This process is designed to generate the Secret Key for your Marketing Success Manager to set up your TOTP code in their system. You will then set up your own TOTP method separately for your personal login, ensuring you always have a code.
Part 1: Generating the Secret Key for Your Manager
- Open the Instagram App on your mobile device (iPhone or Android).
- Tap Profile (your profile picture) in the bottom-right corner.
- Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines ≡) in the top-right corner.
- At the top, tap Accounts Center.
- In the Accounts Center, tap Password and security.
- Under the "Two-Factor Authentication" heading, tap Two-factor authentication again.
- Select your Business Instagram profile from the list.
- When asked to Choose your security method, select Authentication App. Instagram will now try to connect to an authenticator app.
- Crucial Step: Look for the option that says "Set up another way" or "Can't scan it?" or "Copy Key". This will display the long string of letters and numbers (the Secret Key).
- Action: Copy this key to your phone's clipboard. You will not be able to screenshot the whole key.
- Action: Immediately paste the copied key into a message (email, chat, etc.) and send it to your Marketing Success Manager.
- Do not exit the Instagram app yet. Keep it open.
- Wait for your Marketing Success Manager to confirm they have successfully added the code to their system. They will provide you with a one-time, 6-digit TOTP code.
- Once you have the code, go back to the Instagram app, and tap Next.
- Enter the 6-digit TOTP code your manager provided, and tap Next.
- A confirmation screen will appear (e.g., "Two-Factor Authentication is On"). Tap Done.
Part 2: Setting up Your Own TOTP Method (Recommended)
This step ensures you can still log in to your account from your own authenticator app using a second, dedicated code.
- After completing Part 1, you will see a device listed under "Authentication App" (it might be named generically).
- Tap on the device to expand the options, and rename it to something like "Marketing Team" or "Agency Access" for clarity.
- On the same screen, under the "Authentication App" heading, look for Add another device (or tap Add).
- You will be prompted to set up a new connection. This time, you will use your personal authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy) to scan the new QR code or copy the new Setup Key.
- After setting up this new code in your personal app, use the 6-digit code it generates to complete the process on Instagram.
- Once confirmed, you will see a second device listed. Tap on this new device and rename it to something you will recognize, such as "My Personal Phone" or "[Your Name]'s Code".
Final Step: Your Marketing Success Manager will confirm when the entire setup is complete. Remember to save the Recovery Codes provided by Instagram in a secure, non-digital location.
TOTP stands for Time-based One-Time Password. It is the most secure and modern form of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
How it Works: Instead of a password alone, TOTP requires a second, temporary code for login. An app (like Duo Mobile or Google Authenticator) uses a secret key (from the QR code you scan) to continuously generate a brand-new, 6-digit code every 30 to 60 seconds.
The Key Difference: Unlike SMS codes, which can sometimes be intercepted, TOTP codes are generated entirely offline on your device, making them highly resistant to common hacking methods.
Why Do We Need This Setup?
Setting up TOTP is a mandatory security measure that provides two critical benefits:
- Protects Your Account: It adds a vital layer of protection. If a hacker somehow steals your password, they still cannot log in without the TOTP code, which expires every few seconds and is only available through the Authenticator App.
- Enables Our Service (Required for Agency Access): To manage your social media accounts without service interruptions, our systems require secure, non-expiring credentials. By providing us with the TOTP Secret Key (from the QR code), you are essentially giving our secure system the ability to generate the required login codes automatically, without ever having to ask you for a code again.
In short, TOTP is the best way to keep your account secure while simultaneously allowing our agency seamless, reliable access to manage your marketing campaigns.