This article will cover how to setup an alternate to device verification via email on your Patreon account. It will cover how to better protect your account with either SMS or TOTP two factor authentication.
Patreon provides the ability for users to turn on SMS or TOTP Two Factor Authentication. Two Factor Authentication provides added security to users accounts by requiring a 6-digit code generated by a mobile device to be entered anytime that user logs in. If you select SMS, you will receive the code through a text message. If they select TOTP, the code will be displayed through a compatible authenticator app (Duo or Google Authenticator are examples).
If you'd like to turn on Two Factor Authentication, please follow the instructions listed for both options below.
SMS Two Factor Authentication:
Step 1 - Go to your account settings page. Scroll down and click Add via SMS.
Step 2 - Verify your phone number.
You will be asked to provide your cell phone number for verification. Please select your country and enter your phone number and select continue.
Step 3 - Enter the 6 digit verification code sent to your mobile device.
You should receive a text message that reads "Your Patreon authentication code is . . . ." Please enter that code and select Verify. If you did not receive a 6 digit code please select Resend verification code. If you continue having issues with receiving your SMS text verification code please send us an email.
Step 4 - You're all done!
After you enter the correct authentication code and verify your phone you should be all set! Any time you log in to Patreon you will receive an SMS text message with your Patreon authentication code. This provides extra security to your account!
TOTP Two Factor Authentication
Please note that in order to use TOTP for two factor authentication, you would need to download an authenticator app such us Duo or Google Authenticator before you turn the feature on.
Step 1 - Go to your account settings page. Scroll down and click Add via TOTP Authenticator app.
Step 2 - Store your two factor recovery codes
You will see a popup giving you a set of backup Two-factor recovery codes. These codes can be used if you lose your device and cannot receive authentication codes. These codes are exactly like a password, so you would need to store them in a very secure place. We recommend using a password manager.
STEP 3 - Verify your device
After clicking OK, you will see a popup with a QR code.
Use your preferred TOTP authenticator app (i.e.Duo,Google Authenticator, etc) to scan the QR code. You can also enter the digits that are provided to you. Your authenticator app will produce a 6-digit code. Enter this code into the Verification Code field, then click verify.
Step 4 - You're all done!
After you enter the correct authentication code and verify your device, you should be all set! Any time you log in to Patreon, you will be prompted to enter an authentication code. This provides extra security to your account.