Having trouble with your 2FA code? This article covers the most common two-factor authentication (2FA) problems and how to fix them, starting with the quickest checks.
2FA stands for two-factor authentication. It means you need two things to access your account: your password, plus a time-sensitive code from your authenticator app. It's an extra layer of protection beyond just a password.
Why am I seeing a "missing or invalid code" error?
Work through these checks in order. Most problems are fixed by the first two.
1. Check you're using the correct 2FA code
The code must be for your Coinstash account and come from the authenticator app you originally used to set up 2FA.
Your 2FA code is different to your email code. Make sure you're entering the code from your authenticator app.
If you have several accounts in your authenticator app, double-check you're reading the Coinstash entry.
2FA codes are time-sensitive and refresh every 30 seconds. Enter the code before it changes. If it's about to expire, wait for the next one.
2. Check your phone's date and time
2FA codes are calculated using your phone's clock. If the time on your device is out of sync, the codes won't match ours and won't work.
For iOS (iPhone):
Open the Settings app.
Tap General > Date & Time.
Turn on Set Automatically.
For Android:
Open the Settings app.
Go to Date & Time (this may be under System or Additional Settings).
Turn on Automatic Date & Time.
3. Turn off any VPNs
On the device you're using to log in to Coinstash, make sure no VPN is running in the background. In some situations, a VPN can cause time sync issues.
4. Try a different internet connection
On the device you're using to log in, switch off Wi-Fi and use mobile data instead (or the other way around). Some internet service providers (ISPs) use VPNs, which can occasionally cause time sync issues.
5. Try a different device
Try logging in to your Coinstash account on a different device. Some device-specific settings can cause the error.
Other common questions
My email code isn't working. If you requested more than one email code, only the most recent one will be accepted. All earlier codes expire automatically.
I've lost my phone or deleted my authenticator app. If you kept a backup of your setup key, add it to an authenticator app on your new device. If you didn't, contact our support team for help. If your phone was stolen, follow Account Protection in Case of Device Theft.
I can't get past the CAPTCHA, not the 2FA step. See Troubleshooting Login & CAPTCHA Issues.
Still not working? If none of the steps above fix it, you may need to temporarily disable and then re-enable 2FA. Reach out to our customer support team and we'll help you through it.
⚠️ Important
Never share your 2FA code or setup key with anyone, including someone claiming to be from Coinstash. Our staff will never ask for them. Learn about impersonation scams.
Related articles
Need a hand? Our Brisbane-based support team is here to help — tap the chat icon in the app or on the website to get in touch.