Authenticator App - Novaz

Proton 2FA: How to Set Up an Authenticator App

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Two-factor authentication puts a second lock on your Proton Mail inbox, so your password on its own can't open it. Proton works with codes from an authenticator app, and Authenticator App - Novaz can generate them.

Your Proton inbox is the master key to your other accounts — attackers use it to reset passwords everywhere. Besides an authenticator app, Proton also offers security keys. An authenticator app (TOTP) is usually the best balance of security and convenience. For the strongest protection, Proton also supports hardware security keys.

2FA methods Proton supports

  • Authenticator app (TOTP)
  • Security key (U2F / WebAuthn)

Before you start

  • Your Proton Mail username and password (you'll type the password again during setup)
  • Authenticator App - Novaz installed on your iPhone or iPad
  • Proton Mail open in a browser on a computer, so your phone can scan the screen
  • A secure place for your recovery codes
Download on the App Store

Part 1: Turn on 2FA in Proton

  1. 1

    Open Proton Mail settings

    Sign in to Proton Mail, click "Settings" in the upper-right corner, and then select "Go to settings".

    Proton Mail Settings menu in the top-right corner with 'Go to settings' highlighted
  2. 2

    Turn on Two-factor authentication

    Open "Account and password", then switch on the "Two-factor authentication" toggle.

    Proton 'Account and password' settings with the Two-factor authentication toggle
  3. 3

    Leave the QR code showing

    Proton displays a QR code that carries your secret key. Keep the window open while you pick up your iPhone or iPad, and scan the code on your own screen, not the sample pictured here.

    Proton 'Set up two-factor authentication' window with a sample QR code

Part 2: Add Proton to Authenticator App - Novaz

  1. 4

    Scan the QR code with Authenticator App - Novaz

    Open Authenticator App - Novaz, tap the + button at the bottom, and aim your camera at the QR code on your computer.

    Authenticator App - Novaz scanner reading a QR code from a computer screen
  2. 5

    Save the Proton account

    When the scan succeeds, the app adds the Proton Mail logo and fills in your account name and the secret key. Tap Save to keep it.

    Authenticator App - Novaz new-account form with the Proton Mail logo and account details

Part 3: Confirm and finish

  1. 6

    Confirm with your password and code

    Proton asks for your account password first. Next, copy the current code from Authenticator App - Novaz into the box labeled "Two-factor authentication code", then press "Submit".

    Proton form asking for the account password and the two-factor authentication code, with a Submit button
  2. 7

    Keep your recovery codes

    Two-factor authentication now protects your Proton Mail account. Store the recovery codes in Authenticator App - Novaz or somewhere else secure, then click "Ok".

    Proton list of recovery codes with an Ok button

If something goes wrong

  • Proton says the code is incorrect: set your iPhone's date and time to update automatically, then try the newest code.
  • The code timed out while you typed your password: wait for Authenticator App - Novaz to show a new code and enter that.
  • The QR code won't scan: zoom the Proton page, increase your screen brightness, or add the secret key by hand if Proton shows it.
  • You lost your phone: sign in to Proton Mail with one of the recovery codes you saved in the last step.

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

How to recover your Proton account

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

Frequently asked questions

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

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

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