OzBargain 2FA: how to set up an authenticator app

OzBargain is the Australian deals community where members post bargains, vote and comment. Its two-factor authentication (2FA) is optional and adds a 6-digit code from an authenticator app on top of your username and password. Before you turn it on, know the catch: OzBargain puts the job of backing up your key and backup codes on you, because it holds so little personal information that it says "it is difficult for us to verify your identity" if you lose access (OzBargain). This guide uses Authenticator App - Novaz on iPhone, but any authenticator app works the same way.

How we checked this guide: the OzBargain steps come from OzBargain's own pages, linked below, which we read on October 21, 2026. The main one is a 2019 announcement in OzBargain's Site Discussion forum by moocher, whose profile lists the role Administrator, plus moocher's replies under it. We haven't tested the steps on an OzBargain account, so a label may differ slightly. The Novaz steps are checked against the app, version 1.0.5.

A short history

OzBargain first offered 2FA to beta users in April 2019. The announcement thread's title now marks the beta as completed, and 2FA isn't on OzBargain's current list of beta features (OzBargain, OzBargain). OzBargain doesn't publish a newer page about it, so that thread is the most detailed official description there is.

The announcement named Authy and Google Authenticator as examples. In a reply, moocher added that any compatible app is fine and that those two were simply the ones OzBargain had tested (OzBargain).

Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app

OzBargain's announcement gives the path and says to follow the instructions on that page (OzBargain):

1. Sign in to OzBargain on the website.
2. Go to My Account, then Settings, then Security.
3. Follow the instructions there to add an authenticator app.

OzBargain doesn't describe the setup screen itself. The announcement asks you to back up the secret key, so expect the page to show a QR code and a text key you can copy:

1. Before you scan anything, copy the secret key and keep it in a password manager or on paper. It's the one thing that lets you add OzBargain to another app later.
2. In Novaz, tap +, then Scan QR code, and point the camera at the code. If the code is on the same iPhone, take a screenshot and use Choose a photo instead. See scanning a QR code on the same iPhone.
3. If you'd rather type the key, tap +, then Enter key manually, and fill in Service (OzBargain), Account if you like, and the Setup key. See What is a 2FA setup key?
4. Type the 6-digit code from Novaz into OzBargain to finish, then save your backup codes (below).

The code is always six digits, according to moocher, and the code field has used a numeric keypad on phones since March 2021 (OzBargain).

Backup codes and the secret key

OzBargain gives you backup codes. Unlike the 6-digit codes, they're made of letters and numbers, and they're meant for when you've lost your device or your app. For everyday sign-ins you only need the app's code (OzBargain).

Novaz's keys stay on your iPhone unless you turn on iCloud backup or export a backup file, and a backup can be out of date. That makes your backup codes and the saved secret key your safety net, so keep both somewhere other than that phone. More in 2FA backup codes.

Signing in

OzBargain's sign-in page offers a username and password, and also buttons for Google and Facebook (OzBargain). The announcement only describes 2FA as an extra layer on a username and password. It doesn't say whether OzBargain asks for the code when you sign in with Google or Facebook, or whether it remembers trusted devices.

One member said in the thread that after turning 2FA on, they could no longer sign in on the family's shared computers and tablets. Think about the devices you share before you switch it on.

If OzBargain rejects your code

OzBargain's pages don't cover rejected codes. The usual cause is the iPhone's clock: open Settings > General > Date & Time and turn on Set Automatically. Novaz warns you when the clock is 15 seconds or more off. Other causes are in Authenticator code not working?

Changing phones

OzBargain doesn't describe a way to move 2FA to a new phone. With Novaz, iCloud backup or a backup file lets you restore your accounts on the new iPhone. Without one, if you saved the secret key, add it to Novaz on the new iPhone with Enter key manually and check that the codes work before you wipe the old one. See How to transfer your authenticator app to a new iPhone.

If you lose your authenticator

Sign in with one of your backup codes. If you also saved the secret key, add it to Novaz again and you're back to normal.

Without either, OzBargain's own warning applies: it has very little information to check who you are, so getting back in may not be possible. It doesn't describe a recovery process. Its general route for support is the form on the Contact OzBargain page, under the Support category, or contact@ozbargain.com.au (OzBargain). OzBargain doesn't say what proof it would ask for or how long it takes. More in Lost the phone with your authenticator app?

Turning 2FA off

OzBargain doesn't document how to turn 2FA off. A member asked in the announcement thread and no staff answer followed. The Security settings page is the place to look while you can still sign in.

Official OzBargain help

• [Beta - Completed] Two-Factor Authentication (Site Discussion forum, posted by an administrator)
• Beta Features
• Contact OzBargain
• Welcome back (the sign-in page)