[Mobile] How to enable two-factor authentication

This tutorial is for those looking to enable 2FA using LOBSTR mobile apps. If you want to enable 2FA in LOBSTR web application, follow the link to another tutorial.

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What is 2FA?

Two-factor Authentication (2FA) provides an additional security layer for your LOBSTR account and allows you to make sure that you are the only person who can access or make transactions on your account.

With 2FA enabled for your account, you will need to provide an extra one-time password when logging in, sending funds and making other transactions in your LOBSTR account. 

This extra one-time password is stored in the Google Authenticator app on your iOS or Android device and is re-generated every 30 seconds.

How to enable Google 2FA for your LOBSTR account in Android and iOS mobile apps

Choose 'Settings' in the side menu of LOBSTR mobile apps.

From there, choose the 'Security' section and tap on the 'Two-factor authentication' section.

   

You should be able to see that 2FA is disabled for your account.

Tap the 'Get Started' button to start the process of enabling two-factor authentication for your LOBSTR account. 

Step 1: Save your 2FA backup key

Write down your 2FA backup key on a piece of paper and store it in a secure place. Make sure you wrote down all 16 symbols of the key. Additionally, copy and save your backup key securely. You will need this key at a later step.

It will also help you to restore access to your LOBSTR account in case your phone gets lost, erased or stolen.

Step 2: Install the Google Authenticator app

Google Authenticator app is required to enable 2FA for your LOBSTR account. 

If you already have the app, go to the 3rd step below.

Otherwise, install the Google Authenticator on your mobile device using the following links:

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.authenticator2

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-authenticator/id388497605

Step 3: Add your 2FA backup key to the Google Authenticator app

Once installed, open the Google Authenticator app on your mobile device and choose the 'Manual Entry' option (for iOS) or the 'Enter a provided key' option (for Android).

    

From there, enter the data required to add an account to the Google Authenticator app:

- Account name: Enter the email address of your LOBSTR account here

- Your key: Enter your 2FA backup key provided by LOBSTR app at Step 1

- Select the 'Time based' option

   

Tap the 'Add' button to add an account. Return to LOBSTR when the Google Authenticator starts generating 6 digit one-time password for your account and tap the 'Continue' button on the 'Authentication app' screen.

Step 4: Enable 2FA

To enable two-factor authentication for your LOBSTR account, enter the following data:

• LOBSTR account password: password which is used to login to your account in LOBSTR apps
• 2FA backup key: Google 2FA 16 symbol key is the ‘backup key’ from step 3; 
• One-time password: 6 digit number generated by your Google Authenticator App installed on your mobile phone.

Once the required data is entered, push the 'Enable 2FA' button to finalize the process.

Step 5: 2FA Enabled

If you’ve followed the steps correctly, your LOBSTR account login should now be secured with 2FA.

Important: 2FA confirmation is not enabled for sending funds and making other transactions in your LOBSTR account by default.

Step 6: Connect Phone Number (optional)

We also recommend connecting a phone number to your LOBSTR account.

This will simplify the process of restoring access to your account, in case you'll lose access to your mobile phone or 2FA backup code.

This can be done in the 'Profile' tab of Settings.

How to enable Google 2FA for transactions in your account 

With two-factor authentication enabled for transactions, you will need to provide an extra one-time password when sending funds, adding assets and making other transactions in your LOBSTR account. 

On the 'Two-factor authentication' screen, check the '2FA for transactions' checkbox and input your one-time password generated by the Google Authenticator app.

   

Having issues with 2FA? Check this article or contact our support.