This will stop anyone who manages to obtain your password from using it. We’ll show you how to set it up to keep your account secure.
What is 2FA and Why Is It Important?
There are a range of Xbox settings that you should know about, and two-factor authentication is one of them.
Once you activate 2FA, when you sign into your Xbox account, you’re prompted to confirm it’s really you, either by text message, authentication code, or confirmation email.
So, even if a hacker got hold of your username and password, they still wouldn’t be able to gain access to your account and run up a bill you have to pay for.
How to Get 2FA on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S Online
Head to Microsoft account and sign in.
Click on Security (and sign in again, because this is sensitive info you’re accessing here).
Select Advanced security options. If you haven’t done so already, Microsoft will prompt you to add a phone number or back-up email address to help protect your account. You must also verify this address. An alt email account is the bare minimum required to enable 2FA on your Xbox account.
Back to setting up your 2FA. Once in the Advanced security options, you can add more accounts for 2FA. Just click Add a new way to sign in or verify. Then choose which method you want to use, from emails and phones to Windows Hello and the Microsoft authenticator app.
For 2FA on your Xbox to work, Microsoft needs at least two ways to verify who you are. If you don’t do this now, Microsoft will prompt to add these during set-up.
Now, scroll right down the page to Two-step verification. Alternatively, check the top-right of the page for the 2FA link.
It’ll tell you the current status of 2FA on your Xbox. Press Turn on.
Microsoft will now guide you through the 2FA process. To begin set-up, press Next and roll through the information screens.
If your account has at least two alternative methods of contact, you can roll right through until you can click Finish.
If not, add this when prompted and continue through the set-up.
During this time, you will receive an email or text message from Microsoft, letting you know 2FA is now active.
It’s a good idea to check the process is complete by opening up an incognito browser and signing into your Microsoft account. If it works, you will see a 2FA screen letting you choose how to verify it’s you.
Select any verification method, fill in your details and paste the code you get sent to prove you’re who you say you are. You’ll then logon as normal.
Signing in With 2FA on Xbox
So, what can you expect to see when you turn on your Xbox with 2FA enabled?
When you log in, you’ll see a prompt asking, ‘Is it really you?’. Press A on the drop-down menu to switch between the different verification methods, then select Next.
Check your phone or email for the verification code, enter this using the numbers box. Get it right and you’ll be whisked straight to the home screen.
How to Enable Xbox Using the Microsoft Authenticator App
Microsoft’s Authenticator app (available on Windows, Android, and iOS) is an excellent companion for 2FA on Xbox. Instead of having to check your emails or copy a code sent in a text message, you can just use the app.
First, you need to sign in to your Xbox/Microsoft account.
After signing in, you will see your account on the list.
You can now choose the Authenticator app when selecting a 2FA verification method.
Instead of retrieving a code from elsewhere, open up the app. You should see a “one-time password code”, with a time-limit next to it.
When asked by your Xbox, type this number in (if you’re using the app to sign into your Microsoft account online, press and hold the password to copy it).
It acts in the same way as any text or email code, only without so much hassle. You should now have access to your Xbox. If the timer runs out before entering, simply wait until the app generates the next code and use that instead.
How to Turn Off Xbox Two-Factor Authentication for Xbox
Don’t fancy using 2FA on your Xbox any longer? It’s easy to switch it off.
Go to Microsoft account and choose Security.
Head back into Advanced security options.
Scroll all the way down to Two-step verification. Select Turn off.
Confirm your choice by clicking Yes.
You’ll now no longer need to verify your identity before playing games on your Xbox.
Use 2FA on Xbox to Secure Your Account
With the added protection that 2FA provides, there’s no reason not to run two-factor authentication on your Xbox or any other account that supports it.
It’s simple to set-up, easy to use, and if you opt for an authentication app, it’s pretty speedy in getting you back into your games.
