Two Factor Authentication
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security that ensures you are the only person who can access your SoundCloud account, even if someone else gets access to your password. Anytime someone tries to sign into your account, they will be required to enter a second security code from a connected authentication app (We suggest Google Authenticator on iOS or Android, LastPass Authenticator, or Authy).
Learn more:
What if 2FA isn't working or I can't access my authenticator app?
I've reset my phone & lost my Authenticator app & backup codes. What can I do?
I've set up 2FA and linked SoundCloud to my Authenticator app, but my codes aren't working.
How can I add Two-Factor Authentication?
Before setting up, it is important that you:
- Make sure your email address is confirmed. This helps you recover your account if needed. You can check your email status in Settings on the website; a notice will appear if it's unconfirmed.
- Have downloaded the authenticator app of your choosing.
When you are ready to add 2FA:
- Go to www.soundcloud.com and visit the settings page. 2FA can only be managed on the SoundCloud website, but it will apply to both the website and the SoundCloud apps.
- Click on the Two Factor Authentication tab.
- Scan the QR Code with your authentication app and enter the 6 digit code. This pairs your device with your SoundCloud account.
- If you are unable to scan the QR code, you can enter the Set Up Key directly to your authentication app. It will then give you a 6 digit code to enter back into SoundCloud.
- You will then see a collection of BackUp Codes. These are 10 digit numbers that you can use instead of the normal 6 digit code you get in the app. This is useful if you cannot access your phone. Download the BackUp Codes and store in a secure location.
- Success! Your account is now protected with 2FA
Please note: 2FA is currently not available via SMS.
What if 2FA isn't working or I can't access my authenticator app?
Utilize your Backup Codes
When you enable two-factor authentication on SoundCloud, you'll get a set of recovery codes to download and save.
These backup codes let you access your account if you lose your phone. You can only download them once during 2FA setup and cannot download them again later.
Important: Keep your backup codes private. For best security, store them in a secure password manager.
Steps to use backup codes:
- On the login screen, enter your username and password
- When prompted for your 2FA code, choose the option to enter a backup code instead
- Enter one of your backup codes to complete login
If you no longer have your backup codes, please try one of the alternatives below.
For iPhone Users: Finding Your 2FA Code in Apple Keychain
If you're using an iPhone and can't locate the 6-digit code in your authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator or Authy), check if the code is stored in your Apple Keychain:
- Open your iPhone's Settings
- Navigate to Passwords
- Search for your account (soundcloud.com)
- If available, use the 6-digit code from the Verification Code section
Configuring Backups for Your Time-Based One-Time Password (TOTP) app
Most time-based one-time password (TOTP) apps provide a backup option, allowing you to restore your authentication data on another device. This backup ensures you retain access to your SoundCloud account even if you lose access to your primary authentication device.
Note: The process for setting up TOTP backups varies depending on the app you’re using. For instructions, consult the documentation for common TOTP apps like:
Restoring 2FA Codes from your old phone
If you’ve recently switched to a new phone and have not installed your authentication app on it yet, you can retrieve your 2FA codes from the app on your old phone.
- Open your authenticator app (such as Google Authenticator, Authy) on the old phone
- Find the code associated with your SoundCloud account and use it to complete login on your new phone
Alternatively, install your authentication app on the new phone and restore from any backup associated with your authenticator app.
Note: The Process to transfer codes from the old phone is different for different apps:
I've reset my phone & lost my Authenticator app & backup codes. What can I do?
If your phone has been reset, and you’ve lost both the authenticator app and backup codes, reinstall the authenticator app and try restoring the authenticator app’s backup.
If you cannot access your 2FA codes, backup codes, or your old phone, we should be able to help if you create a ticket by reaching out to our support bot, Otto.
We will need to verify your identity before granting you access - this is for your own security, so that we don’t risk letting other people into your (or anyone else's’ account).
Please ensure you write in via the email address connected with your SoundCloud account.
I've set up 2FA and linked SoundCloud to my Authenticator app, but my codes aren't working.
2FA codes are based on time and thus require the time on your phone to be in-sync with the official time.
You can generate 2FA codes without internet as long as your phone's time is accurate. However, manual time settings or being offline can cause your phone to fall out of sync.
If your 2FA codes aren't working due to time issues or time zone changes, switch your phone's time setting from "Manual" to "Automatic." If it's already set to "Automatic," toggle it off and back on to re-sync.