Can I use an AOL authenticator without a phone?

Yes. AOL names Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, LastPass Authenticator and Authy, but any app that produces standard six-digit codes works. The Authenticator extension generates them in Chrome and reads the QR code straight off the Account Security page.

Why don’t I see the “Authenticator app” option?

AOL shows it only when the account has at least two recovery methods — add a recovery phone number and email address on the Account Security page and try again. AOL also says the option is not available for every account yet.

My mail program stopped signing in after I turned on 2-step verification.

Third-party mail apps such as Outlook or Apple Mail cannot ask for a code. On the Account Security page, generate an app password and enter it in the mail program instead of your normal AOL password.

What if I lose access to my authenticator?

AOL’s 2-step verification help does not describe signing in without the code, so plan for it before it happens: with the extension’s automatic backups on, restoring one brings the codes back. If you still have the account open somewhere, you can turn 2-step verification off under “Manage” and set it up again with a new QR code. Otherwise, contact AOL through its help site.

AOL Authenticator App — Turn On 2-Step Verification

An AOL Mail address is often decades old and tied to banks, shops and other accounts that send their password-reset links there — so whoever gets into the inbox can take those too. With 2-step verification on, AOL asks for the code from your authenticator after your password, so a leaked or guessed password alone no longer opens the account.

Turn on 2-step verification at AOL

AOL shows the “Authenticator app” option only on accounts with at least two recovery methods, such as a recovery phone number and email address — add them on the Account Security page first. AOL also says the option is not yet available for all accounts; if you still do not see it, only the phone method is offered for now.

Sign in to your AOL Account Security page on your computer.
Next to “2-Step Verification”, click “Turn on 2SV”, then “Get started”.
Select “Authenticator app” as your method and click “Continue”.
When AOL shows a QR code, leave that page open and add it to the extension as described below, then click “Continue”.
Enter the code from the extension and click “Done”.

AOL’s own instructions

Add AOL to Authenticator

Install 2FA Authenticator from the Chrome Web Store and pin it to the toolbar, so its icon is one click away.
Leave the AOL page with the QR code open. Click the Authenticator icon, then “Add Account” → “QR Code” → “Scan QR from screen”.
The account appears in the list with a six-digit code that changes every 30 seconds. Rename it if you like — the name is only for you.
Go back to AOL and type the current code into the confirmation field. If it is about to expire, wait for the next one.
AOL confirms that two-factor authentication is on. From now on it will ask for a code when you sign in — click the extension icon and copy it.

No QR code, or it will not scan? Look for the option to enter a key manually on AOL’s setup screen, copy the key, and add it in the extension with “Add Account” → “Manual” → “Secret Key”.

Get 2FA Authenticator for Chrome — free

Keep a way back into AOL

AOL’s help does not describe backup codes for the authenticator, so the backup has to be on your side. Our advice: keep the extension’s automatic backups on, or export a backup and store it away from this computer, so a reinstall or a new computer does not lock you out. And keep the recovery phone number and email address AOL asked for current on the Account Security page.

The code is not accepted?

Most often the QR code changed: the website makes a new one each time its setup page is reloaded or opened again, so the account you added first no longer matches. Start the setup again, add the QR code that is on the screen now and type its code in straight away. Two entries for the same website? Use the newest. Other reasons: why codes are refused.

Typed the key in by hand? Paste it into the TOTP code generator and compare the code with the one in the extension. If they differ, the key was copied wrong — add the account again.

Questions

Can I use an AOL authenticator without a phone?: Yes. AOL names Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, LastPass Authenticator and Authy, but any app that produces standard six-digit codes works. The Authenticator extension generates them in Chrome and reads the QR code straight off the Account Security page.
Why don’t I see the “Authenticator app” option?: AOL shows it only when the account has at least two recovery methods — add a recovery phone number and email address on the Account Security page and try again. AOL also says the option is not available for every account yet.
My mail program stopped signing in after I turned on 2-step verification.: Third-party mail apps such as Outlook or Apple Mail cannot ask for a code. On the Account Security page, generate an app password and enter it in the mail program instead of your normal AOL password.
What if I lose access to my authenticator?: AOL’s 2-step verification help does not describe signing in without the code, so plan for it before it happens: with the extension’s automatic backups on, restoring one brings the codes back. If you still have the account open somewhere, you can turn 2-step verification off under “Manage” and set it up again with a new QR code. Otherwise, contact AOL through its help site.

Your codes, one click from the login page

Authenticator keeps your 2FA codes in the browser, on your device only — free to use, open source, no account and no phone needed. Local backups and optional password protection come built in.