Authenticator App - Novaz

Lemmy 2FA: How to Set Up an Authenticator App

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Protect your Lemmy account with two-factor authentication (2FA). Once enabled, signing in also requires a one-time code from your authenticator app — not just your password.

A hijacked Lemmy account can be used to impersonate you and scam your contacts, so 2FA matters. Lemmy secures sign-ins with an authenticator app — set it up once and you're protected on every login.

2FA methods Lemmy supports

  • Authenticator app (TOTP)
  1. 1

    Download Authenticator App - Novaz

    Install Authenticator App - Novaz from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad and open it — you'll use it to scan Lemmy's QR code and generate your 6-digit sign-in codes.

    Download on the App Store
  2. 2

    Sign in to Lemmy and open your Lemmy account security settings.

  3. 3

    Turn on two-factor authentication and choose the authenticator-app option.

    Look for "Authenticator app", "Authentication app", or "TOTP" rather than SMS.

  4. 4

    Scan the QR code with Authenticator App - Novaz.

    Open Authenticator App - Novaz, tap add, and point your camera at the QR code Lemmy displays. Can't scan? Enter the setup key manually instead.

  5. 5

    Enter the 6-digit code to confirm.

    Type the code Authenticator App - Novaz generates to verify and link your Lemmy account.

  6. 6

    Save a way to recover your account.

    If Lemmy shows backup or recovery codes, store them somewhere safe, away from your phone. If it doesn't, check how Lemmy recovers accounts (support, an admin, or another sign-in method) before you need it.

How to recover your Lemmy account

If you lose access to your authenticator and Lemmy 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 Lemmy doesn't, or you didn't save them, use Lemmy's account-recovery or support process (or ask your admin, for a work account) to get back in.

Frequently asked questions

Does Lemmy work with authenticator apps like Authenticator App - Novaz?
Yes. Lemmy supports TOTP authenticator apps, so you can generate its two-factor codes in Authenticator App - Novaz.
Is Lemmy two-factor authentication free?
Yes. Enabling authenticator-app 2FA on Lemmy is free — you only need the free Authenticator App - Novaz.
What if I lose access to my Lemmy 2FA codes?
If Lemmy 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 Lemmy's account recovery or contact its support (or your admin, for a work account), then add the account to Authenticator App - Novaz again.

Generate your Lemmy codes in Authenticator App - Novaz

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

Get the app

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