How to Set Up 2-Step Authentication (2FA) for Nintendo Switch Account

With the recent news that over 100,000 Nintendo accounts have had their security compromised, lots of players are worried and are wondering how they can make their Switch more secure. Changing your password is a given, but if you want to take an extra step adding 2-Step Verification & Authentication AKA 2FA is a great idea. Here’s how to set up 2FA for your Nintendo Switch.

Turning On 2-Step Authentication (2FA) on Switch

Nintendo provides adequate instructions on how to set up 2-Step Verification Authentication.

In typical Nintendo fashion though it’s a bit convoluted and lengthy, but it is worth the effort for peace of mind that it would be extremely difficult for a hacker to into your Nintendo Account.

If you have any reason to believe you’ve been compromised or just want to be sure that no one will be able to, we highly suggest going through the process as annoying as it is.

Let’s run through 2FA set up via Nintendo:

1. Go to the Nintendo Account website and sign in to your Nintendo Account.
2. Select Sign-in and security settings, then scroll down to 2-Step Verification and click Edit.
3. Click 2-Step Verification settings.
4. Click Send email to have a verification code sent to the email address on file.
   • If the email address is incorrect, click the Email address menu setting under User Info to change it.
5. Enter the verification code from the email, then Submit.
6. Install the Google Authenticator app on your smart device.
   • This is a free app, available through Google Play (Android) and the App Store (iOS).
7. Use the smart device app to scan the QR code displayed on your Nintendo Account screen.
8. 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 Submit.
9. 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 to log 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.
10. Click I have saved the backup codes, then OK.
    • Once set, you can return to the 2-step verification settings section to review the backup codes and remove the 2-step restriction.

That’s all you need to know for how to set up 2FA for your Nintendo Switch. Stay safe everyone!