Etsy 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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You use the same Etsy account to buy, to run a shop, or to help run someone else's. Etsy calls its two-step sign-in "2 factor authentication" (2FA), and the codes come from an authenticator app, a text or a phone call (Etsy). For buyers and existing sellers it's optional. For a new shop, it isn't. This guide uses Authenticator App - Novaz on iPhone, but any authenticator app works the same way.
How we checked this guide: the Etsy steps come from Etsy's own Help Center articles, linked below, which we read on October 20, 2026. We haven't tested them on an Etsy account, so a label may differ slightly. The Novaz steps are checked against the app, version 1.0.5.
When Etsy makes you turn it on
- Opening a new shop: 2FA is a required step, and Etsy marks the authenticator app as the recommended method (Etsy).
- Joining a shop team: with shared access, a shop owner can invite up to 5 team members, each with their own Etsy account, and each must enroll in 2FA before accepting (Etsy).
- Outside the countries Etsy lists for call and text codes: you'll likely need an authenticator app (Etsy).
Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app
Etsy's steps for an existing account on Etsy.com (Etsy):
- On Etsy.com, select your profile icon, choose Account settings, and go to Security.
- Under 2 factor authentication (2FA), choose Turn 2FA on (elsewhere Etsy calls it Turn on 2FA).
- Choose Authenticator App from the dropdown menu and select Continue. Select Continue again after Etsy's prompt to download an app.
- Etsy shows a QR code. In Novaz, tap +, then Scan QR code, and point the camera at it.
- Type the code from Novaz into the text box under the QR code and choose Confirm.
- Save your backup codes with Save to your device or Copy codes, then select Complete (or Done).
Etsy's help doesn't mention a text key or how often its codes change, so scan the QR code: it carries the code settings to your app. If you type a key with Enter key manually, Novaz makes 6-digit codes every 30 seconds, and Etsy doesn't confirm it uses the same. See What is a 2FA setup key?
In the Etsy Seller app or while opening a shop
In the Etsy Seller app, it's under More > Account & app settings > 2 Factor authentication. When you open a shop, it's the Your Security step. If the QR code is on the iPhone that has Novaz, take a screenshot, then tap + and Choose a photo in Novaz. See scanning a QR code on the same iPhone.
Save the backup codes
Each time you turn on 2FA, Etsy gives you a set of 9-digit backup codes. Each one works once, and Etsy shows them only once, so save them right away (Etsy). Etsy Support will never ask you for them.
Keep them even if you back up Novaz: if your iPhone is lost and you have no backup, or it's out of date, they're how you get back in. Keep them in a password manager or on paper, away from your phone. Etsy doesn't say whether older codes stop working when you get a new set. More in 2FA backup codes.
When Etsy asks for a code
With 2FA on, Etsy asks for your password and a code when you sign in from a different browser or a new device, and every 30 days (Etsy).
Etsy may also email you a one-time security code at sign-in, with a pop-up titled We just sent you a code. That code comes from your inbox, not Novaz, and expires after 5 minutes (Etsy). Check which code the screen is asking for.
If Etsy rejects your code
Etsy'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
Etsy doesn't describe moving an authenticator app to a new phone. It does let you turn 2FA off and on again at any time, which is its route for changing a 2FA phone number (Etsy). Do it while you still have the old iPhone, and scan the new QR code with the new one. If you restore a Novaz iCloud backup or backup file on the new iPhone, your Etsy codes come along and you can skip this. See How to transfer your authenticator app to a new iPhone.
If you lose your authenticator
At sign-in, type one of your backup codes in the Security Code field instead of a code from the app (Etsy). Then you can change your 2FA settings on the Security page and set up Novaz again.
Without a working backup code, contact Etsy Support from the I Can't Sign In to My Account page. Support normally needs you signed in, and that page is the route when you can't be (Etsy). Etsy doesn't say what proof it asks for or how long it takes, only that a current email address and phone number help you verify the account (Etsy). More in Lost the phone with your authenticator app?
Turning 2FA off
On Etsy.com, go to Account settings > Security, select Edit on 2 factor authentication (2FA), then Turn 2FA off and Continue. Enter the code you're asked for and select Turn 2FA off again (Etsy). Etsy says you can turn it off and on again at any time after onboarding.
