What is 2-step verification?
Coinbase offers 2-step verification, known also as 2-factor (2FA) or multifactor authentication, as an added security layer in addition to your username and password.
With 2-step verification enabled on your account, you'll need to provide a unique verification code sent to your phone in addition to your username and password.
Some events that can trigger 2-step verification
- Signin attempt from an unrecognized device
- Signin attempt from a unrecognized phone number
- Sending crytpo out of your Coinbase account
Note: Coinbase no longer supports Authy. Scroll down to the Authy section for further info.
I'm not receiving the SMS (text) codes
- If you're using an authenticator app (like Google or Duo), you won't get SMS codes sent to your phone. Please use your authenticator app for codes instead
- Due to issues with the SMS network itself, codes may not get delivered to everyone. You may want to instead use an authenticator app to complete this step, since they don't require internet connectivity or SMS coverage
- Your SMS inbox may be full. Try deleting some messages from your inbox and request another code
- After several requests to resend the SMS code, our system may temporarily stop sending them as a security measure. After 24 hours we'll resume sending codes via SMS. If you've already waited 24 hours and still aren't receiving the codes, check with your phone carrier to see if they're blocking our SMS messages
The SMS codes aren't working
You may be using TOTP authenticator rather than SMS for verification. Check your security settings to see. If you are using a TOTP authenticator, scroll down to the TOTP authenticator section on this page for further help.
I have a new phone number and still have my old number
- Sign in to your account with your username, password, and 2-step verification code from your old number
- Go to your Security Settings page
- Verify your new phone number
- Set your new phone number as the Primary number
- (optional) Delete your old number
If you are using a NEW SIM card with your old number, please follow instructions for I have a new phone number and no longer have my old number below instead.
I have a new phone number and no longer have my old number
Note: Once you complete all the steps below, your phone number will be updated after the 48-72 hour security waiting period has passed. Further attempts to sign in will restart this waiting period.
- Sign in to your account with your username and password
- When prompted for a 2-step verification code, select I need help > I need to update my phone number
Note: If you do not get this prompt after providing your username and password, try logging in on an Incognito browser or clearing your cache and trying again. - You will need to provide the old phone number associated with your account as well as a new phone number. For security reasons, you'll be asked to provide:
- A photo of the front and back of your photo ID
- A webcam photo of yourself, taken at the time of the prompt
I got a new phone number and can't remember my old number
Try to remember your old number or find a record of it in your files.
If you cannot remember or locate your old number, contact our support team and let us know that you don't remember your phone number.
