How to set up 2-Step Verification on your Nintendo Account

Written by Louie DiangsonPublished • April 25, 2020

Nintendo recently reported that it has found unauthorized logins on about 160,000 user accounts, which prompted the company to reset passwords and encourage users to use 2-step verification on their accounts. But how do you do that? Let us help you.

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How to set up 2-Step Verification on your Nintendo Account

What is 2-step verification?

A 2-step verification (also known as two-factor authentication or 2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your account.

The first layer of security is your username and password. If both information is correct, that will trigger the second layer which is a code or notification that is sent to an email account or device. Once the code is verified, you can now access your account.

In other words, it’s like having two different keys for two different locks on your door. If ever the first key is stolen, no one can open the door unless they have access to the second key.

Here’s how you can set it up:

Go to https://accounts.nintendo.com and sign in to your Nintendo Account.
Select “Sign-in and security settings”, then scroll down to “Two-Step Verification” and click “Edit”.

Click “Enable two-step verification”.

Click “Submit” to have a verification code sent to the email address shown.

If the email address is incorrect, click “Change” next to the “Email Address” menu setting under “User Information” to change it.

Enter the verification code from the e-mail, then select “Submit”.
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 field under step 3 on the Nintendo Account screen, then select “Submit”.

A list of backup codes will appear. Click “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 these (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.)

Click “Backup codes saved”, then “OK”.

Once set, you can return to the “Two-step verification settings” section to review the backup codes and remove the 2-step restriction.

And there you have it. Every time you need to log in to your Nintendo Account, just input your user name and password, enter the code from your Google Authenticator app, and you’re good to go.