What is Google 2FA?
Google Authenticator is an application developed by Google that provides two-factor authentication through time-based one-time passwords (TOTP). The app generates a dynamic 6-digit code that refreshes every 30 seconds to enhance security. Each verification code can be used only once, adding an extra layer of protection. During setup, users are required to enter the dynamic code for various actions such as logging i, withdrawing funds creating APIs, and more.
To prevent unauthorized access to your account, we recommend enabling two-factor authentication, such as Google Authenticator (Google 2FA) or SMS verification. Examples of a good security setup include: Google 2FA + email verification + trading password, or, phone + trading password. Here, we’ll walk you through the steps for setting up Google 2FA.
Content (Click to navigate)
Why Google 2FA
How to Bind Google Authenticator
Common Issues with Google 2FA Codes
Troubleshooting 2FA Access Issues
1. Why Google 2FA
Getting your password stolen may be more common than you might think. Any of the following actions could put you at risk of a data breach:
• Using the same password on multiple sites
• Downloading software from the internet
• Clicking on unknown links in emails
If someone steals your password, they could prevent you from accessing your account and also:
• Trade away your assets at will, resulting in loss
• Withdraw your assets, emptying your account
Given the anonymity and decentralized nature of blockchain, these actions could lead to irreversible losses. Setting up Google 2FA for your KuCoin TH account adds an extra layer of security.
• Most accounts only have their login password as their first line of defense. Even if your password is compromised, attackers would still need physical access to your phone or security keys with Google 2FA.
• The Google Authenticator app generates unique codes for your account every 30 seconds to log in with. Each code may only be used once.
2. How to Bind Google Authenticator
On KuCoin TH, important actions such as logging in, withdrawing, and changing key account settings require 2FA. Here’s how to set up Google 2FA on your phone.
2.1. Downloading the Google Authenticator app:
iOS: Search Google Authenticator in the App Store.
Android: Search Google Authenticator in Google Play, or use this download link.
2.2. Binding Google Authenticator:
2.2.1 Log into your KuCoin TH account and select your profile from the top right. Look for Account Security → Google Verification from the dropdown list. Select Link as shown from the image.
2.2.2 Complete Security Verification, and verify using your email or sms verification code. Hit the Send button for the email or text to be sent to your phone. Enter the verification code once you’ve received it and hit Next.
2.2.3 Return to the Google Verification page. Bind Google 2FA to your account by opening the app on your phone. Scan the QR code or enter your Google security key manually. Once bound, the app will generate a 6-digit code that changes every 30 seconds. Enter this code to complete the setup.
Note:
• Always save your security key or QR code for future reference. If you need to change your device or update the authenticator, this key can help to retrieve your Google verification code.
• Make sure to download the correct Authenticator app.
• Before scanning the QR code, you’ll have to give the app camera permissions.
• Enter the Google 2FA code carefully. If entered incorrectly five times in a row, Google 2FA will be locked for 2 hours.
• Every time you bind and unbind the Authenticator, you’ll get a different key. Be sure to save the latest key.
3. Common Issues with Google 2FA Codes
If your code isn’t working, check the following:
3.1. If you’ve Google 2FA for multiple accounts on your phone, ensure the code you’re using is the one specifically associated with your KuCoin TH account’s email.
3.2. Google 2FA codes are only valid for 30 seconds. Make sure you’ve entered the code within this time frame.
3.3. Your app is time-synced. Sync the time on your phone’s Google Authenticator app with Google server time so that your codes are accurate.
3.4. Try the Next Code: Wait a few seconds for the next 2FA code to be generated and try again. The previous code might have expired.
Syncing Google Authenticator with Google server time:
For Android, adjust time settings in Google Authenticator from the upper left corner. Select Settings → Time correction for codes.
For iOS, go to Settings → General → Date & Time. Enable “24-Hour Time,” and set updates to “Automatic.”
(Iphone)
(Android)
If none of the above worked so far, try the steps in the next part.
4. Troubleshooting Google Authenticator Access Issues
4.1. Lost access to current Google Authenticator
Solution 1: Rebinding Google Authenticator by using saved Google security key
If you’ve saved the Google key during your initial Authenticator setup, you can use it to rebind the Google Authenticator on your device. Once bound, enter the six-digit code to log in to your KuCoin TH account.
Solution 2: Manually unbind Google Authenticator
4.2.2.1. Go back to login page, and click "Security verification not available".
4.2.2.2. Enter your trading password and the email code sent to verify your account. Follow the instructions, completing Identity Verification and submit a request to have 2FA manually unbound.
Note:
• Withdrawals service under your account will be disabled for 24 hours after updating 2FA settings to protect your assets.
• When completing Identity Verification, upload the required photos while following the instructions closely, or your appeal may be rejected.
• The "Security verification not available" button is only found on the login page. If you’re logged in, you’ll need to log out and return to the login page.
• If you previously selected "Trust this device" to automatically skip Google 2FA at login, navigate to "Account Security" after logging in to your KuCoin TH account. Remove the trusted device, then log out and log back in to update your security settings.
4.2. Current Google Authenticator is still in use, but wish to switch Authenticator to a new device
If you’ve backed up the key:
Refer to the earlier section on How to Bind Google Authenticator. Use the secrect key to bind Google Authenticator on your new phone, then safely delete the key from your old phone.
If you’ve not backed up the key:
Log into your KuCoin TH account, then navigate to Account Security to change your Google 2FA.
4.2.1. Go to Security Settings and select Google Verification. Hit the Change button.
4.2.2 . Send and enter the Google 2FA code to pass verification.
4.2.3. On the Google Verification page, scan the QR code or enter your Google security key manually. Once bound, the app will generate a 6-digit code that changes every 30 seconds. Enter this code to complete the setup.
Note:
1. If you exit the page before clicking Activate, changes on your old Google Authenticator will not be saved, remaining usable.
2. Withdrawals service under your account will be disabled for 24 hours after updating 2FA settings to protect your assets.
3. Once verified and activated, the old Google 2FA code will no longer work and should be deleted as soon as possible.
We hope this guide is helpful for you! If you have any further questions, our support team is available for 24*7 via online chat or by submitting a ticket.
Happy trading on KuCoin TH!