Two-factor authentication is a way to add an extra level of security when you log in to your Reddit account. First, you log in with your Reddit username and password. (That’s one factor.) Then, instead of being logged in right away, you’ll be asked for an additional 6-digit authentication code generated from an app on your phone or device. (That’s the second factor.)
This two-factor authentication is only used when you log in to Reddit account with a password. If you use your Google account or Apple ID to log in, you’ll need to set up two-factor authentication through them.
Currently, you can only enable two-factor authentication by logging into Reddit on your computer’s web browser.
Once you’re logged in, follow these steps:
New Reddit
- Click on your username in the top right of your screen.
- Select User Settings and click on the Privacy & Security tab.
- Under Advanced Security, you’ll see the Use two-factor authentication control. To enable it, click the toggle to on.
- Next, enter your password and click Confirm.
- Follow the step-by-step instructions to set up your authentication and don’t forget to save your backup codes.
- After setup, you may be asked to log out and log back in to your account. Moving forward, you’ll need to enter a 6-digit code from your authenticator app every time you log in to Reddit.
Old Reddit
- Click preferences in the top right of your screen.
- Go to the password/email tab.
- Under two-factor authentication, select click to enable.
- Enter your password then click next.
- Follow the step-by-step instructions to set up your authentication and don’t forget to save your backup codes.
- After setup, you may be asked to log out and log back in to your account. Moving forward, you’ll need to enter a 6-digit code from your authenticator app every time you log in to Reddit.
Because two-factor authentication is set up using an app on your mobile phone, if you get a new phone you’ll need to disable your current two-factor authentication then set it up again on your new phone. If you somehow lose your phone or access to the authentication app you used to set things up, you can also use your backup codes to log in to your account.
If you have more questions that aren’t covered in these FAQs, check out r/help. Someone may have had the same question, or you can ask a new one and a Reddit administrator or one of your fellow redditors will help you out.