How to Set Up 2-Step Authentication (named “two-step verification” in the Nintendo Account settings) for a Nintendo Account
Description:
Instructions on setting up 2-step authentication (named “two-step verification” in the Nintendo Account settings) for a Nintendo Account.
Additional Information:
Two-step verification adds an additional layer of security that can help prevent unauthorised access to your account.
Once two-step verification is enabled, you will need to sign in using BOTH your password and a code sent to your smart device (smartphone or tablet) via the Google Authenticator or any similar authentication app.
This option is not available for child accounts (ages 16 and under) or supervised accounts.
Complete These Steps:
Go to https://accounts.nintendo.com and sign in to your Nintendo Account.
Select Sign-In and Security Settings.
Scroll down to Two-Step Verification and click Change.
Select Enable two-step verification.
You may be prompted to confirm your identity by re-entering your password and/or by verifying your email address.
If prompted to enter your password, enter it then select OK.
If you have enabled passkey authentication, you can confirm your identity by signing in using your passkey.
If prompted to verify your email address, select Submit to have an email with a verification code sent to the email address associated with your Nintendo Account. Locate the code in your email and enter it in the "Verification code" box, then click Submit.
If you do not receive the email, but you have registered a phone number to your Nintendo Account, select Use another method to verify your identity on the "E-mail address verification" screen, then Submit. A code will be sent via text message to your phone number—enter it in the "Verification Code" box and select Submit to verify your identity.
If you have not registered a phone number to your Nintendo Account (or the verification text message does not arrive) and do not receive the email, please follow our steps for Did Not Receive a Nintendo Account Identity Verification Email.
Install the Google Authenticator or any other authentication app on your smart device.
Google Authenticator is a free app, available through Google Play (Android) and the App Store (iOS).
Use the smart device app to scan the QR Code displayed on your Nintendo Account screen.
A 6-digit verification code will appear on your smart device. Enter the verification code into the "Verification code" field on the Nintendo Account screen, then select Submit.
A list of backup codes will appear. Select Copy to copy all the codes, then paste them somewhere safe.
A backup code will be required for sign-in if you don’t have access to the Google Authenticator app. Make sure to keep these somewhere safe.
You can use your backup codes (one time each) if you do not have access to the Google Authenticator app. (Please note that the backup process may differ depending on the authentication app you use.)
Select Backup codes saved, then OK.
(You can return to the two-step verification settings section to review the backup codes and remove the two-step restriction at any time.)