How to set up two-factor authentication for your Amazon account

Amazon Two Step Verification screen
Amazon Two Step Verification screen (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra factor (a generated code, in this case) to your Amazon login process, so even if your account's password is somehow discovered, your account stays locked without the code. It's a good idea to get two-factor authentication locked and loaded on any account that offers it. Amazon offers two types of two-factor authentication: you can either receive a text message containing a two-factor code or you can use an authenticator app to generate two-factor codes for you.

Follow along to learn the ins and outs of setting up two-factor authentication for your Amazon account.

How to set up SMS-based two-factor authentication

If you'd prefer to receive your two-factor authentication codes via text message, you'll want to use this method. Keep in mind you'll need a second phone number or an authentication app if you use this method — Amazon requires a backup authentication method in the event your primary method is unavailable.

  1. Visit the Amazon Website and log in to your account.
  2. Hover over Account & Lists in the upper right portion of the site.

Amazon homepage (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)
  1. Click Your Account.

Amazon account drop-down menu (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)
  1. Click Login & Security Settings in the Settings section.

Amazon account settings page (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)
  1. Click Edit next to the Two-Step Verification (2SV) Settings section.

Amazon two-step verification page 1 (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)
  1. Click Get Started to begin setting up two-factor authentication.
  2. Enter your phone number and click continue.Source: Jeramy Johnson / iMore

Amazon two step verification page 2 (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)

Amazon two step verification phone number (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)
  1. Enter the One Time Password and click Continue.
  2. Click Got it. Turn on Two-Step Verification after reading about Amazon's alternate sign-in method.Source: Jeramy Johnson / iMore

Amazon two step verification one time password entry (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)

Amazon confirm two step verification (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)

Note: Some devices and browsers may suppress the One Time Password settings automatically, or they may allow you to choose to do so. This will vary from browser to browser, and you will still be required to enter your Amazon.com password.

How to set up two-factor authentication with an authenticator app

If you'd prefer to get your two-factor authentication codes from an authenticator app, like Google Authenticator or Authy, you'll want to use this method. Keep in mind you'll also need to enter a phone number if you use this method — Amazon requires a backup authentication method in the event your primary method is unavailable.

  1. Visit the Amazon Website and log in to your account.
  2. Hover over Account & Lists in the top right portion of the site.

Amazon homepage (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)
  1. Click Your Account.

Amazon account drop-down menu (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)
  1. Click Login & Security Settings in the Settings section.

Amazon account settings page (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)
  1. Click Edit next to the Two-Step Verification (2SV) Settings section.

Amazon two-step verification page 1 (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)
  1. Click Get Started to begin setting up Two-Step Verification.
  2. Click on the radio button (looks like a circle) next to Authenticator App.Source: Jeramy Johnson / iMore

Amazon two step verification page 2 (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)

Amazon two step verification authenticator app 1 (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)
  1. Scan the QR code with your Authenticator App. (I use Authy to generate my two-factor authentication codes.)
  2. Enter the two-factor authentication code generated by your Authenticator App.
  3. Click Verify OTP and continue.

Amazon two step verification authenticator app qr code

Amazon two step verification authenticator app qr code (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)
  1. Choose a backup method by entering a phone number.
  2. Click Got it. Turn on Two-Step Verification after reading about Amazon's alternate sign-in method.Note: Some devices and browsers may suppress the One Time Password settings automatically, or they may allow you to choose to do so. This will vary from browser to browser, and you will still be required to enter your Amazon.com password.

Amazon confirm two step verification (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)

How to disable two-factor authentication

If you decide you no longer want to use two-factor authentication on your account, you can disable it.

  1. Visit the Amazon Website and log in to your account.
  2. Hover over Account & Lists in the top right portion of the site.

Amazon homepage (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)
  1. Click Your Account.

Amazon account drop-down menu (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)
  1. Click Login & Security Settings in the Settings section.

Amazon account settings page (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)
  1. Click Edit next to the Two-Step Verification (2SV) Settings section.

Amazon two-step verification page 1 (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)
  1. At the top of the screen where it says Two-Step Verification, click Disable. A prompt will come up warning you that this is not the most secure decision.
  2. Click Disable, and the Two-Step Verification will be turned off.Source: Jeramy Johnson / iMore

Amazon two step verification disable 1 (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)

Amazon two step verification disable 2 (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / iMore)

Questions?

Run into any problems along the way? Let me know in the comments below or over on Twitter and we'll try to troubleshoot the problem!

Mikah Sargent

Mikah Sargent is Senior Editor at Mobile Nations. When he's not bothering his chihuahuas, Mikah spends entirely too much time and money on HomeKit products. You can follow him on Twitter at @mikahsargent if you're so inclined.