Authenticator App - Novaz

Coinbase 2FA: How to Set Up an Authenticator App

coinbase.com Supported

Coinbase holds your crypto, so adding two-factor authentication makes sure a password alone can't unlock it. Coinbase lets you use an authenticator app for this second step, and Authenticator App - Novaz fits that role.

Crypto transactions can't be reversed, so protecting your Coinbase sign-in with 2FA is essential. Besides an authenticator app, Coinbase also offers SMS text codes and security keys. An authenticator app (TOTP) is usually the best balance of security and convenience — and it's safer than SMS codes, which can be intercepted through SIM-swap attacks. For the strongest protection, Coinbase also supports hardware security keys.

2FA methods Coinbase supports

  • SMS text message
  • Authenticator app (TOTP)
  • Security key (U2F / WebAuthn)

Before you start

  • Your Coinbase login details
  • Access to the phone number on your Coinbase account, for the 7-digit security code
  • Authenticator App - Novaz installed on your iPhone or iPad
  • Coinbase open on a computer so the QR code is on a separate screen
Download on the App Store

Part 1: Turn on 2FA in Coinbase

  1. 1

    Open your Coinbase settings

    Sign in to Coinbase, click "Account" at the top right and select "Settings".

    Coinbase account menu with Settings selected
  2. 2

    Go to Security

    In the settings menu, click "Security".

    Coinbase settings menu with the Security tab
  3. 3

    Choose Authenticator under Other Options

    Scroll down to the "Other Options" section and pick "Authenticator".

    Coinbase Security page with Authenticator listed under Other Options
  4. 4

    Enter the 7-digit security code

    A 7-digit security code arrives from Coinbase. Type it into the verification field and click "Confirm".

    Coinbase 'Verify your phone number' screen with a security code field and a Confirm button
  5. 5

    Keep the QR code window open

    Coinbase opens a pop-up with a QR code for your authenticator. Leave it on screen while you get your phone.

    Coinbase pop-up displaying a QR code for authenticator setup

Part 2: Add Coinbase to Authenticator App - Novaz

  1. 6

    Add Coinbase to Authenticator App - Novaz

    Open Authenticator App - Novaz, tap the + button at the bottom and point the camera at the QR code. If scanning doesn't work, tap + and choose "Files" to import the QR code instead, then follow the prompts.

    Authenticator App - Novaz scanning a Coinbase QR code, with the Files import option
  2. 7

    Check the details and tap Save

    Once scanned, the app fills in the Coinbase logo, account name and secret key for you. Rename the account or swap the icon if you like, then tap "Save".

    Authenticator App - Novaz showing the Coinbase account with editable name and icon

Part 3: Confirm and finish

  1. 8

    Enter the code and click Enable

    Copy the current code from Authenticator App - Novaz, paste it into Coinbase and click "Enable". The code changes every 30 seconds, so enter it promptly.

    Coinbase code entry field with an Enable button
  2. 9

    Confirm that 2FA is on

    Coinbase now uses two-factor authentication. From here on, have Authenticator App - Novaz at hand whenever you sign in.

    Coinbase confirmation that the authenticator is enabled
  3. 10

    Save a way to recover your account

    If Coinbase offers backup or recovery codes, download them or write them down and store them somewhere safe. They are how you get back into your account if you ever lose your phone. If it doesn't, check how Coinbase recovers accounts before you need it.

If something goes wrong

  • Coinbase won't accept the code: turn on Set Automatically under Settings > General > Date & Time on your iPhone, then try a new code.
  • The code timed out: wait for Authenticator App - Novaz to show the next one and enter it right away.
  • Don't mix up the two codes: the 7-digit security code from Coinbase goes in first, and the code from Authenticator App - Novaz comes at the end.
  • The QR code won't scan: zoom in on the pop-up, or use the "Files" import option in Authenticator App - Novaz.

Menu names on Coinbase can change — the official Coinbase 2FA documentation ↗ always has the exact, current path.

How to recover your Coinbase account

If you lose access to your authenticator and Coinbase gave you backup or recovery codes when you turned on 2FA, sign in with one of them; keep them somewhere safe, away from your phone. Not every service issues codes. If Coinbase doesn't, or you didn't save them, use Coinbase's account-recovery or support process (or ask your admin, for a work account) to get back in.

Frequently asked questions

Does Coinbase work with authenticator apps like Authenticator App - Novaz?
Yes. Coinbase supports TOTP authenticator apps, so you can generate its two-factor codes in Authenticator App - Novaz.
Is Coinbase two-factor authentication free?
Yes. Enabling authenticator-app 2FA on Coinbase is free — you only need the free Authenticator App - Novaz.
What if I lose access to my Coinbase 2FA codes?
If Coinbase gave you backup or recovery codes during setup, sign in with one of them. If it didn't, or you didn't save them, use Coinbase's account recovery or contact its support (or your admin, for a work account), then add the account to Authenticator App - Novaz again.
Should I use an authenticator app or a security key on Coinbase?
Coinbase supports both. An authenticator app like Authenticator App - Novaz is free and works on any phone; a hardware security key adds phishing resistance. You can enable both.

Generate your Coinbase codes in Authenticator App - Novaz

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