Two-factor authentication

Help Center > Account and login > Account security

Two-factor authentication (2FA) helps protect your Robinhood account by requiring 2 sources of verification to sign in: something you know (your password) and something you have. Every time you log in or make changes to your Robinhood account, you’ll get a request for a verification code.

All Robinhood accounts are protected with 2FA for new devices. This is a layer of security applied to all Robinhood accounts to ensure it's really you signing in to your Robinhood account.

How it works

2FA can verify your identity with the following

Device approvals: You’ll get a notification on all approved devices to approve or block the activity from the new device.
An authenticator app: You’ll copy a one-time code from your preferred authenticator app.
A text message (SMS): You’ll get a one-time code in a text message on your mobile device.

Note

If you're using Face or Touch ID, you'll need to enter a verification code when you log in to the Robinhood website. You'll still be able to log into your app on your mobile device using Face or Touch ID.

How to enable 2FA

Using an authenticator app

First, you’ll need to download an authenticator app. We support the major third-party authenticator apps. These common authenticator apps can be found in your mobile device app store:

Authy: iPhone, Android
Duo Mobile: iPhone, Android
Google Authenticator: iPhone, Android
Microsoft Authenticator: iPhone, Android

Next, enable 2FA in your Robinhood app:

Select Account (person) → Menu (3 bars) or Settings (gear)
Select Security and privacy
Select Two-Factor Authentication
Choose the authenticator app you’d like to use
Select Open app to add your key to the authenticator app
Open your authenticator app, and confirm that you’d like to add Robinhood
Copy the verification code generated by your authenticator app
Paste the code into your Robinhood app, and select Continue
When you get a backup code from Robinhood for if you ever lose access to your device, we recommend saving this code in a secure place, such as within a password manager, saving a screenshot in a password-protected folder, or writing it down and locking it in a safe.

Using SMS

To enable 2FA in your Robinhood app using SMS:

Select Account (person icon) → Menu (3 bars) or Settings (gear)
Select Security and privacy
Select Two-Factor Authentication
Select Text message (SMS)
Check your text messages and copy the verification code from Robinhood
Paste the code into your Robinhood app, and select Continue
When you get a backup code from Robinhood for if you ever lose access to your device, we recommend saving this code in a secure place, such as within a password manager, saving a screenshot in a password-protected folder, or writing it down and locking it in a safe.

Keep in mind

If you lose your device or can't receive verification codes in a text message or an authenticator app, you’ll need to use your backup code to regain access to your Robinhood account.

Using device approvals

If you haven’t already enabled 2FA, you should automatically start receiving device approval notifications. If you aren't receiving them, make sure your preferred 2FA method is set to use Device approvals. For details, review Device approvals.

Logging in or making changes with 2FA

Using an authenticator app

Any time you log in or make changes to your account, you’ll be prompted for a verification code. Open your authenticator app and copy the code it creates for Robinhood. Paste the code in the Robinhood app to finish signing in or to confirm the changes.

Keep in mind

Timing is important with authenticator apps. You’ll typically have about a minute from the time your authenticator app creates the code to paste it in the Robinhood app.

Using SMS

Any time you log in or make changes to your account, you’ll receive a text message from Robinhood that contains a verification code. Open your text message and copy the code that was sent to you. Paste the code in the Robinhood app to finish signing in or to confirm the changes.

Using device approvals

Any time you log in or make changes to your Robinhood account from a new device, we’ll send a notification to each of your devices to verify it’s really you taking the action. You can either approve the notification to complete the action, or deny it and secure your account instantly.

Using your backup code

You can use your one-time backup code to log into your Robinhood account in the event that you ever lose access to your device. You’ll still need your username and password to sign in to your account, but you’ll be able to use the backup code in place of your verification code. After you use a backup code to sign in, you’ll be asked to enroll in 2FA again.

Disclosures

Links to third-party sites are being provided for informational purposes only. Robinhood isn’t affiliated with and doesn’t endorse, authorise or sponsor any of the listed third-party websites, applications, or their respective sponsors. Robinhood isn’t responsible for the content of any third-party website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members.

Robinhood cannot always guarantee delivery of push notifications. Device approvals are subject to service availability, your Robinhood app, and mobile device settings. Notifications are provided for informational purposes only. Your brokerage account notifications are provided by Robinhood.

Robinhood U.K. Ltd (Robinhood UK) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 823590). Robinhood UK onboards UK customers and has the lead customer relationship with UK customers in relation to their use of the Robinhood UK app and website. Robinhood UK introduces UK customers to Robinhood Securities, LLC for order routing, execution, clearing, settlement, arranging custody services and margin lending to eligible UK customers with margin accounts. Robinhood Securities, LLC is regulated in the US by the SEC and FINRA. Robinhood UK and Robinhood Securities, LLC are subsidiaries of Robinhood Markets, Inc.

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