How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication, or 2FA in short, refers to such a security implementation that requires two different factors for verification of your identity, usually through a combination of your password and another factor, such as a code sent to your phone.

Here is how you can enable 2-factor authentication for some of the most popular platforms and services.

1. Setup of 2FA on Google (Gmail, YouTube, etc.)

Step 1: Sign in to Your Google Account

Go to Google Account.
Sign in using your credentials.

Step 2: Set up security settings

Click Security on the left sidebar.
Go down to Signing in to Google.
Click 2-Step Verification, then click Get Started.

Step 3

The final step is to choose between verifying via SMS/Text message or an authenticator app like Google Authenticator.
Go ahead and follow through with on-screen instructions to set this up.

Step 4: Confirm & Complete Setup

Enter the code sent to your phone or through an authenticator app.
Tap on Turn On to enable 2FA.

2. Setting up 2FA in Facebook

Step 1: Setting Up Security Settings

Open Facebook.
Tap the top right of any page and click on Settings & Privacy >> Settings.
Security and Login can be seen on the left sidebar-click on that.

Step 2: Tap Two-Factor Authentication is On

Scroll down to Two-Factor Authentication.
Click Edit next to Use two-factor authentication.

Step 3: Select Your Authentication Method

You can select either a text message – SMS, Authenticator app, or Security key.
Follow the instructions to attach your phone number or scan a QR code for the authenticator app.

Step 4: Finish Setup

Confirm the code sent to your phone or provided by the authenticator app to finish the setup.

3. How to Enable 2FA on Instagram

Step 1: Enter Settings of Instagram

Launch the Instagram application and enter your profile.
Tap the three lines in the top-right corner and select Settings.

Step 2: Enter Security Settings

Tap on Security, then select Two-Factor Authentication.

Step 3: Enable 2FA

Tap to receive a text message or to use an authenticator app.
Follow through the steps to complete this.

Step 4: Test the 2FA

Instagram will send a code to verify your 2FA setup.

4. Configuring 2FA on Twitter

Step 1: Account Settings

Open Twitter.
Click your profile icon and then Settings and privacy.

Step 2: Get to Security Settings

Under Security and account access, click Security, then Two-factor authentication.

Step 3: Choose Your 2FA Method

Text message, Authentication app, or Security key.

Step 4: Complete

Enter the code sent via SMS or from an authenticator app.

5. Enabling Two-Factor Authentication on Microsoft Account

Step 1: Sign in to Microsoft Account

Go to Microsoft Account.

Step 2: Configure Security Settings

Click on Security > Advanced security options.
Under Two-step verification, click on Turn on.

Step 3: Configure Your 2FA

Choose receive a text, use an authenticator app, or another method such as email.

Step 4: Verify and Complete

Follow the on-screen prompts to enter the code, and you’ll complete the setup.

6. Enable 2FA via Amazon

Step 1: Sign in to Your Amazon Account

Head to Amazon.com and log in with your credentials.

Step 2: Login & Security Settings

Click on Your Account > Login & Security.

Step 3: Turn On Two-Step Verification

Scroll down to Two-Step Verification (2SV) and click Edit.
Click on Get Started.

Step 4: Select 2FA Method

Enter your phone number or set up an authenticator app.
Verify your verification by typing in the code you receive.

7. WhatsApp 2FA Setup

Step 1: WhatsApp Opening

Open WhatsApp and then tap on Settings.

Step 2: Going to Security

Tap Account > Two-Step Verification.

Step 3: 2FA Enable

Tap Enable and create a six-digit PIN.
Optionally, you can add your email address for recovery if you forget the PIN.

8. LinkedIn 2FA Setup

Step 1: LinkedIn Sign-in

Access LinkedIn.com and log in.

Step 2: Account Settings

Click your profile icon > Settings & Privacy.

Step 3: Enable 2FA

Under the Login and Security tab, select Two-Step Verification.
Select Turn On, and then follow the on-screen process to enable either one via text message or via an authenticator app.

9. Enable 2FA in Dropbox

Step 1: Sign in to Dropbox

Launch Dropbox.com and sign in.

Step 2: Security Settings

Click your profile icon and then select Settings > Security.

Step 3: Two-Step Verification

Under Two-factor authentication, click the option that says Turn On.
Follow through the prompts to set up 2FA via a phone number or authenticator app.

10. Set up two-factor authentication for Apple ID

Step 1: Sign in to Apple ID

Launch the Apple ID page and sign in to the account.

Step 2: Enter the Security Settings

In the Security section, tap on Turn On Two-Factor Authentication

Step 3: Verify your identity

Apple will ask for your phone number. Give it, and proceed with the onscreen instructions to continue with setting it up.

Conclusion

Enabling 2FA is one of the best things that can be done in securing online accounts.

By the end of this process on each platform, you will have added a major layer of security to protect sensitive data from falling into unauthorized hands.