How many times have you logged into Amazon this week? For most of us, it’s a regular part of life. Our Amazon account holds a ton of valuable information—our credit card numbers, shipping addresses, order history, and more. Protecting it is absolutely critical, and a simple password just isn’t enough anymore.
That’s where two-step verification comes in. Amazon offers this fantastic feature to add a powerful second layer of defense. While you have a few options for how to get that second verification step, there’s one that stands out as the safest and most convenient: using a mobile authenticator app.
Think of two-step verification as a security guard who asks for a second form of ID. An authenticator app is like a special, unforgeable ID card that only you have. This extra step stops hackers cold, even if they’ve somehow gotten your password.
Why an Authenticator App is Better than a Text Message:
Many services offer to send you a verification code via text message (SMS) or a voice call. While this is a good security measure, it’s not the best. Text messages can be intercepted by sophisticated attackers, a method known as “SIM swapping.” This is when a criminal tricks your mobile carrier into porting your phone number to their device, allowing them to receive your text-based verification codes.
An authenticator app, on the other hand, is a much safer option because it works completely offline. Here’s how it works and why it’s so much more secure:
- Offline Codes: Authenticator apps generate a unique, time-sensitive code right on your phone. These codes don’t travel over the internet or your mobile network, so they can’t be intercepted.
- Simple and Fast: When you log in to Amazon, you’ll be prompted for a code. You simply open your authenticator app, get the code, and enter it. It’s a quick and seamless process.
- No Interception Risk: Since the codes are generated and stored on your device, there’s no risk of a text message or voice call being rerouted or intercepted by a hacker.
How to Set Up an Authenticator App for Your Amazon Account:
Ready to ditch the text messages and lock down your Amazon account with an authenticator app? It’s a simple process that gives you a massive security boost.
- Go to Amazon’s “Your Account” Settings: Log into your Amazon account from a computer or mobile browser. Go to “Account & Lists,” then select “Account.”
- Find Login & Security: Look for the “Login & security” section. You may need to re-enter your password to proceed.
- Enable Two-Step Verification (or Edit It): Find the “Two-Step Verification (2SV) Settings” and click “Edit.”
- Choose “Authenticator App”: When prompted, select the option to use an authenticator app.
- Scan the QR Code: Amazon will display a QR code. Open your authenticator app (like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy) on your phone and use it to scan the code. This links your Amazon account to the app.
- Enter the Code to Finish: Your app will generate a code. Enter that code on the Amazon page to complete the setup.
From now on, whenever you log in to your Amazon account on a new device, you’ll be asked for a code from your authenticator app. It’s an easy, powerful, and secure way to protect your online shopping and personal information.
