How to Set Up 2-Step Verification on Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is not immune from hackers. The company recently discovered 300,000 illegally registered accounts for the console, as a result of which it decided to reach out to everyone who was or could be affected by this. There are additional steps you can take to save your Nintendo Online Account. With 2-Step Verification, no one but you can access your Nintendo Switch account.

You can find details on the official Nintendo website. 2-Step Verification is an extra layer of security that means you have to log in with your regular Nintendo Account password and a code sent to your smartphone. It may seem like a hassle, but with extra protection, you will feel at ease. No one will be able to access your account. Except you, the smartphone owner.

How to set up two-step verification

Before setting up 2-Step Verification on your Nintendo Switch, you need to download and install the Google Authenticator app on your smartphone.

• Download the Google Authenticator app here: iOS | Android

Google Authenticator works on any smartphone, tablet, or computer that supports the iOS or Android apps. After downloading the app, you can begin the process of activating 2-Step Verification on your Nintendo Switch.

1. Sign in to your account on the Nintendo website .
2. Go to Sign-in & account options and look for two-step verification.
3. Select Edit.
4. Click the "Send Email" button to have a verification code sent to your email address.
5. Enter the confirmation code you received.
6. A QR code will appear on your screen. Don't close the site!
7. Open the Google Authenticator app and scan the QR code displayed on the website.
8. After scanning the QR code, a 6-digit verification code will appear in the Google Authenticator app.
9. Enter this code.
10. This will create a list of backup codes. These codes are required to access your Nintendo Account if, for any reason, you cannot access the Google Authenticator app.
11. You can copy/paste these codes to a file or write them down. I recommend using both options and keeping the files in a safe place! If you lose these codes and your smartphone, you will probably no longer be able to access your Nintendo Account.
12. After saving the backup codes, click "OK" to complete the process. You can return to settings later to reacquire backup codes if you've lost them (but still have access to your smartphone) or turned off 2-step verification.