This 2-step authentication process on Nintendo.com is absolutely horseshit.

[SpaceCrystal]

Has anyone ever tried to sign onto their Nintendo.com account at all recently? I clicked on the "Sign In/Sign Up" logo at the top right of the site, took me through accounts.nintendo.com, signed into the through my E-mail account & password, then it tells me to download the Google Authenticator app & enter in the displayed code, as I used to have it. Did that multiple times. Kept getting "The verification code is incorrect" message. And I already have the correct time stamped.

Then I went to where it says "Enter backup code" underneath "If you cannot launch the app, you can sign in by entering a backup code." Tells you to enter one of the backup codes provided when you set up 2-Step Verification. Tried all of them. Kept getting error messages. And it even said at the bottom "2-Step Verification cannot be removed if your backup code cannot be verified."

So now, I'm fucked. Did everything by the book, even when it told me what to do if I had a problem signing into my account. What was Nintendo thinking with this horseshit? What's the point of setting up the 2-Step Verification if it doesn't properly work?! This frustrates me to no end. Has this happened to anyone else for this matter?

Edit for an update: The issue has been resolved. I've contacted Nintendo support about this issue & now have access to my account again. The 2FA process works now.

 

[Deleted member 5491]

Can't say. Worked fine for me

 

[minimalism]

If mine asks for 2FA it's through Google Authenticator and I'm done (or my password). If you didn't save your backup codes for Ninty after this then you're kinda SOL. Best you can get after that is to use your email to resert your password.

 

[LegendofLex]

Did you set up 2-factor/Google Authenticator on an older device? If so, did you go through the proper process to move over your Google Authenticator stuff to the device you're currently trying to use?

the fact that you're mentioning that you downloaded the app is making me suspect this didn't happen. Apparently this is one of the pitfalls of Google Auth; it's not a Nintendo problem per se.

 

[SpaceCrystal]

Did you set up 2-factor on an older device? If so, did you go through the proper process to move over your Google Authenticator stuff to the device you're currently trying to use?

the fact that you're mentioning that you downloaded the app is making me suspect this didn't happen.

Click to shrink...

No, I've been using the same device for the past four years since I bought it.

 

[Khanimus]

been working fine for me

Haven't had a problem with Google authentication

 

[LegendofLex]

No, I've been using the same device for the past four years since I bought it.

Click to shrink...

Just checking.
Have you done troubleshooting on the Google side?

Fix common issues with 2-Step Verification - Google Account Help

Lost or stolen phone We recommend you: Sign out of the lost or stolen phone. Change your Google Account password. You have several ways you can

support.google.com

 

[SpaceCrystal]

Just checking.
Have you done troubleshooting on the Google side?

Fix common issues with 2-Step Verification - Google Account Help

Lost or stolen phone We recommend you: Sign out of the lost or stolen phone. Change your Google Account password. You have several ways you can

support.google.com

Click to shrink...

Not yet. I'll try it out.

 

[playXray]

Works fine every time for me.

 

[wrowa]

Did you try whether you can log into your Switch?

 

[abrack]

It's odd that you just now downloaded the Google Authenticator app. That's supposed to happen when you first enable 2 step to link the Nintendo account to your Google Auth app, not something you do later when you're trying to log in.

 

[SpaceCrystal]

Did you try whether you can log into your Switch?

Click to shrink...

Yeah, I can log into there no problem.

It's odd that you just now downloaded the Google Authenticator app. That's supposed to happen when you first enable 2 step to link the Nintendo account to your Google Auth app, not something you do later when you're trying to log in.

Click to shrink...

I got rid of it earlier because I didn't think that it would be necessary. Didn't have a problem with it earlier, but I now do.

 

[hikarutilmitt]

Yeah, I can log into there no problem.



I got rid of it earlier because I didn't think that it would be necessary. Didn't have a problem with it earlier, but I now do.

Click to shrink...

Got rid of what, the GA app? If you ever set anything up on it, you need to keep it there until you unset it. Never ever delete it unless it's empty.

 

[SpaceCrystal]

Got rid of what, the GA app? If you ever set anything up on it, you need to keep it there until you unset it. Never ever delete it unless it's empty.

Click to shrink...

Yeah, that must've been what happened.

 

[JershJopstin]

Got rid of what, the GA app? If you ever set anything up on it, you need to keep it there until you unset it. Never ever delete it unless it's empty.

Click to shrink...

It's bizarre that the backup codes don't work, though.

I feel like I'm missing something here.

SpaceCrystal : You saved those backup codes somewhere when you first set up 2FA, and they don't work? If so, you're certain those are Nintendo codes?

I'm also confused on what's going on with Authenticator. It's my understanding that if you uninstall the app, all the linked accounts go with it, as they're not stored on a server (that would defeat the purpose). This would be obvious, as there should be no displayed codes when you download the app. Did you download the app just now, when you tried to log in to Nintendo? If so, were the codes already there? Or was it already on your phone?

 

[SpaceCrystal]

You saved those backup codes somewhere when you first set up 2FA, and they don't work? If so, you're certain those are Nintendo codes?

Click to shrink...

Unfortunately, I didn't save them.

I'm also confused on what's going on with Authenticator. It's my understanding that if you uninstall the app, all the linked accounts go with it, as they're not stored on a server (that would defeat the purpose).

Click to shrink...

Yeah, that's just stupid. Nintendo could've set up 2FA the same way other sites & apps have done, by sending you a code through text messaging, e-mail, etc. instead of requiring an app. It's like they didn't think this through.

Did you download the app just now, when you tried to log in to Nintendo? If so, were the codes already there?

Click to shrink...

Yeah, Google gave me the 6-digit code to sign in, but none of them work.

 

[Deleted member 51789]

Not really sure why you decided to call out Nintendo for something which you personally messed up on by not saving codes or maybe the Google Autheitcator app itself is malfunctioning on your device

Unfortunately, I didn't save them.



Yeah, that's just stupid. They could've set up 2FA the same way other sites & apps have done, be sending you a code through text messaging, etc. instead of requiring an app.



Yeah, Google gave me the 6-digit code to sign in, but none of them work.

Click to shrink...

Text messaging 2FA is less secure than using an authenticator app.

 

[syncyes]

Unfortunately, I didn't save them.



Yeah, that's just stupid. Nintendo could've set up 2FA the same way other sites & apps have done, by sending you a code through text messaging, e-mail, etc. instead of requiring an app. It's like they didn't think this through.



Yeah, Google gave me the 6-digit code to sign in, but none of them work.

Click to shrink...

Do you use SMS for two-factor authentication? Don't.

Do 2FA the right way to keep hackers at bay.

www.cnet.com

 

[SpaceCrystal]

Text messaging 2FA is less secure than using an authenticator app.

Click to shrink...

Though I'm not the only person that this has happened to, as you can see through here:

Nintendo Support

Find information, resources, troubleshooting guides and more for Nintendo Switch Family, Nintendo 3DS Family, and other systems, games, and accounts.

en-americas-support.nintendo.com

Nintendo Support

Find information, resources, troubleshooting guides and more for Nintendo Switch Family, Nintendo 3DS Family, and other systems, games, and accounts.

en-americas-support.nintendo.com

Not everyone wants to keep using the app just to sign in & access their account.

Not really sure why you decided to call out Nintendo for something which you personally messed up on by not saving codes or maybe the Google Autheitcator app itself is malfunctioning on your device

Click to shrink...

Yeah. I guess I'll have to contact support later on & see if they could fix things up.

 

[deepFlaw]

I don't want to kick you while you're down, but I feel like what you're complaining about is kinda the point of the process? You may not love the 2FA, that's fair, but your issue mostly seems to be it working as intended.

 

[Reinhardt Schneider]

Yeah, that's just stupid. Nintendo could've set up 2FA the same way other sites & apps have done, by sending you a code through text messaging, e-mail, etc. instead of requiring an app. It's like they didn't think this through.

Click to shrink...

No, they actually though it throughly, app based 2fA is way more secure than SMS or e-mail based 2fA. Is not their fault you effed up.

 

[dallow_bg]

If you don't want to use an app for 2FA then don't use 2FA and just risk your account.

 

[Deleted member 11370]

Unfortunately, I didn't save them.



Yeah, that's just stupid. Nintendo could've set up 2FA the same way other sites & apps have done, by sending you a code through text messaging, e-mail, etc. instead of requiring an app. It's like they didn't think this through.

Click to shrink...

It's my understanding that text messages are the least safe option when it comes to 2FA. Honestly, OP, I think the blame here is not Nintendo's. You didn't save your codes and you're very against the basic concept of 2FA, it seems to me.

Also, use Authy. Google Authenticator is... lacking, to put it mildly.

 

[JershJopstin]

Yeah, Google gave me the 6-digit code to sign in, but none of them work.

Click to shrink...

This is where you're losing me. I even tested it just now, and if I uninstall Google Authenticator, I don't have access to any codes upon reinstallation. (I used a backup code to log back in, and as I use a different 2FA app I didn't lose access to any other accounts, for those worried.) It's as if I never set up 2FA on any account.

The 6-digit code you're getting is listed as for your Nintendo account inside the app? With your email and everything?

 

[SpaceCrystal]

This is where you're losing me. I even tested it just now, and if I uninstall Google Authenticator, I don't have access to any codes upon reinstallation. (I used a backup code to log back in, and as I use a different 2FA app I didn't lose access to any other accounts, for those worried.) It's as if I never set up 2FA on any account.

The 6-digit code you're getting is listed as for your Nintendo account inside the app? With your email and everything?

Click to shrink...

What I'm saying, is that you automatically get a 6-digit code the moment you access the app in order to help you log into your My Nintendo account. Sorry for confusing you.

 

[@dedmunk]

Works for me ever since they implemented it, better than Sony's even as Nintendo have an option for App authentication rather than just SMS.

it's a very standard implementation they use, if anything it sounds like you've done something wrong or are referencing the wrong 2FA token.

 

[//ARCANUM]

Do you have multiple accounts / another email address that might actually be the Nintendo account tied to that Authenticator?

 

[Luke88]

I used 2FA to add money on my 3DS account like 2 days ago and had no issue, they might be going through maintenance, try contacting Nintendo if the issue persists in a few hours.

 

[JershJopstin]

What I'm saying, is that you automatically get a 6-digit code the moment you access the app in order to help you log into your My Nintendo account.

Click to shrink...

I can't really help any further, as I can't reproduce this. The only 6-digit codes I get are from previously set-up accounts; on a clean install of the app, there are no codes, even if the app was installed previously. If you launch the app and there's a code sitting there under "Nintendo Account", then you couldn't have just downloaded the app; it was already there, and 2FA was already set up. Which would be a good thing, but for some reason it's not helping you.

Do you have multiple accounts / another email address that might actually be the Nintendo account tied to that Authenticator?

Click to shrink...

Seconding this. This is also why I asked if the email listed in Authenticator is the same as the one you're using to log in.

 

[SpaceCrystal]

I used 2FA to add money on my 3DS account like 2 days ago and had no issue, they might be going through maintenance, try contacting Nintendo if the issue persists in a few hours.

Click to shrink...

Yeah, I'll have to contact their support once they're open.

Do you have multiple accounts / another email address that might actually be the Nintendo account tied to that Authenticator?

Click to shrink...

Seconding this. This is also why I asked if the email listed in Authenticator is the same as the one you're using to log in.

Click to shrink...

I used to sign in through Gmail, but have changed my E-mail address to my Protonmail E-mail. That was a while back ago.

 

[//ARCANUM]

Yeah, I'll have to contact their support once they're open.





I used to sign in through Gmail, but have changed my E-mail address to my Protonmail E-mail. That was a while back ago.

Click to shrink...

hmmm, on your switch itself, go to your account info on the eshop and see what email address it shows. I have a hunch this is the issue.

 

[SpaceCrystal]

hmmm, on your switch itself, go to your account info on the eshop and see what email address it shows. I have a hunch this is the issue.

Click to shrink...

It shows my protonmail E-mail.

 

[//ARCANUM]

It shows my protonmail E-mail.

Click to shrink...

hmm and that's what you're using to log in with in your browser? Out of curiosity, what happens if you use the gmail address with the same password and Authenticator info?

 

[SpaceCrystal]

hmm and that's what you're using to log in with in your browser? Out of curiosity, what happens if you use the gmail address with the same password and Authenticator info?

Click to shrink...

No dice there.

 

[andymoogle]

hmmm, on your switch itself, go to your account info on the eshop and see what email address it shows. I have a hunch this is the issue.

Click to shrink...

It's definitely not that as the OP has already confirmed to have deleted the Google Authenticator app, and they never wrote down the backup codes.

I'm sorry to tell you, but you made a mistake, OP. 2FA via an authenticator application is the current safest way to do it. It's time to get used to it.

 

[//ARCANUM]

No dice there.

Click to shrink...

damn I'm outta ideas. Though I do wonder if it was somehow a combo of the account being changed from google login and the Authenticator being removed from your device. Still, don't understand why the backup codes aren't working. :/

 

[//ARCANUM]

It's definitely not that as the OP has already confirmed to have deleted the Google Authenticator app, and they never wrote down the backup codes.

Click to shrink...

he says in the op that he "tried all of them" meaning he tried all the backup codes.

 

[kami_sama]

It's definitely not that as the OP has already confirmed to have deleted the Google Authenticator app, and they never wrote down the backup codes.

Click to shrink...

Yeah, he needs to contact Nintendo with some form of authentication to remove the 2FA, if it is even possible.
If they can't he won't be able to login into his account ever again.

 

[Unknownlight]

Also, use Authy. Google Authenticator is... lacking, to put it mildly.

Click to shrink...

What's wrong with Google Authenticator? The whole app is one screen with a list of codes. I genuinely can't think of any additional features you would want.

 

[andymoogle]

he says in the op that he "tried all of them" meaning he tried all the backup codes.

Click to shrink...

Read post #16.

 

[Deleted member 51789]

he says in the op that he "tried all of them" meaning he tried all the backup codes.

Click to shrink...

I'm a bit confused as the OP says that they've tried all of the backup codes but later says that they never saved them when he set the 2FA up...

 

[Deleted member 11370]

What's wrong with Google Authenticator? The whole app is one screen with a list of codes. I genuinely can't think of any additional features you would want.

Click to shrink...

Authy is just much more robust and safer:

Authy vs. Google Authenticator - Authy

With every breach, every hack, every lost or stolen phone, online users have a similar thought: “I hope my private data didn’t just leak into the vast and very dark internet.” There’s a good reason to fear: once your personal data is out there, it’s out there for good. That’s why online security...

authy.com

 

[//ARCANUM]

Read post #16.

Click to shrink...

I'm a bit confused as the OP says that they've tried all of the backup codes but later says that they never saved them when he set the 2FA up...

Click to shrink...

Ah, yeah original post and #16 definitely contradict each other.... no backup codes might mean SOL.

 

[Unknownlight]

Authy is just much more robust and safer:

Authy vs. Google Authenticator - Authy

With every breach, every hack, every lost or stolen phone, online users have a similar thought: “I hope my private data didn’t just leak into the vast and very dark internet.” There’s a good reason to fear: once your personal data is out there, it’s out there for good. That’s why online security...

authy.com

Click to shrink...

Ah, multi-device support and a desktop app. Those are indeed good features.

 

[Deleted member 44122]

op needs to contact nintendo and prove that its actually his account, then they can remove the 2fa for him. deleting the 2fa app and not saving/writing down the backup codes is neither the fault of the 2fa app nor nintendo. the switch and website dont even ask you for a code after the very first login, its one of the least annoying services in that regard.

What's wrong with Google Authenticator? The whole app is one screen with a list of codes. I genuinely can't think of any additional features you would want.

Click to shrink...

backups or support for multiple devices for example. those features would arguably make the app less secure though.

 

[@dedmunk]

It's my understanding that text messages are the least safe option when it comes to 2FA. Honestly, OP, I think the blame here is not Nintendo's. You didn't save your codes and you're very against the basic concept of 2FA, it seems to me.

Also, use Authy. Google Authenticator is... lacking, to put it mildly.

Click to shrink...

use 1Password instead 😎

 

[Deleted member 11370]

use 1Password instead 😎

Click to shrink...

Authy is completely free, though.

 

[Dervius]

Yeah, that's just stupid. Nintendo could've set up 2FA the same way other sites & apps have done, by sending you a code through text messaging, e-mail, etc. instead of requiring an app. It's like they didn't think this through.

Click to shrink...

Come on now. As others have said app-based 2FA is a more secure alternative to SMS 2FA.

You've seemingly uninstalled the app with your MFA tokens on and are now bitching about it.

 

[Deleted member 56457]

Please add 2 step verification to your accounts. There's a big demand of people stealing twitch accounts so they can donate to their favorite streamers without paying much. My friend just got hit for 2 grand yesterday by Russian hackers.

 

[trineo_feo]

I'm really sorry OP, but you made a mistake, I don't think this is Nintendo's fault. If you didn't want to bother to properly use 2FA I don't know why you enabled it in the first place