Epic Games 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
Your Epic Games account is the sign-in for Fortnite and the Epic Games Store. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is optional, but Epic requires it to send Fortnite gifts, claim some free games and play in Fortnite competitive events (Epic Games). It also unlocks the Boogie Down emote (Epic Games).
Epic lists four methods: Epic Authenticator, an authenticator app, email and SMS (Epic Games). Epic Authenticator is something else: a number-match prompt inside Epic's own Epic Games app (Epic Games). This guide covers the authenticator app, which shows a code you type in. We use Authenticator App - Novaz on iPhone, but any authenticator app works the same way.
How we checked this guide: the Epic Games steps come from Epic's own help pages, linked below. Epic's site blocks automated access, so on October 20, 2026, we read them in archived copies on web.archive.org, saved between June and August 2026. We haven't tested them on an Epic Games account, so a label may differ slightly. The Novaz steps are checked against the app, version 1.0.5.
Console players: add an email first
Epic needs an email address on the account to turn on 2FA, and an account made through a console may have none (Epic Games). To check, sign out of epicgames.com and sign in with your platform's logo. If Finish Setting Up Your Account appears, add the details and select Continue. Epic says your progress and purchases aren't affected. With several Epic accounts, turn on 2FA on the one you play Fortnite with.
Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app
Epic's help describes these steps (Epic Games):
- Sign in on epicgames.com and open Password and security in your account.
- Under Two-Factor Authentication, select Set up next to the authenticator app, which Epic's pages call Two-factor Authenticator App or Authentication app. Don't pick Epic Authenticator: Novaz can't answer number-match prompts.
- Epic's help doesn't say whether the next screen shows a QR code, a text key or both. For a QR code, in Novaz tap +, then Scan QR code. If it's on the same iPhone, take a screenshot and use Choose a photo. See scanning a QR code on the same iPhone.
- For a key, tap +, then Enter key manually, and type it as the Setup key. Typed keys give 6-digit, 30-second codes, and Epic doesn't publish its settings, so prefer the QR code. See What is a 2FA setup key?
- Enter the code from Novaz. The method shows as active, and Epic emails you a confirmation.
With several methods on, Epic asks for the primary one. To change it, select the three dots (…) next to a method, then Make my primary 2FA method (Epic Games). Epic recommends keeping at least two on (Epic Games).
Save the backup codes
When you first turn on an authenticator app, Epic gives you a list of 8-digit backup codes. Any one of them gets you in without the app (Epic Games). Epic doesn't say how many there are, whether each works once, or how to get new ones. They're the way back if your iPhone is lost and you have no Novaz backup, or one from before you added Epic. Keep them in a password manager or on paper. See 2FA backup codes.
When Epic asks for a code
Epic's current help only mentions sign-in. A 2019 Fortnite post named the first sign-in after setup, a new device, more than 30 days since your last sign-in, and cleared cookies (Fortnite). That may have changed since. Password and security can also ask for a code (Epic Games).
If Epic rejects your code
Epic's help doesn't cover rejected codes. Check that the prompt wants your app's code: Try another way switches methods (Epic Games). Then check your iPhone's clock: Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically. Novaz warns you when it's 15 seconds or more off. More in Authenticator code not working?
Changing phones
Epic doesn't document a transfer. Remove the method and set it up again instead: in Password and security, select the three dots next to it, then Remove Method and Remove, then Set up with the new phone (Epic Games). Do it before you give up the old phone, as that page may ask for a code. If you restore a Novaz iCloud backup or backup file on the new iPhone instead, your Epic codes keep working and you don't need to remove the method. See How to transfer your authenticator app to a new iPhone.
If you lose your authenticator
On the code prompt, select Try another way, then one of these (Epic Games):
- Email Verification, and enter the emailed code in Security code.
- Enter your Two-Factor verification backup codes, and enter an 8-digit code.
If neither works, select Trouble signing in? on the sign-in page and enter your email (Epic Games). With both an app and SMS on, Epic asks for both, and Lost access to authentication methods? helps if you've lost one. Lost the email too? Choose Lost access to this email address? and give as much information as you can. Epic doesn't say what proof it needs or how long it takes. More in Lost the phone with your authenticator app?
Turning 2FA off
In Password and security, select the three dots next to a method, then Remove Method and Remove (Epic Games).
Official Epic Games help
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) and how to enable it
- What two-factor authentication (2FA) methods are available to use with my Epic Games account?
- My Authenticator app or SMS two-factor authentication (2FA) has locked me out of my account
- How can I recover access to my Epic Games account?
- Disable two-factor authentication (2FA)
- I enabled Two-factor authentication (2FA) but in Fortnite shows it is not active
- Account Security, Epic Games Safety and Security Center
- Download the Epic Games app for mobile
- 2FA, Fortnite news, July 2019