MaiCoin 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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MaiCoin is a Taiwanese platform for buying and selling crypto, and the sister of the MAX exchange. On a MaiCoin account, two-factor authentication (2FA) is part of every sign-in: since January 2021 MaiCoin asks for a code from your chosen method when you log in, and also when you withdraw Taiwan dollars or reset your password (MaiCoin). The codes come either by text message or from an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator or Authy (MaiCoin). This guide covers the app, using Authenticator App - Novaz on iPhone. Any authenticator app works the same way.
How we checked this guide: the MaiCoin steps come from MaiCoin's own help center, linked below. The help center blocks automated access, so on October 24, 2026 we read archived copies of its articles on web.archive.org, saved between January 2025 and May 2026. The setup article in those copies was last updated in April 2020, so MaiCoin's screens may look different now. We haven't tested the steps on a MaiCoin account. The Novaz steps are checked against the app, version 1.0.5.
Why use an app instead of text messages
MaiCoin limits SMS codes to 20 a day. Its help calls an authenticator app the best alternative, especially with poor reception or when you're abroad, and asks you to set it up before you travel (MaiCoin). If you gave a phone number when you signed up, your account starts out on SMS (MaiCoin), so switching to an app is a change you make yourself.
Plan around the 24-hour withdrawal pause
Changing your 2FA method suspends withdrawals for 24 hours (MaiCoin). Make the switch when you don't need to move money that day.
Accounts opened from January 16, 2025 are usually MaiCoin One accounts, which use one sign-in for MaiCoin and MAX. Their 2FA settings are shared, and a change pauses withdrawals on both platforms for 24 hours (MaiCoin).
Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app
MaiCoin's setup article gives these steps (MaiCoin). Because that version dates from 2020, the menu names may have changed.
- Sign in to MaiCoin.
- Go to Security, then Two Factor Authentication, and choose Enable Authentication App.
- MaiCoin shows a QR code. In Novaz, tap +, then Scan QR code, and point the camera at it.
- If you're using MaiCoin on the same iPhone, take a screenshot of the QR code, then in Novaz tap + and Choose a photo. See scanning a QR code on the same iPhone.
- Finish the setup. The article says MaiCoin then confirms that you've finished setting up the Authentication App.
The archived article only describes scanning. It doesn't mention a key you can type instead, so plan to scan the QR code. If MaiCoin does offer a key, Novaz can take it under + > Enter key manually, as the Setup key.
When MaiCoin asks for a code
Expect a code at every sign-in. On a new device or browser there's an extra step first: MaiCoin emails a 9-digit code to confirm the device, valid for 10 minutes. After the device check, you select Log in again and then enter your 2FA code (MaiCoin). Taiwan-dollar withdrawals and password resets also need a code.
No backup codes
MaiCoin's archived help doesn't mention backup or recovery codes. Unless you've made a Novaz backup (iCloud backup or a backup file), its keys exist only on your iPhone, so if that iPhone is lost, a MaiCoin reset is the way back in (below).
If MaiCoin rejects your code
MaiCoin's help doesn't say what to do about a rejected app code. Make sure you're entering the code from Novaz, not the 9-digit device code from the email. Then check the iPhone's clock: Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically. Novaz warns you when the clock is 15 seconds or more off. More causes are in Authenticator code not working?
Lost your phone or changing phones
MaiCoin's reset article says to contact customer service to reset the authenticator, by email at max@maicoin.com (MaiCoin). The archived pages don't say what proof MaiCoin asks for or how long a reset takes.
The help center doesn't describe moving the authenticator to a new phone yourself. If you have a Novaz iCloud backup or backup file, restore it on the new iPhone and MaiCoin comes with it. Without one, keep the old phone until MaiCoin has reset your 2FA, then set up the new one. See How to transfer your authenticator app to a new iPhone and Lost the phone with your authenticator app?
Official MaiCoin help
- What is 2-factor authentication?
- How do I enable Google Authenticator (GA) 2FA? (archived as "About 2-Factor Authenticator")
- How do I reset my Google Authenticator?
- MaiCoin device authorization Tutorial
- MaiCoin One FAQ
- 2021/1/13 MaiCoin will implement several changes regarding Two-Factor Authentication