Topic: Use mobile device to sign in / 2FA problem.

Just got the Switch and most of the set up went OK but I'm pondering disabling 2 factor authentication (2FA) on my Nintendo account as it's really clunky when trying to use a mobile device to sign in using the QR code generated by the Switch.

Scanning the QR and opening the sign in page works OK, then I get the 'are you a human' check with boxes to select with whatever in them and then, after that hurdle, it asks me to use the code generated by the authenticator app. I then open the authenticator app to get the cod and pfffft, the sign in page vanishes! Ended up having to start the process just as the new code pops up in Authenticator, remember it, then rush through the process AGAIN to try and get to the code entry page before the 2FA code has expired. Talk about clunky!!! I don't know whether it's an iphone thing or a Goodle Authenticator thing but, using the 'sign in from a mobile device' is way more of a PITA than a help as the sign in keeps vanishing as soon as you try to open the app. Seems a like a good idea but poor execution. Think I'll disable the 2FA for now and turn it back on when I don't need to sign in much.

Have a feeling this maybe down to how the 'log in using mobile device' is implemented, particularly when the authenticator app is one the same device (e.g. the phone, as many will be) that is being used to log in, it seems the log in screen that you are presented with will close if any multi-task screen (e.g. your authenticator) is opened. For now I've changed Authenticator from Microsoft to Twillio's 'Authy' which can run across multiple devices so the only option to get the 2FA code is not the device you are trying to sign in with!

@Kraid 2FA was implemented with a security upgrade circa March 2019(if I remember right) to combat new threats that Nintendo started getting back then. I recall disabling my 2FA back then, but it's been so long since I did that, that I don't remember much about it anymore. If nobody else chimes in, it could be they're in the same boat as me with not-remembering much on the topic. I'm assuming you're encountering 2FA for accessing eshop, or making eshop purchases?

I don't save payment info on my switch, and set up paypal for eshop purchases.

I stopped using 2FA after my discord got screwed up and lost the codes. 2FA is a fancy way of saying Get Lockout-Good Luck they won't help unlock it.

Thanks both. Yes I only use 2FA when there is an alternative option for that site if 2FA fails. The 2FA was working fine except that when the Switch will sometimes offer you the option to sign in to the Nintendo shop or account by using a mobile device (giving you a QR to scan on the Switch), that's when the problem occurs in that the log in screen you now have on the mobile will clear if you need to open up an authenticator app on the same mobile device. I don't use 2FA on many sites but for those that I do I've switched to using 'Authy' that can run across multiple devices so I can get the code from a different device.

If your not NSA, FSB, NCIS, DOD, CIA, MI6, Sherlock Holmes and or a government institution or financial using 2FA won't stop someone wanting your data. Your a low priority fish on their radar. changing passwords regularly and not using the same password across devices stops the most harden people from wanting your data.