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Novaz AuthenticatorGET

AJ Bell 2FA: how to set up an authenticator app

By the Novaz team · Updated October 29, 2026
Novaz steps checked against version 1.0.5

On this page
  1. When AJ Bell asks for a code
  2. Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app
  3. No backup codes in AJ Bell's help
  4. If AJ Bell rejects your code
  5. Changing phones
  6. If you lose your authenticator
  7. Official AJ Bell help

Your AJ Bell login opens your ISA, SIPP or Dealing account, on the website and in the AJ Bell app. AJ Bell already asks for a one-time code when you log in on a new device or browser. Two-factor authentication (2FA) asks for one every time. The code can come by text, by email or from an authenticator app (AJ Bell). This guide uses Authenticator App - Novaz on iPhone, but any authenticator app works the same way.

How we checked this guide: the AJ Bell steps come from AJ Bell's own FAQs, security pages and a how-to video transcript, linked below, which we read on October 19, 2026. We haven't tested them on an AJ Bell account, so a label may differ slightly. The Novaz steps are checked against the app, version 1.0.5.

When AJ Bell asks for a code

AJ Bell's help describes three situations (AJ Bell, AJ Bell):

  • A new device or browser. This happens with or without 2FA. Once AJ Bell recognizes the device, later logins need only your username and password (AJ Bell).
  • Every login, once you turn on two-factor authentication.
  • Changes to personal details, such as your bank details or address.

The Security settings page also lists the devices that have access to your account and lets you revoke them (AJ Bell).

AJ Bell says it will never phone you to ask for your password or one-time passcode (AJ Bell), so never read a Novaz code to a caller.

Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app

On the website (AJ Bell):

  1. Log in to your AJ Bell account.
  2. Go to My account > My account management > Security settings.
  3. Turn on two-factor authentication and choose an authenticator app as the way you get your one-time codes (AJ Bell). AJ Bell's pages don't name the buttons on this screen.
  4. AJ Bell registers your phone with a QR code (AJ Bell). In Novaz, tap +, then Scan QR code, and point the camera at it.
  5. If AJ Bell asks you to confirm, type the code Novaz shows for AJ Bell.

In the AJ Bell app, AJ Bell's 2FA FAQ gives this path: Profile and settings > Account settings > Authentication and security > Two-factor authentication (AJ Bell). A newer AJ Bell FAQ about Face ID points iPhone users to Settings instead, so the menu names in the app may differ (AJ Bell).

Setting it up in the app on the iPhone that runs Novaz? Take a screenshot of the QR code, then in Novaz tap + and Choose a photo. See scanning a QR code on the same iPhone.

AJ Bell's pages mention only the QR code, not a text key or the code length, so scan it rather than typing a key.

No backup codes in AJ Bell's help

AJ Bell's help doesn't mention backup or recovery codes. Novaz keeps its keys on your iPhone unless you turn on iCloud backup or export a backup file, and without a Novaz backup your fallback is AJ Bell itself, so keep your mobile number and email address up to date, as AJ Bell asks you to anyway (AJ Bell).

If you don't have an email address of your own, AJ Bell says you can verify your device with your mobile number or an authenticator app instead (AJ Bell).

If AJ Bell rejects your code

AJ Bell's help doesn't cover rejected authenticator codes. The usual cause is the iPhone's clock: open Settings > General > Date & Time and turn on Set Automatically. Novaz also warns you when the clock is 15 seconds or more off. Other causes are in Authenticator code not working?

Changing phones

AJ Bell's help doesn't describe moving the authenticator to a new phone, or turning 2FA off. Sort it out while you still have the old phone: Security settings is where you choose how your codes arrive. If you can't register the new phone there, contact Customer Services. With a Novaz iCloud backup or backup file, you restore your accounts on the new iPhone and the codes keep working; without one, you'll set AJ Bell up again on the new one. See How to transfer your authenticator app to a new iPhone.

If you lose your authenticator

On the code screen, AJ Bell's FAQ mentions Send me another code and Send my code another way, which switches to a different method (AJ Bell). It describes these for new-device codes and doesn't say whether they appear when your method is an authenticator app.

If that doesn't get you in, call AJ Bell Customer Services on 0345 54 32 600, Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm or Saturday 10am to 2pm (AJ Bell). AJ Bell doesn't say what proof it asks for or how long it takes. If you think your account's security has been compromised, AJ Bell asks you to tell it by phone, secure message or fraud.alert@ajbell.co.uk (AJ Bell).

More in Lost the phone with your authenticator app?

Official AJ Bell help

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