How to add an account with a setup key

Sometimes scanning isn't possible — you're setting 2FA up on the same phone, the code won't scan, or the service only gives you a key. Every service that offers a QR code also offers the same secret as a setup key you can type in.

Enter the key by hand

1. On the service's 2FA screen, look for a link such as “can't scan?”, “enter key manually”, or “setup key”, and reveal the key.
2. Open Authenticator App and choose to add an account by entering a key.
3. Give the account a name you'll recognise (for example the service and your username).
4. Type or paste the setup key exactly — spaces don't matter, but the characters do.
5. Save the account, then enter the 6-digit code it generates back on the website to confirm.

If the code is rejected

• Check for mistyped characters — 0 and O, or 1 and l, are easy to confuse.
• Make sure you copied the whole key, not just the visible part.
• If the code is still refused, your device clock may be off — see the article on codes not working.