SoundCloud 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 SoundCloud account is the one you listen, upload and comment with, and with Artist Pro it's also your sign-in for the SoundCloud for Artists dashboard (SoundCloud). Two-factor authentication (2FA) is optional and open to every user (SoundCloud).
It works with a 6-digit code from an authenticator app. SoundCloud doesn't send 2FA codes by text message, and you can only set 2FA up on the website, although it then protects the mobile app too (SoundCloud). This guide uses Authenticator App - Novaz on iPhone. Any authenticator app works the same way.
How we checked this guide: the SoundCloud steps come from SoundCloud's own help center, linked below, which we read on October 19, 2026. We haven't tested them on a SoundCloud account, so a label may differ slightly. The Novaz steps are checked against the app, version 1.0.5.
Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app
First, make sure the email address on your account is confirmed: SoundCloud uses it if you ever need to recover the account. Then follow SoundCloud's steps (SoundCloud):
- Go to soundcloud.com in a web browser and open your Settings. (The SoundCloud app doesn't have this setting.)
- Open the Two-Factor Authentication tab.
- SoundCloud shows a QR code. In Novaz, tap +, then Scan QR code, and point the camera at it. If the website is open on the same iPhone, take a screenshot and use Choose a photo instead. See How to scan an authenticator QR code on the same iPhone.
- If you can't scan it, SoundCloud offers a setup key. In Novaz, tap +, then Enter key manually, and fill in Service, Account and Setup key. See What is a 2FA setup key?
- Enter the 6-digit code from Novaz to confirm.
- Download your backup codes and keep them safe. 2FA is then active.
SoundCloud doesn't say how often its codes change, so scan the QR code if you can: it passes the code settings to Novaz, while a typed key always gets 30-second codes.
Keep the backup codes file
Each backup code works once, in place of a code from your app. You can download them only once, during setup. SoundCloud says the file is usually named soundcloud-backup-codes.txt, so check the Downloads folder of the device you used (SoundCloud). Its help doesn't say how many codes you get or whether you can make new ones.
Unless you've made a Novaz backup, its keys exist only on your iPhone, so this file is your way back in: keep a copy in a password manager or on paper. See 2FA backup codes.
Email codes, on some accounts
SoundCloud is gradually adding email codes as a fallback, depending on your account and region (SoundCloud). If you have it, you'll see Add email as a backup verification method after scanning the QR code, with a toggle to turn on. SoundCloud's screenshot shows the setting as Email OTPs. Some accounts are opted in automatically; others can turn it on in their account settings.
These codes are 6 digits, work once and expire after 5 minutes. Requesting a new one cancels the older ones, so use the latest email. Since this is a way around your authenticator, SoundCloud advises a strong password and a well-protected email account.
Signing in
SoundCloud asks for a code from your authenticator app when you sign in. To use a backup code, choose that option on the code screen. For an email code, select Try another method, then the email option: Email OTP in the newer page, Send code to email in the older one (SoundCloud, SoundCloud).
SoundCloud's help doesn't say whether it remembers trusted devices. If the app keeps signing you out, one suggested fix is to sign out and go through 2FA again (SoundCloud).
If SoundCloud rejects your code
SoundCloud says a wrong clock or a time-zone change causes most invalid codes. Set your phone's time to automatic, or turn that off and on again if it already is (SoundCloud). On iPhone: Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically. Novaz also warns you when your clock is 15 seconds or more off. More causes are in Authenticator code not working?
Changing phones
SoundCloud's advice assumes your authenticator app can back up or transfer its codes (SoundCloud). Novaz can, if you've turned on iCloud backup or exported a backup file: restore it on the new iPhone and SoundCloud's codes keep working. Without one, note that SoundCloud's help doesn't describe turning 2FA off or linking a new authenticator, so before you give up the old iPhone, look in the Two-Factor Authentication tab for a way to set it up again, and keep your backup codes at hand. See How to transfer your authenticator app to a new iPhone.
If you lose your authenticator
SoundCloud lists these ways back in (SoundCloud):
- A backup code, after your username and password.
- An email code, if your account has them.
- Your iPhone's saved passwords, if you stored the code there instead of in an app: SoundCloud says to search Settings > Passwords for soundcloud.com. See Apple Passwords vs an authenticator app.
- Your old phone or your app's backup. With Novaz, only the old iPhone helps.
Otherwise, contact SoundCloud Support through its support bot, which SoundCloud also calls its AI agent (SoundCloud, SoundCloud). You'll need to verify your identity, writing from the email address on your account. SoundCloud doesn't say what proof it wants or how long it takes. More in Lost the phone with your authenticator app?
