One of the best ways to keep your internet-based accounts secure is through two-factor authentication. The process typically involves using a smartphone application to verify any login. For Nintendo Accounts, this process is called two-step verification, and it helps keep your personal information as well as your games safe from unauthorized access. Here’s everything you need to know on how to enable 2FA on your Nintendo Account, as well as how to change your password in the event your account may have been compromised.
Nintendo 2FA | How to turn on Two Step Verification
To enable two-step verification on your Nintendo Account, you’ll need to use the Google Authenticator mobile app. It’s available as a free download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Once two-factor authentication setup has been completed, you’ll need to use the app any time you sign in to your Nintendo account.
ALSO: These Nintendo Switch Joy-Con colors are being discontinued
While it’s not exactly quick to set up, the process is simple. Here’s how to set up 2FA or two-step verification on your Nintendo Account.
- Head to the Nintendo Account website and sign in
- Click on the option for Sign-in and security settings
- Click on the 2-Step Verification option, then click Edit
- Under 2-Step Verification settings, click Send email to have a verification code sent to the address linked to your account
- Copy the verification code from the email into the Nintendo website, then click Submit
- If you haven’t already, download and install the Google Authenticator app on your phone
- Use the Google Authenticator app to scan the QR code from the Nintendo Account website
- Type the six-digit verification code from your app into the Nintendo Account website and click Submit
- Copy the backup codes, then click OK to complete two-step verification setup
Once this process has been completed, you’ll be prompted to enter a code from the Google Authenticator app any time you log in to your Nintendo Account. This includes logging in to your Nintendo Switch.
Near the end of the 2FA setup, the Nintendo Account website will offer a list of three backup codes. These can be used to get into your Nintendo Account in the chance you can’t access the Google Authenticator app. Each code is single-use only, and Nintendo recommends writing them down and storing them someplace safe.
Nintendo 2FA | How to change your Nintendo Account password
In addition to turning on two-step verification, it may also be wise to change your Nintendo Account password from time to time. Thankfully, Nintendo has made the process painless.
- Head to the Nintendo Account website and sign in
- If you’ve enabled two-step verification, you’ll need to confirm your login through the Google Authenticator app
- Click the option for Sign-in and security settings, then click on Edit under the Change Password section
- Type in your current password, then click OK
- Enter a new password, then click Submit
It’s worth mentioning that the password change process is different for Parent/Guardian accounts. Child accounts can still have their password changed using the steps outlined above, but Parent/Guardian accounts need to find the Change Password setting through the Family Group option.
Turning on two-step verification or two-factor authentication on your Nintendo Account is highly advised. This is especially true if you’ve got an older account or a vast collection of games. By and large, you’ll only need to deal with the Google Authenticator app when you first sign in to your Nintendo device. As long as you’re not frequently switching between users, you won’t have to keep entering authentication codes. Either way, the added security is a major hurdle for anyone who may try to gain unauthorized access to your account.
