How to Add or Update Your MFA Method or Phone Number (When You Still Have Access)

Who this is for:

NerdWallet users who can log in and want to update their Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) method or phone number.

What this article covers:

Steps to change your MFA settings—like switching from SMS to an authenticator app or updating your phone number—when you still have access to your current MFA method.

How it works

If you can log in using your current MFA method (e.g., a text message code or authenticator app), you can update your MFA settings by following these steps:

1. Log in to your NerdWallet account.
2. Click on your profile icon in the upper-right corner, then select Settings > Security.
3. Verify your identity by completing the MFA challenge.
4. Scroll to the "Authenticators" section at the bottom of the Security page.
5. Click "Remove" next to your current MFA method (e.g., your phone number).
6. Click the "here" link that appears to add a new MFA method.
7. Choose your preferred MFA method (SMS or authenticator app) and follow the prompts to complete the setup.

Benefits

• Enhanced security: Keep your account protected by updating your MFA method.
• Flexibility: Switch between SMS and authenticator apps based on your preference.
• Account recovery: Ensure you can access your account even if your phone number changes.

Common questions

Can I use both SMS and an authenticator app for MFA?
Currently, NerdWallet supports only one active MFA method at a time.

What if I can't access my current MFA method?
If you're locked out and can't complete the MFA challenge, refer to our guide: I lost my phone or got a new one and I'm locked out of my account.

Can I change the phone number associated with my NerdWallet account?
For security reasons, it's not currently possible to change the phone number associated with a NerdWallet account. An alternative solution is to close your current account and re-open an account with the new phone number. Learn more here.

Need more help?

If you're still having trouble updating your MFA settings, contact our support team:

• Chat: Use the chat feature on our Help Center.
• Email: Send us a message at support@nerdwallet.com.