
• Tap on three-dots in the top-right corner
• Now tap Block.

If you ever change your mind for some reason and want to unblock some followers, go to your profile, tap on the icon in the top-right, scroll down and tap Blocked Users. Go through the list of blocked accounts, click on the one you wish to remove from the blocked list, and tap Unblock.

 

How to secure your Instagram account: Don’t tag a location

It’s fun and nice to share photos with a location tag, but avoid putting yourself out there like that. Not everyone needs to know where you are, or that you are not at home at the moment. Our advice don’t share your location. Turn off location services for Instagram, and in the future, don’t add location tags.

 

How to secure your Instagram account: Don’t click shady links

If you are planning to start a business, or you simply want more followers, build your followers base properly. This often takes time, but it’s worth it. If you see a direct message or a follower with a promise you will get a thousand of new followers by clicking on some link, don’t do that. Block that follower, and simply ignore the message.

 

Additional tips

The above-mentioned tips are, let’s say the basics when it comes to Instagram security. However, you can always do more, not just to protect your account, but yourself and your family.

If you are a parent, avoid posting the photos of your kids. We know that you are proud of everything your kids do, and then you want to show their cuteness to everyone, but don’t share their photos.

Never share photos that contain any of your personal information, such as your address, phone number, ID, etc.

Of course, never share something that can embarrass you. You know how easily some photos or videos can become viral, so if you don’t want that to happen, don’t put it out there.

 

We hope you will find our tips useful. Implement these changes, and keep your Instagram account safe and secure. Not just that, protect your privacy.