How Do I Set Up Two Factor Authentication on My Coinbase Account?

Coinbase offers three main methods of installing a multifactor authentication code for your digital wallet. You can select a one-time SMS code, use multiple security keys, or use a third-party authenticator app to protect your crypto account in Coinbase. Contact the helpdesk and troubleshoot team for any additional assistance to installing a security solution in Coinbase.

Using a two-factor authentication system with a crypto company adds an extra layer of protection to your account.

Coinbase is a US-based crypto exchange platform that offers easy storing, buying, selling, and transferring of digital money like crypto coins. It provides a two-factor authentication process for Coinbase to protect your digital wallet from online hackers.

ways to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication On My Coinbase Account

You may need a mobile device and a phone number associated with your Coinbase account to complete the two-factor verification process.

There are three ways to enable two-step verification for your Coinbase account.

The basic steps to select different ways to secure your Coinbase account are as follows:

  1. Sign in to your Coinbase Account.
  2. Go to Security > Settings.
  3. You will see three verification modes.
  • Text Message/SMS.
  • Authenticator App
  • Security Key

Contact customer support to understand which one is suitable for your account.

Using SMS/Text

It's the least secured, text-based authentication system. By default, all Coinbase accounts come with an SMS-enabled multifactor authentication enabled. Every time you try to log into your Coinbase account, a unique, short-lived SMS code is sent to your mobile.

If you have trouble receiving the SMS codes or the number doesn't work, you can reach out to the Coinbase troubleshooting department.

Using Security Keys

Before you select this option, you need to have a security key that supports WebAuthN / Fido2 standards. To learn more about the security key restrictions, you can contact the support team.

Security keys work with adapters but do not support third-party apps installed on your device. You can add a maximum of five keys as a backup option if you lose your primary security key.

If you wish to update the security key, you should go to the security settings and select manage next to the security key name. You can then change or modify the keys.

If you disable the security key two-factor authentication process for Coinbase, SMS will be re-enabled as the default protection system.

If you break or lose the security key, you can contact a customer support executive from the Coinbase team.

Using Third-party Authenticator Apps

You can choose an external authenticator app to install a two-way verification system for protecting your crypto account in Coinbase. It's also known as a Time-based One-time Password (TOTP) authenticator app. TOTP authenticators like Google or Duo provide an extra layer of Security other than your account login username and password.

Here are the basic steps to enable an authenticator app on your mobile phone.

  1. You have to download Google or Duo authenticator apps on your device.
  2. Login to your Coinbase account and go to the Security settings.
  3. Select the Authenticator app box.
  4. Follow the further instructions to enable the verification system.

If you wish to use a new mobile device, you need to follow these steps.

  1. Sign in to your Coinbase account with your username, password, and the two-step verification code from the old device.
  2. Go to the security settings page and click the option to regenerate your key.
  3. Scan the key with your new authenticator device.

You can connect with the client service team if your codes do not work or your old number is not working.

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Christian has been writing about long hold times and customer service call center experiences since 2010. He's been featured in Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal and the Boston Globe.
How Do I Set Up Two Factor Authentication on My Coinbase Account?

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