Can I use Bethesda.net 2FA without a phone?

Yes. Bethesda’s help assumes an app on a phone, but the account only asks for the six-digit code. The Authenticator extension produces it in Chrome and reads the QR code directly from the Bethesda.net page — no camera needed.

Which authenticator app works with Bethesda.net?

Bethesda names Google Authenticator, LastPass Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator and Duo Mobile. The QR code is the standard kind, so other apps that produce time-based codes work as well — including a browser extension like this one.

Can I get Bethesda.net codes by text message?

Yes, as an extra: after Enhanced Security is on, click “Add phone number”, enter your mobile number and type in the code Bethesda texts you. Bethesda currently warns that requesting a code by SMS may give an error and recommends the app, so treat SMS as the backup, not the main method.

What if I lose access to my authenticator?

If you added a phone number, request the code by SMS. Otherwise contact Bethesda support at help.bethesda.net — its article does not describe a recovery process of its own. Keeping the extension’s automatic backups on means a reinstall does not put you there.

Bethesda.net Authenticator App — Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Your Bethesda.net account is your sign-in at bethesda.net and in the Bethesda games that ask you to link one, so a stolen password hands all of that to someone else. Bethesda calls multi-factor authentication optional but strongly encouraged: with it on, a password alone no longer signs anyone in, because the six-digit code from your authenticator is needed too.

Turn on Enhanced Security on Bethesda.net

Bethesda’s instructions say the authenticator app needs camera access to capture the QR code. The extension does not need a camera: it reads the QR code straight off the screen.

Sign in at bethesda.net on your computer.
Click your username to open the settings menu, then click “Enhanced Security”.
Click “Enable Enhanced Security”, then confirm with the “Enable Enhanced Security” button in the window that appears.
When Bethesda.net shows a QR code in that window, leave it open and add it to the extension as described below — then enter the six-digit code in the “Connect your authenticator” window. You are returned to the Enhanced Security screen with a notice that setup was successful.

Bethesda.net’s own instructions

Add Bethesda.net 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 Bethesda.net 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 Bethesda.net and type the current code into the confirmation field. If it is about to expire, wait for the next one.
Bethesda.net 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 Bethesda.net’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 Bethesda.net

Bethesda’s help article does not describe backup or recovery codes. Once Enhanced Security is on, you can add a phone number for SMS delivery of codes with “Add phone number” — though Bethesda notes a current issue where requesting a code by SMS may give an error, and advises using the app. Our advice: keep the extension’s automatic backups on, so a reinstall or a new computer does not cost you the codes.

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 Bethesda.net 2FA without a phone?: Yes. Bethesda’s help assumes an app on a phone, but the account only asks for the six-digit code. The Authenticator extension produces it in Chrome and reads the QR code directly from the Bethesda.net page — no camera needed.
Which authenticator app works with Bethesda.net?: Bethesda names Google Authenticator, LastPass Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator and Duo Mobile. The QR code is the standard kind, so other apps that produce time-based codes work as well — including a browser extension like this one.
Can I get Bethesda.net codes by text message?: Yes, as an extra: after Enhanced Security is on, click “Add phone number”, enter your mobile number and type in the code Bethesda texts you. Bethesda currently warns that requesting a code by SMS may give an error and recommends the app, so treat SMS as the backup, not the main method.
What if I lose access to my authenticator?: If you added a phone number, request the code by SMS. Otherwise contact Bethesda support at help.bethesda.net — its article does not describe a recovery process of its own. Keeping the extension’s automatic backups on means a reinstall does not put you there.

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.