The role of double authentication, or 2FA
In order to secure your access to exchanges, storage wallets or any other platform, it is strongly recommended to set up two-step authentication.
sometimes abbreviated 2FA for 2 Factor Authentication, it makes obligatory the use of his smartphone to connect on a website.
And if we have our phone stolen, can the thief log into our account? Don’t panic, if someone steals your smartphone, they won’t be able to connect to your account without your password, which remains mandatory.
Double authentication is simply an additional security that it is strongly recommended to activate on the platforms that offer it.
Availability of 2FA
This protection is unfortunately not available on all sites, but when it is, its use is sometimes mandatory to access all the features of a platform.
So you can use it to protect your accounts Coinbase, Binance, kraken, Bitfinex, KuCoin, BitMEX, etc. Activation is usually done from the “Account Security” section of a platform.
Downloading Google Authenticator
Click on one of the buttons below to download google authenticator on Android or iOS:
Enable 2FA
Once the application is installed on your phone, you will need to activate it on the different exchanges you use. We are not going to make the whole list of possible exchanges, since the approach is similar for each of them.
Start by going to the tab dedicated to two-step authentication. A QR Code and a code will be displayed to you.
If this is your first connection to the application, an introduction will explain how the application works, then suggest that you add authentication. Otherwise, press the More at the bottom right of the app.
You can choose between scan a QR code (barcode) or enter a code. It doesn’t matter, you can choose the method you prefer. But the method with the QR Code is recommendedbecause you are not likely to make a mistake.
⚠️ Warning, a recovery code is given to you with the QR Code (2FA backup key). Write it down somewhere and keep it safe. in safe place. Feel free to make multiple physical copies. This is a backup code needed to recover your account if you lose your smartphone and therefore your access to Google Authenticator.
Depending on the site, you may be asked to rewrite the recovery key, the code given by Google Authenticator, or both. Then… Well that’s it, your account is now secure!
Further information
As you will quickly notice, the code changes every 30 seconds. So when you are asked for the code, you will need your phone.
Generating the code uses phone time and other information related to your smartphone. So make sure your phone is always on timeotherwise the code displayed will not be correct and you will not be able to connect to the exchange websites.
In the event that the platform systematically refuses the code even though it is the correct code on your side, it’s a synchronization problem.
To adjust it, click on the menu of the 3 small dots at the top right and on “Settings”. Then click on “Time correction for codes”, then on “Synchronize”.
Need of disable your double authentication? You can’t access your phone anymore? This guide should help you.
You ask yourself other questions on the world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain? We may already have the answer in our Frequently Asked Questions.
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Moderator on a forum dedicated to finance and crypto-currencies, it is with joy and good humor that I help beginners who wish to embark on this complex universe. I write many articles to answer all your questions. From the operation of crypto buying and selling platforms, to securing your accounts, to the different types of orders possible in cryptocurrency trading.
