How to set up 2FA with an authenticator app
14 services, each checked against its own help page on 10 October 2026.
Short answer
Open the service's security settings, turn on two-factor authentication, choose the authenticator app option, scan the QR code it shows with KeyNesta, and type the six-digit code back to confirm. Save the recovery codes before you close the page. Pick your service below for the exact menu path.
Pick a service
| Service | Where to start |
|---|---|
| Google Account, Security, 2-Step Verification | |
| Microsoft account | account.microsoft.com/security, Manage how I sign in |
| GitHub | Settings, Password and authentication |
| AWS | Account name, Security credentials, Assign MFA device |
| Amazon | Accounts and Lists, Account, Login & security |
| Settings, Accounts Center, Password and security | |
| Accounts Center, Password and security | |
| X (Twitter) | Settings and privacy, Security and account access, Security |
| Discord | User Settings, My Account, Password and Authentication |
| Dropbox | Avatar, Settings, Security tab |
| Coinbase | 2-step verification settings, Authenticator app |
| PayPal | Settings, Security, 2-step verification |
| Me, Settings & Privacy, Sign in & security | |
| Username, Settings, Account authorization |
The same four steps everywhere
- Open the service's security settings and choose the authenticator app option. It shows a QR code and often a text setup key.
- Add it to KeyNesta. In the web app choose Scan QR (or Add entry to type the key). The help article on adding a code lists the other ways in.
- Confirm with the six-digit code KeyNesta shows. If the service rejects it, the clock is the first thing to check.
- Save the recovery codes away from the phone. Where to store them ranks the options.
What KeyNesta does not do
KeyNesta holds authenticator-app (TOTP and HOTP) codes. It does not support passkeys or hardware security keys, it is not open source, and it has not had an independent security audit. Where a service also offers a passkey or a security key, set that up in the service and keep KeyNesta for the app code. Features has the full list of what is and is not built.
Not on this list
Apple Account. Apple's two-factor sign-in sends codes to your trusted devices or trusted phone numbers. Its support pages describe no option to use a third-party authenticator app, so there is nothing for KeyNesta to hold. For third-party apps that need to sign in to your Apple Account Apple uses app-specific passwords. See Apple's page.
Frequently asked questions
Which services have a 2FA setup guide here?
14 services that accept a standard authenticator app and whose own help page we could read: Google, Microsoft account, GitHub, AWS, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), Discord, Dropbox, Coinbase, PayPal, LinkedIn, Reddit. A service whose steps we could not check is left out rather than guessed.
Why is there no Apple Account guide in the 2FA setup list?
Apple's two-factor sign-in sends codes to your trusted devices or trusted phone numbers. Its support pages describe no option to use a third-party authenticator app, so there is nothing for KeyNesta to hold. For third-party apps that need to sign in to your Apple Account Apple uses app-specific passwords.
How current are these 2FA setup steps?
Each page says the date it was checked against the service's own help page, 10 October 2026 for this set, and links that page. Services rename menus often, so if a label differs on your screen, follow the nearest one.
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