What is Two-step verification?

Two-step verification adds another layer of security to your account. To sign in, you will need your password plus a verification code from a text message sent to your phone, from an authenticator app or from a set of backup codes. Even if someone gets hold of your password, they still will not be able to sign in because they will not have your verification codes.

Two step verification option highlighted in the Security and Privacy menu.

It is easier than you think for someone to steal your password. One bad app downloaded from the internet, or one malicious link clicked, and someone could:

  • Access your call history and text messages
  • See any pictures you have synced with the cloud
  • Access any of your linked accounts

 

The Two-step verification keeps people who want your data out of your account, even if they have your password.

Go to device settings, then tap your profile image in the top right corner of the screen. Then, click the Password and security option and tap Two-step verification.

Verify the phone number you will use to receive verification codes by text message.

After setting up the two-step verification, every time you sign into your Samsung account you will need to enter the verification code sent to your phone number apart from other verification methods.

Sign in process:

1 Enter ID and password.
2 Confirm the verification code sent to your phone.
3 Input the verification code and sign in.

You can select Skip two-step verification on this phone next time on the device you are using to sign in. Once this device is chosen as a trusted device, you will not need to complete the Two-step verification process on this device anymore. 

Screenshot of the Samsung account sign in screen. Screenshot of the Samsung account sign in screen.
Two-step verification screen with the "Skip two-step verification option" highlighted. Two-step verification screen with the "Skip two-step verification option" highlighted.

Your Samsung account provides more than one option to receive a verification code. These options include receiving a code via SMS text message, using an authentication app (e.g., Microsoft™ Authenticator) and backup code.

Even if you do not have the same phone number that you originally registered, you lose your mobile phone or you are not able to receive the text message, you will still be able to access your account with one of the other options provided. Feel free to choose your preferred method of verifying your account.

Two-step verification screen with the "Text messages", "Use authenticator app" and "Backup code" options highlighted. Two-step verification screen with the "Text messages", "Use authenticator app" and "Backup code" options highlighted.

There are three verification methods you can choose to sign into your Samsung account: “Text messages”, “Use authenticator app” and “Backup codes”.

You can register up to three phone numbers to receive the verification code via SMS text message. These devices must already be registered to your Samsung account.

To keep your information safe, remember to frequently update your password in addition to using the two-step verification, and do not use the same ID and password that you use for other services.

For more information, visit the Samsung Account user guide

There are three other options apart from receiving the verification code to your regular number: 

1 If you have another Galaxy device that is signed into your Samsung account, a verification code will be sent to that device via text message.
2 You can also use a one-time password (OTP) app, for example the Microsoft™ Authenticator App, to receive the verification code.

To set up an OTP app, go to your device settings, tap on your Samsung account profile image, select Security, then Two-step verification and finally tap Add OTP.

Please note: If you are not able to install and run the OTP app, you may need to first register your device to the trusted device list through device settings, tapping on your Samsung account profile image, selecting Security, then Two-step verification and finally clicking Trusted devices.

3 You can use one of the backup codes that are provided when you enable Two-step verification. If you are not able to receive text messages and cannot install an OTP app, you can use a backup code.

Visit the two-step verification guide to learn more about this feature.

If you have a new phone number or a phone number you are no longer using, you can add or remove those numbers from your account. Remember, you can register up to 3 phone numbers.

1 Mobile device: Go to the device settings, tap Samsung account, select Account, and tap Password and security. Then click Two-step verification, select Phone number, and finally tap add to register another number.
2 PC Website: Go to the Samsung Account official website, click Sign in, go to Security, select Password and security, click Two-step verification and finally tap Phone number in order to add another number to receive text messages.

For enhanced security and privacy, and to protect your personal information, Two-step verification cannot be disabled.

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