NVIDIA account 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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Your NVIDIA account is the one you sign in with on NVIDIA's sites and apps, such as GeForce NOW and the NVIDIA app. NVIDIA calls its two-factor setting Multi-factor Security. This guide adds an authenticator app on iPhone to it. We use Authenticator App - Novaz in the steps, but any authenticator app works the same way.
How we checked this guide: the NVIDIA steps come from NVIDIA's own account help and the text of its sign-in screens, which we read on October 11, 2026. We haven't tested them on an NVIDIA account, so a label may differ slightly. The Novaz steps are checked against the app, version 1.0.5.
What NVIDIA offers
NVIDIA's account help lists two kinds of extra sign-in step, and its sign-in screens add a third (NVIDIA):
- Authenticator App Code: a code from an app such as Novaz. This guide covers this one.
- Hardware Security Device: a security key.
- Email: a link sent to your email address, on a screen NVIDIA calls "Security Challenge".
NVIDIA doesn't offer text messages, and its help explains why: codes sent to a phone can be stolen (NVIDIA). Its sign-in screen also offers passkeys, but as a way to sign in, not as a second step.
By default, NVIDIA asks for the extra step only when a sign-in looks unusual, such as a new IP address or browser, and for sensitive changes such as your password, email or payment options. You can make it ask every time (see below).
Add an authenticator app
NVIDIA's account help describes these steps (NVIDIA):
- Sign in to your NVIDIA account and open your profile.
- Click Security in the top menu.
- Under Multi-factor Security, choose Authenticator App Code, then Enroll new app.
- NVIDIA shows a QR code to scan, with a text key below it that you can type into your app instead.
- In Novaz, tap +, then Scan QR code, and point the camera at the code. If the QR code is on the same iPhone, take a screenshot and use Choose a photo. See scanning a QR code on the same iPhone.
- Type the code your app shows on NVIDIA's page to finish. If it's wrong, NVIDIA says "Invalid security code."
Add a recovery option
NVIDIA's sign-in screen recommends setting up a recovery code, so you aren't locked out if you lose your extra factor. After setup, it also suggests adding a second factor, such as a security key, for the same reason. Keep any recovery code away from your phone. See 2FA backup codes.
Choose when NVIDIA asks for a code
Under Security > Multi-Factor Security, the option When Will I Be Asked for the Extra Factor? controls this. The default is Only when needed to protect my account. Choose Every time I sign in to be asked at every sign-in. NVIDIA calls it "the most secure option" (NVIDIA). If you've added several factors, another setting decides which one NVIDIA asks for first.
If NVIDIA rejects your code
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. Other causes are in Authenticator code not working?.
If you lose your authenticator
On the sign-in screen, choose Lost your device or authentication app?, then Recover access. NVIDIA offers to email you a link "to recover account access". If that doesn't work, NVIDIA's help says to contact NVIDIA Customer Care through NVIDIA support.
Once you're back in, remove the old authenticator under Multi-factor Security and enroll the app on your new phone. A Novaz iCloud backup or backup file would have let you restore the codes on the new iPhone; without one, the old keys are gone with the phone. See Lost the phone with your authenticator app?.
