Authenticator App - Novaz

Mastodon 2FA: How to Set Up an Authenticator App

joinmastodon.org Supported

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

A hijacked Mastodon account can be used to impersonate you and scam your contacts, so 2FA matters. Besides an authenticator app, Mastodon also offers security keys. An authenticator app (TOTP) is usually the best balance of security and convenience. For the strongest protection, Mastodon also supports hardware security keys.

2FA methods Mastodon supports

  • Authenticator app (TOTP)
  • Security key (U2F / WebAuthn)
  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 Mastodon's QR code and generate your 6-digit sign-in codes.

    Download on the App Store
  2. 2

    Sign in to Mastodon and open your Mastodon 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 Mastodon 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 Mastodon account.

  6. 6

    Save a way to recover your account.

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

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

How to recover your Mastodon account

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

Frequently asked questions

Does Mastodon work with authenticator apps like Authenticator App - Novaz?
Yes. Mastodon supports TOTP authenticator apps, so you can generate its two-factor codes in Authenticator App - Novaz.
Is Mastodon two-factor authentication free?
Yes. Enabling authenticator-app 2FA on Mastodon is free — you only need the free Authenticator App - Novaz.
What if I lose access to my Mastodon 2FA codes?
If Mastodon 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 Mastodon'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 Mastodon?
Mastodon 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 Mastodon codes in Authenticator App - Novaz

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

Get the app

More Social guides

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