> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.clianta.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Connect

> Add Instagram accounts to Clianta using browser login or credentials

There are two ways to connect an Instagram account. Both create an isolated profile with its own session, fingerprint, and proxy.

## Method 1: Browser login

Open a secure browser window and log in to Instagram manually. Best for your first login or when you want to verify the account visually.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a profile">
    In your group's **Accounts** tab, click **+ Add Account** → **Create New Account**. Choose the **operating system** (macOS or Windows) for the browser fingerprint — pick the OS of the computer where you'll use the desktop app.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure a proxy">
    Before your first login, set up a [proxy](/connecting/proxy-setup). This establishes your account's "home location" from the start.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch the browser">
    Open the Clianta desktop app, find your profile, and click **Launch**. A browser opens with your proxy and fingerprint active.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Log in normally">
    Sign in to Instagram as you usually would. Complete any verification prompts if they appear.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Close the browser">
    When you're done, close the browser window. Your session is saved automatically.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the connection">
    Back in the setup wizard, confirm you logged in and enter the Instagram username you used. This marks the account as connected.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  After logging in via browser, you can [move the profile to cloud](/guides/moving-to-cloud) so automation runs 24/7 without your computer.
</Tip>

## Method 2: Enter credentials

Provide your Instagram username, password, and 2FA secret so the cloud handles all future logins automatically. Best for cloud-first setups.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a profile">
    In your group's **Accounts** tab, click **+ Add Account** → **Create New Account**. Choose the **operating system** for the browser fingerprint.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the General tab">
    Click your account to open its settings, then go to the **General** tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your credentials">
    Fill in your Instagram username and password. If you have 2FA enabled, enter your **2FA secret key** (see below).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect">
    Click **Connect**. The cloud logs in and starts managing the account automatically.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Setting up 2FA

Two-factor authentication is strongly recommended. It protects your account and lets the cloud handle login challenges automatically.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Getting your 2FA secret key">
    The secret key is a text string (usually 16–32 characters) that generates time-based codes. You get it when first enabling 2FA on Instagram:

    1. Open Instagram → **Settings** → **Accounts Center** → **Password and security** → **Two-factor authentication**
    2. Choose **Authentication app**
    3. Instagram shows a QR code — tap **Copy key** or **Can't scan QR code?** to reveal the text key
    4. Save this key somewhere secure, then paste it into Clianta
    5. Complete the Instagram 2FA setup by entering the code from your authenticator app

    If you already have 2FA enabled and didn't save the key, you'll need to disable and re-enable 2FA to get a new one.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why the 2FA key matters">
    Without the secret key, Clianta can't generate verification codes automatically. If your session expires and Instagram asks for a 2FA code, the cloud won't be able to log back in — you'll need to do it manually from the desktop app.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Which method should I use?

| Scenario                             | Recommended method                        |
| ------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------- |
| Setting up cloud automation          | Enter credentials                         |
| Testing before going live            | Browser login                             |
| Account requires manual verification | Browser login first, then add credentials |
| Using the Free plan (desktop only)   | Browser login                             |

## Security

* Each profile runs in complete isolation — separate session, storage, and fingerprint
* Credentials are encrypted at rest
* Sessions are saved after every browser close and synced securely between desktop and cloud

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Set up a proxy" icon="shield-halved" href="/connecting/proxy-setup">
    Configure a proxy before your first login
  </Card>

  <Card title="Device fingerprints" icon="fingerprint" href="/connecting/fingerprints">
    How Clianta makes each profile look unique
  </Card>
</CardGroup>