Bitcoin Forum

hello, i have 2fa on exchangers, but i haven't printer any backup code, can i still access my acc if something will happens with my phone? or can still type it down? tnx

I can think about a few solutions for you:

1. Disable your 2FA and enable again. This time, save the QR code; You can also use an alternative 2FA app like Authenticator Plus to be able to backup your codes.

2. If you are an android user, using Google Authenticator and your device is rooted, install Titanium Backup and make a backup of your Google Authenticator app data.

Yes, go with the first step the previous poster mentioned. Disable it and when re-enabling, write the code down.

I made to mistake of resetting my phone and it was a nightmare to prove that a Livecoin account was mine. Bittrex was a bit easier but it still wasn't fun. I had no idea the code generator didn't backup like every other Google product until it was too late.

I was fortunate to get them both back otherwise I would've lost about $1000.

Two factor authentication on exchanges is an absolutely great way to increase security measures on an exchange. Especially when there isn't much Opsec these days it's great to see exchanges like localbitcoins.com use them.

If you have the username and password you should always be about to get back into your account because you can I steal Google authenticator and login with it into your account. Then you just use the new code you get with 2FA and you should be back in. I do agree that you should follow the first reply you got about the qr code. Use every method of protection you can find and then backup those.  Always keep many backups.

2fa or two factor authentication is great, but I just heard today that Google Authenticator isn't the best as it has vulnerabilities but Duo is a good one with privacy in mind.

I was going to ask this elsewhere but this may be as good of place as any.

I know about 2FA on phones and I do use Google Authenticator on my iPhone, but is there a dedicated device one can buy and use for such purposes. Obviously I am not talking about another phone or tablet, but sort of a dedicated authentication type device?

You can use U2F on Yubikey, Ledger nano s, Ledger Blue.
And may be Trezor work with U2F too.
U2F it's Two Factor Authentication.

If you lose access to your phone, there is no way to login to your old 2fa. It is better for you to delete the your 2fa and create a new 2fa. Remember to print out your QR code for new 2fa.

Thank you for this information, I would not have known, sounds like a real pain if you have trouble!

As others already said, you should disable and re-enable 2FA and this time take note of the backup codes.

You can also print the QR code (or corresponding code) on a paper. When you loose access to your phone or get a new phone you can setup Google Authenticator again by scanning the QR code (or entering the text code).

You can also consider using alternatives to Google Authenticator App like Authenticator Plus or Authy that provide ways to backup the 2FA accounts or sync between devices. I've switched to Authenticator Plus myself a couple of weeks ago and so far I am really happy with it.

Keep your code in a safe. If someone gains access to your computer and that code, they can drain your account.

Awesome, thanks for the information. I was thinking about getting a Ledger Nano but I do not have many coins yet, but this may speed my decision along. I do use 2FA on my phone already, but I really do not like the idea of carrying my 2FA device all over with me where it can be lost or stolen. A Ledger Nano that I can lock up somewhere and only use it when I need it sounds a lot more attractive of an option for me.

I am using a Ledger Nano S for a couple of months now and I don't regret the buy. It is safe and really easy (and also fun) to use. Can totally recommend it.