How to set up 2FA for Binance using Google Authenticator
Two-Factor Authentication can help prevent your accounts from being compromised. Here is a quick guide on how to set up your Google Authenticator for an additional layer of security.
Topics to read before diving into this article:
At the end of this course, you will be able to answer this question:
How do I set up 2FA for Binance?
Google Authenticator is an application that will generate 2-Step Verification codes on your phone. By providing one-time passcodes, this app provides stronger security for your web3 accounts.
Step 1 - Download Google Authenticator#Copy URL to this article section
First, you need to download and install the Google Authenticator application.
Downloading Google Authenticator application
After opening the application, a short introduction about Google Authenticator will show up on your screen followed by the two ways to set up 2FA on an account: (1) scan the QR code, or (2) enter a setup key. Click “Get Started”.
Getting started Google Authenticator
Setting up your account page in Google Authenticator
Step 2 - Set up 2FA on your Binance account#Copy URL to this article section
Now that you have already installed Google Authenticator, it is time to prepare your Binance account (Note: if you intend to use a QR code, you will need 2 separate devices: 1 for Google Authenticator, and another 1 for the Binance account. If you only have 1 device, you may later choose the alphanumeric or setup key).
Open your Binance app and login.
Go to Profile by clicking on the person icon on the upper left corner.
Heading into profile of your Binance account
3. Next, click “Security” at the bottom.
Clicking Security in Binance Profile
4. Under the 2-Factor authentication tab, choose “Binance/Google Authenticator”.
Choosing Binance/Google Authenticator in Security
5. To enable the 2FA, click the Binance/Google Authenticator toggle on the middle-right side of the screen.
Clicking Binance/Google Authenticator toggle
6. Since the Google Authenticator is already downloaded on your device, proceed by tapping the “Link” button.
Tapping the Link button
7. Six pages of “Authenticator Instructions” accompanied by step-by-step visual instructions regarding the setting up process with the use of a unique code will be displayed on your screen. After going through the instructions, click “Skip Tutorial”.
Reading Authenticator Instructions
8. The QR Code together with the alphanumeric key will be shown on your screen. You can choose either one to set up your 2FA.
Choosing between the QR code and the alphanumeric key
8.1 Use the QR code (Note: You will be needing an extra device for this process.)
On the device where you downloaded the Google Authenticator app, click “Scan A QR Code”. Afterwards, you will be instructed to place the QR code within the red lines. Do as instructed.
Using the QR Code
Scanning the QR code
Once you have finished scanning the Binance QR code using the Google Authenticator app, an account for your Binance will automatically be created inside Google Authenticator. It will now generate a six-digit combination in a time-based format (i.e. the combination changes every 30 seconds). You will be asked to enter these digits every time you log into Binance.
8.2 Use the alphanumeric key (setup key)
On the bottom right side of your Binance screen, click “Copy”. After that, on the bottom-most part of your screen, click “Link”.
Then, on your Google Authenticator application, click “Enter a Setup Key”.
Clicking Enter a Setup Key option
Type in your desired “Account Name” such as “Binance” or “Binance account”.Under the account name’s tab, paste the backup key you copied from Binance. As for the type of key, make it “Time Based”. Once done, click “Add”.
Adding account details
A six-digit verification code will then appear on your screen. Copy the code and head over to Binance. Paste it on the Enter Binance/Google verification code tab under the verification section. Click “Submit”.
Verification Step for your setup key
Note: Keep your backup key from Binance in a safe place. Store it somewhere only you have access to. This backup key will allow you to recover your authenticator should you lose your phone. Otherwise, resetting your authenticator will take at least 7 days.
Congratulations! You now have an additional layer of security for your Binance wallet! It is important to remember that having 2FA is not a guarantee that your account will not be compromised. You still need to be extra careful when clicking on links, downloading files, or engaging in any online activity. Updated as of 19th September 2024