To assist protect your Xbox account and stop other people accessing your data, yous need to turn on two-gene authentication (sometimes known as 2-footstep verification).

This will stop anyone who manages to obtain your password from using it. We'll bear witness you how to set it up to continue your account secure.

What is 2FA and Why Is It Important?

In that location are a range of Xbox settings that you should know most, and two-factor authentication is one of them.

Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, adds a protective layer when signing into accounts like your email, Amazon app, or even Xbox. Well-nigh big-name companies offer 2FA and the reason is uncomplicated: security.

Once you activate 2FA, when you sign into your Xbox business relationship, y'all're prompted to confirm it'southward really you lot, either past text bulletin, 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 accept to pay for.

How to Get 2FA on Xbox One and Xbox Series Ten|S Online

Head to Microsoft business relationship and sign in.

Click on Security (and sign in again, because this is sensitive info yous're accessing hither).

Microsoft's Security options

Select Advanced security options. If y'all haven't washed so already, Microsoft will prompt you to add a phone number or back-up email accost to help protect your account. You must likewise verify this address. An alt electronic mail account is the bare minimum required to enable 2FA on your Xbox account.

Back to setting up your 2FA. One time in the Avant-garde security options, you tin add more accounts for 2FA. Just click Add together a new manner to sign in or verify. Then cull which method y'all want to use, from emails and phones to Windows Hello and the Microsoft authenticator app.

Adding 2FA accounts

For 2FA on your Xbox to work, Microsoft needs at least two means to verify who you lot are. If you don't do this now, Microsoft will prompt to add these during set-up.

Choosing 2FA method

At present, scroll correct downwards the page to Two-stride verification. Alternatively, bank check the top-right of the page for the 2FA link.

It'll tell you lot the current condition of 2FA on your Xbox. Press Turn on.

Turning on 2FA for Xbox

Microsoft will now guide you through the 2FA process. To begin set-up, printing Next and curl through the information screens.

If your account has at least two alternative methods of contact, you lot tin can scroll correct through until you tin click Finish.

If not, add this when prompted and continue through the fix-up.

During this time, y'all volition receive an email or text message from Microsoft, letting yous know 2FA is now active.

It's a skilful idea to check the process is complete by opening up an incognito browser and signing into your Microsoft account. If it works, you will meet a 2FA screen letting you choose how to verify it's y'all.

Select any verification method, fill in your details and paste the code y'all get sent to show y'all're who you say you are. You'll and then logon as normal.

Verifying identity screen

Signing in With 2FA on Xbox

So, what can you lot wait to see when yous turn on your Xbox with 2FA enabled?

When yous log in, you lot'll encounter a prompt asking, 'Is it really yous?'. Press A on the drop-down menu to switch between the different verification methods, then select Next.

Cheque 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 dwelling screen.

Enabling 2FA on Xbox

How to Enable Xbox Using the Microsoft Authenticator App

Microsoft'due south 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 utilise the app.

Start, you need to sign in to your Xbox/Microsoft account.

Afterwards signing in, you will see your account on the list.

You tin now cull the Authenticator app when selecting a 2FA verification method.

Instead of retrieving a code from elsewhere, open upwards the app. Y'all should see a "sometime password code", with a time-limit adjacent 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 re-create it).

It acts in the same way every bit whatsoever text or email code, only without so much hassle. You should at present accept access to your Xbox. If the timer runs out before entering, simply wait until the app generates the side by side code and utilize that instead.

How to Turn Off Xbox Two-Cistron Authentication for Xbox

Don't fancy using 2FA on your Xbox whatever longer? It'due south easy to switch it off.

Go to Microsoft account and cull Security.

Head dorsum into Avant-garde security options.

Turning off 2FA on Xbox

Scroll all the way downwards to 2-footstep verification. Select Plough off.

Confirm your choice by clicking Yes.

Confirmation of 2FA off

Y'all'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, at that place'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 yous back into your games.

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