Bitstamp 2FA: how to set up an authenticator app
By the Novaz team · Updated October 29, 2026
Novaz steps checked against version 1.0.5
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Bitstamp is a crypto exchange, now branded Bitstamp by Robinhood, and your Bitstamp account holds your funds and your trading. Its two-factor authentication (2FA) works with an authenticator app that makes 6-digit codes. What sets it apart is the backup: Bitstamp doesn't give you a list of backup codes. Instead, it asks you to keep the 16-character authentication key it shows during setup (Bitstamp). This guide uses Authenticator App - Novaz on iPhone. Any authenticator app works the same way, even though Bitstamp's pages only name Google Authenticator and Duo Mobile.
How we checked this guide: the Bitstamp steps come from Bitstamp's own FAQ and blog, linked below. Bitstamp's FAQ pages block automated access, so on October 21, 2026 we read archived copies on web.archive.org, saved on February 14, 2025 and February 21, 2026. The blog posts we read directly that day. We haven't tested the steps on a Bitstamp account, so a label may differ slightly. The Novaz steps are checked against the app, version 1.0.5.
Is 2FA required?
In 2018, Bitstamp announced that only accounts with 2FA turned on would be able to trade (Bitstamp). Its current FAQ says you set 2FA up when you register, or turn it on later, and strongly recommends it. It doesn't restate the trading rule, so expect to need 2FA for trading.
Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app
Bitstamp's FAQ describes these steps (Bitstamp):
- Start the setup while you create your account, or later from the Two-factor authentication submenu of your account.
- Bitstamp shows your authentication key. Write it down or print it, and store it somewhere safe, away from your phone.
- Bitstamp shows a QR code. In Novaz, tap +, then Scan QR code, and point the camera at it. If the QR code is on the same iPhone, take a screenshot and use Choose a photo. See scanning a QR code on the same iPhone.
- If you're signing up in the Bitstamp app on your iPhone, Bitstamp gives you a setup key to copy instead of a QR code. In Novaz, tap +, then Enter key manually, type a name such as Bitstamp under Service, and paste the key into Setup key. See What is a 2FA setup key?
- Type the 6-digit code from Novaz into Bitstamp and confirm it.
Bitstamp's codes are 6 digits and change every 30 seconds, which is what Novaz uses when you type a key by hand.
When Bitstamp asks for a code
Bitstamp asks for a code from your app when you sign in and when you do other critical actions, such as withdrawing funds (Bitstamp). Its pages don't mention trusted devices.
The authentication key is your backup
Bitstamp warns that the 6-digit code and the authentication key are two different things. The code changes every 30 seconds. The key is generated only once, when you turn on 2FA, and you can use it to add Bitstamp to a new app or device (Bitstamp).
That matters with Novaz if you haven't turned on iCloud backup or exported a backup file, because then its keys exist only on your iPhone. If you saved the key, you can set Bitstamp up again on any phone in a minute. Anyone else who finds the key can do the same, so keep it as safe as your password (Bitstamp).
If Bitstamp rejects your code
Bitstamp's own explanation for an invalid code is a clock that's out of sync between your phone and its servers (Bitstamp). On iPhone, open Settings > General > Date & Time and turn on Set Automatically. Novaz also warns you when your clock is 15 seconds or more off.
Also check that you're typing the 6-digit code from Novaz, not the 16-character key. More causes are in Authenticator code not working?
Changing phones
If you have a Novaz iCloud backup or backup file, restore it on the new iPhone and Bitstamp's codes keep working. Without one, add Bitstamp again on the new iPhone with Enter key manually and the authentication key you saved. Check that the new codes work before you wipe the old phone. If you didn't save the key, use the reset below while you still have the old phone. See How to transfer your authenticator app to a new iPhone.
If you lose your authenticator
Bitstamp's FAQ gives two routes (Bitstamp):
- You saved the authentication key: add it to Novaz on your new phone with Enter key manually, and you're back in.
- You don't have the key: sign in and request a 2FA reset through the link Log in here to disable 2FA, which leads to bitstamp.net/account/two-factor-auth/reset/. Bitstamp reviews the request and replies. Once 2FA is off, you can turn it on again with your new phone.
Bitstamp doesn't say what proof it asks for or how long the review takes. For anything else, its FAQ points you to support@bitstamp.net. More in Lost the phone with your authenticator app?
Turning 2FA off
Bitstamp has a FAQ page on turning off 2FA, but every archived copy we found was the block page, so we couldn't read it. The reset request above is the only route its readable pages describe. Bitstamp's blog asks you to keep 2FA on, and says its staff will never tell you to turn it off (Bitstamp).
