HP 2FA: how to set up an authenticator app for your HP account
By the Novaz team · Updated October 29, 2026
Novaz steps checked against version 1.0.5
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Your HP account is the one sign-in behind the HP app for printers, HP Instant Ink, the HP Store, the HP Support Community and your support dashboard on support.hp.com (HP). Two-factor authentication (2FA) on it is optional. HP puts it this way: "Enabling this second factor is optional, but highly recommended" (HP).
The second step HP describes is a six-digit code from an authenticator app. HP names a few apps it has tested but doesn't tie you to any of them (HP). This guide uses Authenticator App - Novaz on iPhone. Any authenticator app works the same way.
How we checked this guide: the HP steps come from HP's own help page on two-factor authentication and the public English text of HP's My Account and sign-in screens, linked below, which we read on October 20, 2026. HP Support's page about the HP account blocks automated access, so we read it in an archived copy from July 29, 2026 on web.archive.org. We haven't tested the steps on an HP account, so a label may differ slightly. The Novaz steps are checked against the app, version 1.0.5.
Before you start: two things change
- You need a password. HP accounts can sign in with a one-time code instead of a password (Use one-time passcode on the sign-in page). If yours has no password yet, the Security tab tells you to add one before it lets you turn on two-factor authentication (HP).
- Codes instead of a password stop working. With 2FA on, you always type your password, then the app code (HP).
While you're in My Account, also add and verify a mobile number: it's your way back in if you lose the app (see below).
Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app
HP's help page describes these steps (HP):
- Go to My Account at account.id.hp.com and sign in. If HP hasn't confirmed your email address yet, it sends you a code to do that first.
- Open the Security tab. Find Two-factor authentication and switch the toggle on. HP may ask for your password again.
- On a computer, HP shows a QR code. In Novaz, tap +, then Scan QR code, and point the camera at it.
- On a phone, HP shows a setup key to copy instead. In Novaz, tap +, then Enter key manually, type HP as the Service and paste the key into Setup key (see What is a 2FA setup key?). Or tap Scan a QR code instead, take a screenshot, and in Novaz tap +, then Choose a photo (HP). See scanning a QR code on the same iPhone.
- Back on the HP page, select Next, type the current code from Novaz and select Verify.
On a computer, Can't scan a QR code? shows the key. The phone screen also offers a Connect to your authenticator app shortcut; with Novaz, use the key or QR code (HP).
HP's codes are six digits and change every 30 seconds, which matches what Novaz makes from a typed key. HP doesn't publish its other code settings, so scan the QR code when you can.
No backup codes
HP doesn't mention backup or recovery codes. Its help page suggests a verified phone number, for recovery by text message, and an authenticator app that backs up your accounts (HP). Novaz can: turn on iCloud backup (PRO) or use Export to file… in Settings › Backup. Add the verified phone number too, as a way in if the phone is lost and your Novaz backup is missing or old.
When HP asks for a code
Every sign-in to an HP app or site asks for your email and password, then the current code (HP). HP's help doesn't mention a way to skip the code on a trusted device.
If HP rejects your code
HP just says the code is expired or incorrect (HP). The usual cause is the iPhone's clock: open Settings > General > Date & Time and turn on Set Automatically. Novaz also warns you when your clock is 15 seconds or more off. More causes are in Authenticator code not working?
If you lose your authenticator
On the screen that asks for your code, select I don't have a verification code and follow the recovery steps (HP). HP's help page describes getting back in by text message at your verified number. The sign-in screens also have wording for an emailed recovery code (HP), but HP doesn't say when that's offered.
If HP can't send a recovery code, for example to an unverified number, the sign-in screens tell you to contact HP support (HP). HP doesn't say what proof support asks for or how long it takes. More in Lost the phone with your authenticator app?
Changing phones
HP doesn't describe moving the authenticator. Its Security tab says turning 2FA back on means repeating the setup with a new key (HP). So, while you still have the old phone, turn it off and set it up again on the new one. With a Novaz iCloud backup or backup file, you can restore your accounts on the new iPhone instead. See How to transfer your authenticator app to a new iPhone.
Turning 2FA off
On the Security tab, switch the Two-factor authentication toggle off, enter your password if HP asks, and confirm with Disable. The old key stops working, and HP suggests deleting it from your app (HP, HP). In Novaz, open the HP account and tap Remove account.
Official HP help
- How to use two-factor authentication
- myAccount Security (sign-in required)
- HP account (the sign-in page)
- Login to your HP Account (HP Support; read in an archived copy)
