Hackers and other malicious actors often target the crypto world. There are additional steps a user can take to further protect their account, which is why we highly recommend enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
Great question! Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security for logging in to your Bittrex account. It is designed to ensure that you are the only person who can:
- access your account
- make changes to your account
- perform actions such as depositing, withdrawing, or trading
With 2FA enabled, your account can only be accessed on devices you trust, like your mobile device or personal computer. When logging in to your Bittrex account, you will need to enter both your password and the 6-digit verification code that is automatically displayed in your authentication app.
Note:
Other sites may refer to 2FA as two-step verification (2SV) or dual-factor authentication (DFA).
Excellent decision! You can do this on mobile or web.
- Open the app and tap More > Log In and enter your credentials.
- Tap More > 2-Factor Authentication > Enable 2FA.
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Back up your Security Key
IMPORTANT!
It is extremely important that you copy and store your Security Key in a safe place.
- Tap Setup Manually.
- Switch from the Bittrex app to the app store on your mobile device and download Google Authenticator for iOS or Android, or any preferred authentication app.
Note:
If you do not have or prefer not to use a mobile device, you can use a desktop authenticator app on your PC or Mac, such as: Winauth or Authy.
- The easiest way to add your Bittrex account to the authenticator is to copy and paste your Security Key from the Bittrex app to the authenticator app. Simply tap on the Security Key in the Bittrex app to copy it.
↪ First time using Google Authenticator? Click here to set it up!
↪ Need to Add a new account to Google Authenticator? Click here! - Once your Bittrex account has been added to your authenticator app, copy the 6-digit code and paste it into the Bittrex app. Click Continue.
Note:
Some authenticator apps will detect the login and name it properly (e.g. Google Authenticator is good at recognizing Bittrex), but others may not. For this reason, it's best to re-name the entry in your authenticator app so you know it corresponds with your Bittrex account.
- Tap Open Email.
- Open the email from no-reply@bittrex.com and tap the link to verify your account.
↪ Didn't receive the email? Click here! - You will be redirected to Bittrex.com on the web browser on your mobile device. Copy the new code from your authenticator app and paste it in. Then tap Enable Two-Factor Authentication.
- A confirmation screen will appear, you may close it.
- Return to the Bittrex mobile app and you will notice the 2FA status has changed to On. Nicely done!
You will also need a mobile device on hand for this method.
- Log In to your Bittrex account.
Note:
For best results, use the Google Chrome web browser when visiting the Bittrex website.
- Go to My Account > Two-Factor Authentication.
- If you have not previously enabled 2FA, the status will show as DISABLED.
- Use your mobile device to download Google Authenticator for iOS or Android, or any preferred authentication app.
Note:
If you do not have or prefer not to use a mobile device, you can use a desktop authenticator app on your PC or Mac, such as: Winauth or Authy.
- Open the authenticator app on your mobile device and use it to scan the QR code on your computer screen.
↪ First time using Google Authenticator? Click here to set it up!
↪ Need to Add a new account to Google Authenticator? Click here!
Note:
Some authenticator apps will detect the login and name it properly (e.g. Google Authenticator is good at recognizing Bittrex), but others may not. For this reason, it's best to re-name the entry in your authenticator app so you know it corresponds with your Bittrex account.
-
Back up your Security Key.
IMPORTANT!
It is extremely important that you copy and store your Security Key in a safe place.
- Return to your computer screen and enter the 6-digit authentication code from your mobile device, then click Enable 2FA.
Note:
You will need to quickly enter the code, as it will expire in 30 seconds. If the first code you entered expires, you will need to enter the next code that appears.
- 2FA status will change to PENDING. You will receive an email with instructions to verify your account.
- Open the email from no-reply@bittrex.com and click the link to verify your account.
↪ Didn't receive the email? Click here! - Open the authenticator app on your mobile device, then return to your computer screen and enter the code. Click Enable Two-Factor Authentication.
- 2FA status will change to Enabled. Nicely done! Now each time you log in, you will be asked to enter your Authenticator code from your mobile device.
Although not typically recommended, you may need to disable 2FA from your account for several reasons, such as:
- lost mobile device
- mobile device has been factory reset
- upgraded to new mobile device
You can do this on mobile or web.
Note:
This will also remove your linked online accounts, reset your Security Key, and delete all of your API keys. Should you choose to re-enable 2FA, you will receive a new Security Key, and you will have to re-link your accounts and add a new API key.
- Open the app and tap More > Log In and enter your credentials.
- If you still have access to your 2FA device, open your authenticator app and tap the code to copy it. Return to the Bittrex app and paste in the code.
↪ Lost your 2FA device? Click here! - Tap More > 2-Factor Authentication > Disable > Enter code to confirm. Enter the 6-digit code, then tap Disable 2FA.
- 2FA status will change to Off.
IMPORTANT!
After disabling 2FA, you will need to go into your authenticator app and delete the entry for Bittrex. If you re-enable 2FA, a new entry will be created in your authenticator app and the old entry will no longer work.
- Log in to your Bittrex account.
- If you still have access to your 2FA device, enter the code from your authenticator app on your mobile device:
↪ Lost your 2FA device? Click here! - Go to My Account > Two-Factor Authentication.
- Enter the 6-digit code, and click Disable 2FA. The 2FA status will change to DISABLED.
IMPORTANT!
After disabling 2FA, you will need to go into your authenticator app and delete the entry for Bittrex. If you re-enable 2FA, a new entry will be created in your authenticator app and the old entry will no longer work.
If you would like to transfer your 2FA from one mobile device to another, the best way to do this is to disable 2FA on the first device, then re-enable it on the second device.
If you are unable to disable 2FA, contact Bittrex Support so we can assist you further.
If you are specifically using Google Authenticator on an Android device, there is a way to transfer 2FA so you can receive the codes on your new device. See this Google Support article and refer to Get codes on new phone > Transfer Google Authenticator codes to new phone.
Having issues with 2FA? We can help with that! Click here to view our troubleshooting guide.