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Coinbase 2-Step Verification Not Working? See How To Fix It

  Steve
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Account recovery might be a headache sometimes, especially on platforms where you hold your crypto assets, such as Coinbase.

Many users want to add an extra layer of protection to their profiles for obvious security reasons.

That’s when 2-Step Verification (or Two Factor Authentication) comes into the scene.

But, there’s an issue: what happens when 2 Step Verification fails in your Coinbase account?

Is your account doomed? Well, not exactly.

There’s a solution for everything, even for failing 2-step verification codes.

Keep on reading this blog post to get all the information you need about:

  • Is Coinbase 2 step verification not working? Let’s fix it;
  • What to do if two-step verification third-party apps are not working as they should;
  • How to complete your account recovery process in case two-factor authentication doesn’t work.
Table Of Contents

What is Two-Factor Authentication on a Coinbase Account?

When you sign in to Coinbase, you want to protect your funds from any unfortunate event that might happen.

That’s why it’s important to set up a strong password, verify your identity in Coinbase, and enhance security settings on your account.

Two-Factor Authentication is meant to provide a more secure environment to all those users who want to feel safe within the limits of the Coinbase platform.

Enabling it generates a one-time code that allows you to access your Coinbase account safely.

To do it, just follow these three steps:

  1. Go to the Security Settings Page on the Coinbase website;
  2. Make sure to Verify Your Coinbase Account first so you can add a phone number associated with your profile;
  3. Follow instructions to complete the 2 Step Verification process with your preferred method.
Pro Tip: Coinbase Wallet is a separate crypto wallet that grants you an even safer way to ensure the security of your assets. If you want to learn more about Coinbase Wallet, click here: Coinbase vs. Coinbase Wallet.

How to Fix Coinbase 2 Step Verification Not Working

If you try to log in to your account with your username and password, but the 2-Step verification is failing, then it’s fundamental to understand how to solve this issue right away.

There are three main problems that might happen with Two-Step verification in your Coinbase account.

Maybe the authenticator app is failing, or perhaps you can’t access your account due to a problem with your device.

In any case, these fixes we are about to show you should help you get rid of any code-related problem you might be facing on your account.

Read Also: Binance vs. Coinbase: which one is better? If you are wondering which exchange better suits your security needs, then go and read the article we’ve written about this specific topic!

1. Security Key Not Working on Coinbase

Physical security keys are meant to protect your Coinbase account in a more profound way than other devices could.

If your security key is not properly working when trying to access your account with your username and password, then try these solutions.

Fix 1: Check Your Security Keys

If your security key is not working, then try this:

  1. Insert your security key and try to log in with your email address and password once again;
  2. Clear your browser’s cache in case the security key is still failing;
  3. If the security key is broken, go to the “message us” section to contact the Coinbase support team by clicking here.

Fix 2: Remove and Replace Your Security Key

In case you need to replace your security key device, then do the following:

  1. Sign in using the 2-step verification code generated by using your email address, username, password, and other data to get into your account;
  2. Go to Security Settings and select “Manage;”
  3. Scan the QR code or link the new device or method you want to use for 2-factor authentication.

2. SMS Codes Not Received

Keep in mind that an SMS code will not work if you have enabled an authenticator app, but we’ll get to it.

In case you are not receiving an SMS text on your mobile device with the code you need to sign in to your profile, follow these fixes.

Fix 1: Troubleshoot SMS 2-Step Verification Code

If the SMS code is not working, try the following:

  1. The problem might be related to your SMS network and not your mobile phone. In that case, just wait for a while;
  2. Check that the SMS inbox of your mobile device is not full. Otherwise, you won’t get the code;
  3. If you try to send too many codes, the platform will simply stop sending them in order to protect your account from too many tries.

Fix 2: Change Your Phone Number

Let’s say that you don’t have access to your old number. Do not despair and try the following:

  1. Sign in to your account and select “I need to update my phone number” when you receive the 2 step verification code;
  2. Provide your old number and them set up the new number you’ll be using;
  3. The platform will ask you to scan a picture of your ID and a photo of yourself in order to successfully change your number.

Learn more about this process by watching Coinbase’s official YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-SPXIiMk_w

3. Problems with Your Authenticator App

Some authenticator apps can be linked with Coinbase in order to securely sign in to your account whenever you want.

If the authenticator app is failing, then solve the problems by the following means.

Read Also: Checking your Coinbase Transaction History is a must to properly control your transactions on the platform. In case you need to do this, check out the post we wrote about that topic!

Fix 1: Disable Google Authenticator or Another TOTP

There might be a case where you need to disable your authenticator application because you can’t use it anymore.

To do this, try the following:

  1. Log in to your account and when you receive the code, just click on “I can’t access my authenticator app anymore;”
  2. Coinbase will start an account recovery process, so, as you might guess, they will ask you for important documents once again.

Fix 2: Set Up a New Authenticator Device

Now, let’s say that you have access to your old device, but now want to use the authenticator on a new mobile device.

This applies both for Google Authenticator and DUO, so take note.

Note: Your secret key is stored in your old phone device by default. Setting up a new secret key will cause the old device tokens to be invalidated. To learn more about this matter, go to Coinbase’s Official Authenticator Troubleshooting page.
  1. Log in to your account using your code as you always do;
  2. Go to the Security Settings section once again and tap on “Regenerate your Secret Key;”
  3. You’ll need to scan the new key, which might be a QR code, with the device you are going to link your profile with. Check this Coinbase YouTube Video to complete this step correctly.

Final words - activating 2-step verification is a must to enjoy a secure environment and protect your assets efficiently.

Although it might fail sometimes, the truth is that this feature is actually handy in a lot of situations, so go for it!

Coinbase Verification FAQ

What TOTP Authenticators Can I Use in Coinbase?

You can only use DUO, Google Authenticator, and Microsoft Authenticator as stated in this official Coinbase TOTP List.

Is Coinbase Customers Data Secure on the Platform?

Yes, it is. All Coinbase users can be sure that their data is protected from external risks that may be a menace against it, thanks to Coinbase Security Measures.

This article is part of The Beginner’s Guide To Coinbase where you can learn everything about Coinbase and how to use it.


About the author
Steve
Steve

Steve specializes in cryptocurrency and finance. As a born researcher, he won’t leave any stone unturned when it comes to topics he covers.



cryptocurrency Coinbase 2-Step Verification Not Working? See How To Fix It