Setting up the Fidelity Authenticator App is simple and strengthens your account’s defense. This quick guide walks you through connecting your Fidelity account with a trusted 2FA app, ensuring seamless protection against cyber threats.
Introduction
Fidelity is a leading U.S.-based financial services provider, offering investment management, retirement planning, brokerage services, and more. As online threats grow more sophisticated, protecting your financial accounts has never been more essential. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) with the fidelity authenticator app is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access. This app adds an extra layer of login security, ensuring only you can access your account—even if your password is compromised. In this quick guide, we’ll show you how to set up 2FA with the fidelity authenticator app in just minutes.
Ways to Authenticate with Fidelity for Secure Access
To enhance your account’s protection, Fidelity offers several authentication options:
1. Authentication App (TOTP)
Fidelity now supports time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) through trusted apps like the fidelity authenticator app or other compatible solutions (e.g., Authenticator App ® 2FA). After enabling 2FA in your Fidelity account settings, you can scan a QR code to securely link your device. Because TOTP codes are generated locally and offline, this method offers strong defense against phishing and interception attempts.
2. Email Verification Code
If you haven’t yet set up the fidelity authenticator app, Fidelity can send a 2FA code via email. While more convenient, this method is less secure than app-based TOTP, as email accounts can be more vulnerable to hacking or unauthorized access.
3. Backup Codes
During 2FA setup, Fidelity provides one-time backup codes. These serve as recovery options in case you lose access to your primary device. Store these codes securely in a password manager or offline to ensure continued account access.
Why Use Fidelity Authenticator App?
1. Robust Protection Against Unauthorized Access
The fidelity authenticator app generates unique TOTP codes directly on your device, providing better protection than SMS verification. This method reduces risk from SIM-swapping and phishing, ensuring only you can access your account.
2. Offline Access to Security Codes
Once installed, the fidelity authenticator app functions entirely offline. You can log in and retrieve codes even without an internet connection, making it ideal for use during travel or in low-connectivity areas.
3. Secure Backup Options
Fidelity also supplies backup codes during setup as a failsafe. These can be used if you lose access to the authenticator app. Make sure to store them in a trusted location to avoid lockouts.
How to set up Fidelity Authenticator App
Step 1: Download and Install Authenticator App ® 2FA
- Open the App Store on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Search for “Authenticator App ® 2FA” and download it.
- Install the app and grant necessary permissions (e.g., camera access for QR code scanning)
Step 2: Log In to Your Fidelity Account
- Go to Fidelity.com or open the Fidelity app on your mobile device.
- Log in with your username and password.
Step 3: Access Security Settings
– On the mobile app:
Select the Profile icon.
Select General Settings.
Select Authenticator App.
– On a web browser:
Access the Security Center from your profile.
Under Multi-Factor Authentication, enable the Authenticator App option.
Step 4: Connecting an Authenticator App
Fidelity will display a secret key or QR code.
Open your preferred Authenticator App ® 2FA
Add a new account by:
- Scanning the QR code, or
- Entering the secret key manually.
Step 5: Verify and Activate
The Authenticator app will generate a 6-digit code (TOTP).
Return to the Fidelity app or website and enter this code to verify.
Once verified, 2FA will be enabled for your account.
Step 6: Store Backup Codes
Fidelity will provide a set of one-time backup codes.
Store these codes in a secure location, such as a password manager or offline storage.
Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues with Fidelity Authenticator App
1. QR Code Not Scanning
- Check camera permissions: Ensure the fidelity authenticator app has camera access on your device.
- Manual setup: If scanning fails, input the manual key shown on the Fidelity 2FA setup page.
2. Invalid Verification Code
Time synchronization: The fidelity authenticator app relies on accurate device time.
- On iOS: Go to Settings > General > Date & Time, then enable Set Automatically.
- On Android: Enable auto time sync under Date & Time settings.
3. Not Receiving Email or SMS Code
- Check network: Make sure your internet or cellular signal is stable.
- Check spam/junk folder: Emails from Fidelity might be filtered.
- Request again: If it takes over 10 minutes, click to resend the code.
4. Lost Access to Authenticator App
- Use backup codes: When you enabled 2FA, Fidelity provided one-time-use codes.
- Contact support: If you didn’t save backup codes, contact Fidelity to verify your identity and regain access.
5. Stuck in 2FA Login Loop
- Try another browser/incognito mode: Some extensions may interfere.
- Clear cache & cookies: This often resolves login loops.
- Still stuck? Contact Fidelity support for deeper assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What 2FA methods does Fidelity support?
Authenticator apps: Fidelity Authenticator App, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and Authy.
SMS or Email: OTPs sent to your registered mobile or email.
2. How to set up the Fidelity Authenticator App?
Log in to your account.
Go to Security Settings > Multi-Factor Authentication.
Choose Authenticator App.
Scan the QR code using the fidelity authenticator app or enter the setup key manually.
Input the 6-digit OTP to confirm and activate.
3. Didn’t receive the OTP code?
Ensure a stable network connection.
Verify your device’s time is correct.
Request a new code if needed.
4. How to change or disable 2FA on Fidelity?
Visit Account Settings > Security.
Click Manage Two-Factor Authentication.
You can switch methods or disable 2FA after identity verification.
5. Lost access to the app — how to log in again?
Use saved backup codes.
If unavailable, contact Fidelity Support to recover your account.
6. Which Authenticator apps are compatible with Fidelity?
Google Authenticator
Microsoft Authenticator
Authenticator App ® 2FA
Any TOTP-compliant app
Conclusion
Setting up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your Fidelity account is a critical step to strengthen the protection of your financial and personal data. By using the Fidelity Authenticator app, you create an extra security barrier that keeps your investments safe—even if your password is exposed. Ready to boost your account security? Download Authenticator App ® 2FA from the App Store and follow the setup guide to enable 2FA and shield your account from unauthorized access.
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Now your account is protected!
Need help setting up 2FA for other apps?
** Explore more 2FA guides: https://2fa-authenticator.org/guide-en/