Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second check to your password: a short-lived code from an app on your phone. BTSE supports authenticator-app 2FA for logging in and for withdrawals. You can set it up in the Security section of your BTSE account, and we recommend turning it on right after you register. This guide shows you how.
What is 2FA and why does BTSE recommend it?
A password on its own can be stolen, guessed, or leaked. 2FA adds a second step, a time-sensitive code from an app on your phone, so a stolen password alone is not enough to log in.
That is why BTSE recommends turning it on as soon as you register. Once it is on, you enter a fresh code each time you sign in or start a withdrawal.
How do I enable 2FA on BTSE?
- Log in to your BTSE account and open the Security section of your dashboard.
- Click Setup 2FA.
- Install Google Authenticator on your phone from the App Store or Google Play.
- Add BTSE to Google Authenticator by scanning the QR code on the page, or by entering the code shown. Write down the 2FA key shown during setup and keep it somewhere safe.
- Click Send code and enter the verification code BTSE emails you.
- Enter the 6-digit code from Google Authenticator and enable 2FA.
A success message appears when 2FA is on. You can also set up 2FA from the BTSE app. For screenshots and the official steps, see the BTSE Support Center 2FA guide.
How do I log in with a QR code?
The BTSE app supports QR code login, which lets you sign in to BTSE on the web using your phone instead of typing your login details.
- Open the BTSE login page on your computer. A QR code appears on the right.
- Open the BTSE app on your phone and choose the QR code scanner. If you do not have the app yet, download it for Android or iOS. The first time, allow camera access when the app asks.
- Point your phone’s camera at the QR code on your computer screen.
- Approve the login request in the app, and you will be logged in on the web.
Only scan the QR code on the official BTSE website. For more detail, see the BTSE Support Center QR code login guide, or read our guide to using the BTSE mobile app.
What if I lose my phone or authenticator app?
If you lose your 2FA key or never saved it, you will need to ask BTSE Support to reset your 2FA. Support says a reset request may take 3 to 5 business days to process, so save your key at setup.
If your codes are not working, wait for the next code and make sure your phone’s date and time are set automatically. The Support Center article Why is your 2FA code not working? explains the fixes and how to request a reset.
How does 2FA protect my withdrawals?
With 2FA on, BTSE asks for a code from your authenticator app when you start a withdrawal, not only when you log in. That adds a second check at the moment funds are leaving your account.
If you remove 2FA, BTSE temporarily disables Withdrawal and Send for 24 hours. Removing it also needs a code from your device and an email verification code.
What should I never do with 2FA codes?
Never share your 2FA code or your 2FA key with anyone, including BTSE staff. No one needs them to help you.
Scammers often pressure you to act fast. If someone rushes you for a code, stop and contact BTSE through official channels.
Once 2FA is on, your next step is to complete identity verification, and our guide to verifying your identity on BTSE walks you through it.
