Does Login.gov work with authenticator apps like MS Authenticator App?

Yes. Login.gov supports TOTP authenticator apps, so you can generate its two-factor codes in MS Authenticator App.

Is Login.gov two-factor authentication free?

Yes. Enabling authenticator-app 2FA on Login.gov is free — you only need the free MS Authenticator App.

What if I lose access to my Login.gov 2FA codes?

Use the backup or recovery codes you saved during setup. If you didn't save them, contact Login.gov support to regain access, then re-add the account to MS Authenticator App.

Should I use an authenticator app or a security key on Login.gov?

Login.gov 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.

How to enable 2FA on Login.gov

← Login.gov overview Supported

Login.gov lets you secure your account with an authenticator app. With 2FA on, each login needs a fresh 6-digit code, keeping your Login.gov account safe even if your password leaks.

Step-by-step setup

1
Sign in to Login.gov and open your Login.gov account security settings.
2
Turn on two-factor authentication and choose the authenticator-app option.
Look for "Authenticator app", "Authentication app", or "TOTP" rather than SMS.
3
Scan the QR code with MS Authenticator App.
Open MS Authenticator App, tap add, and point your camera at the QR code Login.gov displays. Can't scan? Enter the setup key manually instead.
4
Enter the 6-digit code to confirm.
Type the code MS Authenticator App generates to verify and link your Login.gov account.
5
Save your backup codes.
Store the recovery codes Login.gov gives you somewhere safe — you'll need them if you lose your phone.

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

Frequently asked questions

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

Free, offline, and encrypted. One tap for every 6-digit code.

Get the app

More Government guides

Novaz is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Login.gov. Login.gov and its logo are trademarks of their respective owner and are used here for identification only.