Uber 2FA: how to set up an authenticator app
By the Novaz team · Updated October 29, 2026
Novaz steps checked against version 1.0.5
On this page
Uber doesn't call it an authenticator app. Its 2-step verification gives you two ways to get codes, a text message or a security app. The security app is the one this guide covers, and Uber's own examples of one are Google Authenticator, Duo Mobile and LastPass (Uber).
This is the Uber account you sign in with to request rides. 2-step verification is optional, but once it's on, Uber gives you "two security challenges each time you sign in" (Uber). Uber also offers passkeys, but its passkeys page doesn't say how they fit with 2-step verification (Uber).
The steps below use Authenticator App - Novaz on iPhone. Any authenticator app works the same way.
How we checked this guide: the Uber steps come from Uber's own rider help pages, linked below, which we read on October 20, 2026. Uber's site turned away plain automated requests, so for the main 2-step verification article we also read an archived copy on web.archive.org from August 25, 2026, which matches the live page. We haven't tested the steps on an Uber account, so a label may differ slightly. The Novaz steps are checked against the app, version 1.0.5.
Why pick the security app over texts
Uber's setup article makes the case itself. Text codes may not reach you while you travel, without signal, or if you've opted out of Uber's texts. A security app makes codes on your phone, works offline, and needs no phone number on your account (Uber). More in Authenticator app vs SMS.
Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app
Uber's setup article gives this path (Uber):
- Sign in and open account management.
- Select Security.
- Select 2-step verification.
- Follow the remaining steps on your device. When Uber lets you choose how to get codes, pick the security app.
Other Uber pages reach Security through Account > Settings (Uber) or Account > Manage Uber account (Uber), so labels may differ in your app.
None of Uber's pages show the setup screens or mention a QR code, a text key, the code length or how often codes change. In Novaz:
- If Uber shows a QR code: tap +, then Scan QR code. If you're setting this up in the Uber app on the same iPhone, take a screenshot, tap +, then Choose a photo. See scanning a QR code on the same iPhone.
- If Uber shows a key: tap +, then Enter key manually, and fill in Service (Uber), Account (optional) and Setup key. Typed keys always get 6-digit, 30-second codes, and Uber doesn't publish its settings, so use the QR code when there is one. See What is a 2FA setup key?
- If Uber asks for a code to finish: type the one Novaz shows for Uber.
Already getting codes by text? Uber's troubleshooting page says to tap Account, then Settings, Security and 2-step verification, select Edit next to Delivery settings, and choose a different method (Uber).
Save the 8-digit backup codes
Uber asks you to store your backup codes safely after setup. Each works once, and they get you in when codes don't arrive or your phone is gone (Uber). They're 8 digits long (Uber). Uber's pages don't say how many you get or where to view them later.
Keep them even if you back up Novaz: they get you in if the iPhone is lost and you have no iCloud backup or backup file, or your backup is older than the day you added Uber. Store the codes on paper or in a password manager. See 2FA backup codes.
If Uber rejects your code
Uber's pages don't cover a security-app code that's refused. Start with the iPhone's clock: Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically. Novaz warns you when the clock is 15 seconds or more off.
If you've forgotten which app holds your Uber codes, Uber suggests opening each security app on your phone and looking for Uber (Uber). More causes in Authenticator code not working?
Changing phones
Uber's new-device advice covers texts only: they still go to the same number (Uber). It doesn't explain moving a security app. In Novaz, you can restore Uber on the new iPhone from iCloud backup or a backup file. Without either, you'll add Uber again on the new one (how to move to a new iPhone).
The tools Uber does document are Edit next to Delivery settings and turning 2-step verification off and on with the steps above. Use them while the old iPhone still works, and keep it until Uber accepts a code from Novaz on the new one.
If you lose your authenticator
On the screen that asks for your code, tap I'm having trouble. Uber's troubleshooting page lists two ways in from there (Uber):
- Use 8-digit backup code, then type one you haven't used.
- Resend code via SMS, if your account has a phone number. Type the 4-digit code from the text, then your password.
The setup article labels the backup option Use backup code instead (Uber).
With neither, use the form on Uber's sign-in help page (Uber). The form asks for the email and phone number registered with Uber, your last two trips or orders, and the last four digits of the card on the account. Uber doesn't say how long a reply takes. See also Lost the phone with your authenticator app?
When Uber asks anyway
Even with 2-step verification off, Uber may ask you to pass a security challenge, for example before it sends you a copy of your data or deletes your account (Uber). Its pages don't mention remembered or trusted devices.
Turning 2FA off
Open account management, select Security, then 2-step verification, and switch it off (Uber). Then open Uber in Novaz and tap Remove account.
