How to turn on 2FA on Binance and OKX with an authenticator app
Short answer
Binance: in the app, tap the Account icon, then your profile at the top, Account Security, Authenticator App, Enable. OKX: tap the menu at the top left, then Profile and settings, Security, Authenticator app. Then scan the QR code or paste the setup key into Google Authenticator and enter the 6-digit code.
Binance
Account Security → Authenticator App
Account icon, then your profile at the top
OKX
Security → Authenticator app
Top-left menu, then Profile and settings
Which app
Google Authenticator and others
OKX also lists Microsoft Authenticator
Setup key
Write it down, keep it safe
OKX: you need it if you change or lose your phone
How to turn it on (Binance app as the example)
Install the official Google Authenticator app on your phone first
Open the Binance app, tap the Account icon, tap your profile at the top and go to Account Security
Tap Authenticator App, then Enable; you'll see a QR code and a setup key. Copy the setup key, and don't tap Next until the authenticator is set up
In Google Authenticator, tap +, then Enter a setup key, paste the key, give the account a name and tap Add
Go back to the Binance app, tap Next and enter the 6-digit code from the authenticator. You're done
Binance vs OKX
Binance
- In the app
- Account icon → profile → Account Security → Authenticator App
- On the website
- Check Binance's page
- To finish linking
- Enter the 6-digit code from the authenticator
- After resetting it
- Check Binance's page
OKX
- In the app
- Top-left menu → Profile and settings → Security → Authenticator app
- On the website
- Person icon at the top right → Security center → Authenticator app
- To finish linking
- Pass the email and phone codes, then enter the authenticator code
- After resetting it
- No withdrawals or C2C selling for 24 hours
| Exchange | Binance | OKX |
|---|---|---|
| In the app | Account icon → profile → Account Security → Authenticator App | Top-left menu → Profile and settings → Security → Authenticator app |
| On the website | Check Binance's page | Person icon at the top right → Security center → Authenticator app |
| To finish linking | Enter the 6-digit code from the authenticator | Pass the email and phone codes, then enter the authenticator code |
| After resetting it | Check Binance's page | No withdrawals or C2C selling for 24 hours |
| Sign up | Sign up | Sign up |
The exchange has the final word
FAQ
What does 2FA do for me?
Binance explains that even if someone gets your password, they still can't get into your account without the second check. For what 2FA is, see What is two-factor authentication (2FA)?.
Do I need to keep the setup key?
Yes. OKX says to keep the key safe so you aren't locked out if you change or lose your phone.
What does OKX ask for when I link it?
In the app, you pass the email and phone verification codes first, then enter the latest code from the authenticator; on the website, you enter the code sent to your sign-up phone and the 6-digit authenticator code.
If I change my authenticator, can I withdraw right away?
OKX says you can't withdraw or sell through C2C for 24 hours after a reset. For Binance, follow the app's prompts.
Someone asked for the 6-digit code from my authenticator. Should I give it?
No. You only enter the code yourself, on the official website or app, when you log in or withdraw.