Guild Wars 2 2FA: how to set up an authenticator app

Guild Wars 2 runs on an ArenaNet account, the login you also use at account.arena.net. Every account already has email authentication, which can't be removed. You can add an authenticator app on top, and once it's on, it takes over from the email check, so a stolen email inbox is no longer enough to get into your game (Guild Wars 2). ArenaNet also gives you a free in-game Mini Mystical Dragon for adding app-based authentication (Guild Wars 2).

This guide uses Authenticator App - Novaz on iPhone. Any authenticator app works the same way: ArenaNet says any app that supports the TOTP standard will do.

How we checked this guide: the Guild Wars 2 steps come from ArenaNet's own Guild Wars 2 help center, linked below, which we read on October 21, 2026. We haven't tested them on an ArenaNet account, so a label may differ slightly. The Novaz steps are checked against the app, version 1.0.5.

Steam accounts can't do this

If you play Guild Wars 2 through Steam, your account was created through Steam and the authentication option on the ArenaNet account page isn't available to you. ArenaNet points Steam players to whatever Steam offers for its own account (Guild Wars 2). The steps below are for accounts made on the Guild Wars 2 website.

Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app

New accounts get a chance to pick an authentication method while registering. For an existing account, ArenaNet's help describes these steps (Guild Wars 2):

1. Sign in to the ArenaNet account management page.
2. Click Security at the top of the page.
3. Under Credentials, click Edit next to 2-Step Verification.
4. At the bottom of the window, click Use an authenticator.
5. On the computer, click NEXT. ArenaNet shows a QR code and a secret code.
6. In Novaz, tap +, then Scan QR code, and point the camera at the screen. If the page is open on the same iPhone, take a screenshot, tap +, then Choose a photo. See scanning a QR code on the same iPhone.
7. If you'd rather type it, tap +, then Enter key manually, and enter the secret code as the Setup key. See What is a 2FA setup key?
8. Type the 6-digit code from Novaz on the account page and click NEXT.
9. Click FINISH.

ArenaNet's help doesn't say how often its codes change. Scanning the QR code is the safer choice, because it carries the code settings to your app.

When Guild Wars 2 asks for a code

Not at every login. ArenaNet asks for a code when a sign-in comes from a new location or a network it doesn't know. After you enter it, you can save that network as authorized, such as your home connection, or treat it as temporary so it's forgotten when the session ends (Guild Wars 2).

Your saved networks are listed under Authorized Networks on the Security page. Clicking Remove next to one means you'll need a code again before playing from it (Guild Wars 2).

The app code also helps with a forgotten password: a reset from an unrecognized network asks you to prove ownership, and an authenticator code counts (Guild Wars 2).

No backup codes

ArenaNet's help pages don't mention backup or recovery codes. If you lose access to Novaz, your way back in is ArenaNet support (below). A Novaz iCloud backup or backup file helps, but if you have neither, its keys are only on your iPhone. So before you need it, find and keep your Guild Wars 2 serial code somewhere safe, away from your email. Support asks for it.

If Guild Wars 2 rejects your code

ArenaNet's advice for an error during setup is to make sure the time and date on your device are correct and try again (Guild Wars 2). 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. If it still fails, ArenaNet says to send a request to its support team. More causes are in Authenticator code not working?

Changing phones or turning it off

Both start the same way, while you still have the old phone (Guild Wars 2):

1. On the Security page, under Credentials, click Edit next to 2-Step Verification.
2. Click UNLINK YOUR AUTHENTICATOR.
3. Enter the current code from Novaz in the first box. Wait for the code to change, then enter the new one in the second box.
4. Click NEXT, then FINISH.

To move to a new iPhone, set up the authenticator again with the new phone right after. If you have a Novaz iCloud backup or backup file, restoring it on the new iPhone brings Guild Wars 2 along; otherwise you add it again on the new one. See How to transfer your authenticator app to a new iPhone.

If you lose your authenticator

ArenaNet's support team can disable your old authentication method, but only after you've proved the account is yours (Guild Wars 2). Email support@arena.net or use the support request form, and include:

• your account name, which is the last email address you used,
• your first and last name,
• the date of birth on the account,
• your Guild Wars 2 serial code,
• your display name with its 4-digit number, such as Gamer.1234,
• a description of the problem.

Support may ask for more if that isn't enough. ArenaNet doesn't say how long recovery takes. See also Lost the phone with your authenticator app?

Official Guild Wars 2 help

• Securing Your Account With Authentication
• Help with the Authenticator App
• Help With Email Authentication
• Preventing Unauthorized Logins: Your Authorized Network Whitelist
• I Want to Change My Password
• Recovering Your ArenaNet Account
• Steam FAQ