Locked Out of Your Coinbase Account? Here's How to Get Back In

It can be scary when you can't get into your Coinbase account because your authenticator app isn't working. Don't worry, here's what you can do to get back in when your two-factor authentication fails.

Why Authenticators Mess Up and How to Recover

If your authenticator quits, here are your options for getting back in:

1. Use those backup codes (if you saved them somewhere)
2. Get a code by text/email (if you set that up)
3. Go through the account recovery thing (you'll need your ID)
4. Reach out to Coinbase support (as a last resort)

Method 1: Use Your Backup Codes

When you turned on 2FA, Coinbase gave you 10 backup codes to use one time each. These are the first thing you should try.

How to Recover:

1. Head to the Coinbase login page
2. Type in your email and password
3. When it asks for the 2FA code, click Need another way to authenticate? or something like that.
4. Pick Enter a backup code
5. Type in one of the codes you haven't used yet (they only work once)
6. Once you're in, fix your 2FA right away

Tip: Once you're back in, get new backup codes under Security Settings.

Method 2: Get a Code via Text or Email

If you set up your phone or email as a way to get codes:

1. Try to log in like normal
2. When it asks for the 2FA code, pick Text me a code or Email me a code
3. Type in the code you get
4. Go to Security Settings and fix your authenticator

Note: This only works if you turned these on before and you can still get to your phone/email.

Method 3: Go Through the Whole Account Recovery Process

If you don't have any backup methods, you'll have to prove who you are.

How to Recover, Step by Step:

1. Visit Coinbase's account recovery page

2. Click Forgot your password? even if you know it

3. Type in the email you signed up with

4. Check your email for a recovery link — it might take a few minutes

5. Prove your identity:

   • Take a clear photo of your driver's license or passport
   • Take a selfie with your webcam so they can recognize your face
   • They might ask for other stuff, too

6. Wait a day or three for them to check it

7. If they say you're good, they'll tell you how to reset your password

Tips for Proofing Your Identity:

• Use good photos with lots of light
• Make sure you can see everything on your ID
• Don't get glare on the ID card
• Do all this on the same computer/phone you usually use for Coinbase

Method 4: Get in Touch with Coinbase Support

If you can't get back in yourself:

1. Go to the Coinbase Help Center
2. Pick Contact Us
3. Pick Account Access > Can't log in
4. Fill out the form with as much detail as you can
5. Attach any files they ask for to prove who you are
6. Keep an eye on your email for their replies

What to Expect:

• They should reply in a day or three
• It usually takes 3-7 business days to get everything sorted out

How to Avoid Getting Locked Out Again

1. Turn on more than one 2FA method (like authenticator + text)
2. Use Authy instead of Google Authenticator (it backs up to the cloud)
3. Keep those backup codes safe (in a password manager and printed out)
4. Keep your contact info up to date (phone, email)
5. Think about getting a hardware security key (like a YubiKey)

FAQ: Coinbase Authenticator Recovery

1. How long does it take to recover my Coinbase account?

Usually a day or three after you send them everything they need.

2. Will I lose my crypto while my account is being recovered?

Nope, your money is safe. This is just to get you back into your account.

3. Can I make the recovery go faster?

Have all your ID stuff ready to go. If you pay for premium, you might get faster support.

4. What if I can't get to the phone number I signed up with anymore?

You'll have to go through the ID thing. Change your number as soon as you get back in.

5. Is Authy really better than Google Authenticator?

Yeah, Authy can sync to multiple devices and backs up your stuff, so you're less likely to get locked out.

6. How often should I get new backup codes?

Every six months, or whenever you change how you do authentication.

If Nothing Else Works

If you're still locked out after trying everything:

1. Write down everything you've tried
2. Find any records of transactions that prove you own the account
3. Try contacting @CoinbaseSupport on Twitter
4. If you have a lot of money in there, think about hiring a crypto recovery expert