MS Authenticator App

How to enable 2FA on Coinbase

Enable two-factor authentication on Coinbase to stop unauthorized logins. After setup, Coinbase asks for a rotating code from MS Authenticator App in addition to your password.

Step-by-step setup

  1. 1

    Locate 2FA Settings

    Login in your Coinbase account, and click on Account in the top right corner and select Settings.

    coinbase 2FA setup — Locate 2FA Settings
  2. 2

    Security

    From the settings menu in your Coinbase account, click on Security.

    coinbase 2FA setup — Security
  3. 3

    Other Options

    Scroll down and from Other Options select Authenticator.

    coinbase 2FA setup — Other Options
  4. 4

    Verify your phone number

    Coinbase will send you a 7 digit security code. Enter that code into the verification field and press on Confirm.

    coinbase 2FA setup — Verify your phone number
  5. 5

    QR Code

    A pop-up window will appear for you to scan the QR Code with MS Authenticator App. Keep this window open as you reach for your phone.

    coinbase 2FA setup — QR Code
  6. 6

    Capture QR Code

    Open MS Authenticator App and at the bottom of the screen, tap the plus button and hold your device up to the computer screen to scan the QR Code. If you are unable to scan the QR Code, you can import the QR Code in MS Authenticator App from Files, tap the plus sign in MS Authenticator App and choose Files and follow the instructions.

    coinbase 2FA setup — Capture QR Code
  7. 7

    Two-Factor Authentication Code (2FA)

    After successfully scanning the QR Code, MS Authenticator App will automatically choose the Coinbase logo and autofill account name and secret key. If you want you can change the icon or the account name. Press on Save when ready.

    coinbase 2FA setup — Two-Factor Authentication Code (2FA)
  8. 8

    Copy & Verify Your Code

    Copy the numerical code provided from MS Authenticator App and confirm it on the Coinbase website and then click Enable. Note that this code refreshes every 30 seconds.

    coinbase 2FA setup — Copy & Verify Your Code
  9. 9

    Done!

    You have successfully set Two-Factor Authentication for your Coinbase account, from now on, you will need to use the MS Authenticator App when you log in.

    coinbase 2FA setup — Done!

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

Frequently asked questions

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

Generate your Coinbase codes in MS Authenticator App

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