Do I need a phone for Etsy 2 factor authentication?

No. Etsy describes an authenticator app as one for Apple or Android devices, but all it checks is the code, and any standard authenticator produces it. The Authenticator extension reads the QR code straight off the Etsy page and generates the codes in Chrome.

Do I have to turn on 2 factor authentication to sell on Etsy?

For a new shop, yes — the “Your Security” step of opening a shop asks for it, and you can choose “Authenticator App” there. The QR code appears on Etsy the same way, so the steps below work for it too. Existing sellers are not required to, but Etsy strongly recommends it.

What if I lose access to my authenticator?

Sign in with one of your backup codes, then set 2 factor authentication up again from the “Security” page. Without a working backup code, choose “I still need help” at sign-in. Keeping the extension’s automatic backups on means a reinstall does not lose the account.

Why does Etsy say my code is wrong?

Usually the computer clock is off by a minute or more. Turn on automatic date and time and try the next code. If it still fails, the account may have been added from an old QR code — remove it from the extension and set the authenticator up again.

Etsy Authenticator App — Turn On 2 Factor Authentication

An Etsy account holds your saved payment details and address — and for a seller, the shop, its orders and its payouts. With 2 factor authentication on, a stolen password is not enough: Etsy also asks for a code when you sign in on a new browser or device. Etsy calls an authenticator app the more secure option, less exposed to interception than a call or text.

Turn on 2 factor authentication at Etsy

Etsy requires 2 factor authentication when you open a new shop and strongly recommends it for every buyer and seller. With it on, Etsy asks for a code on a new browser or device and every 30 days. In countries where Etsy cannot send codes by call or text, an authenticator app is the only option.

Sign in at etsy.com on your computer, select your profile icon and choose “Account settings”.
Go to “Security”.
Under “2 factor authentication”, choose “Turn on 2FA”.
Choose “Authenticator App” from the dropdown and select “Continue” — and “Continue” again past the suggestion to download an app.
Etsy shows a QR code. Leave it on the screen and add it to the extension as described below — then enter the code from the extension in the box under the QR code and choose “Confirm”.

Etsy’s own instructions

Add Etsy 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 Etsy 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 Etsy and type the current code into the confirmation field. If it is about to expire, wait for the next one.
Etsy 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 Etsy’s setup screen, copy the key, and add it in the extension with “Add Account” → “Manual” → “Secret Key”.

Get 2FA Authenticator for Chrome — free

Save your Etsy backup codes

Right after you confirm, Etsy gives you a set of 9-digit backup codes — shown only once. Choose “Save to your device” or “Copy codes”, keep them somewhere other than this computer, and select “Complete”. Each code works once, typed into the “Security Code” field instead of a code from your authenticator. Etsy Support will never ask for them.

The code is not accepted?

Almost always the computer’s clock. The codes are calculated from the current time, so a clock that is a minute off produces codes that look right and are refused. Turn on automatic date and time in your system settings — step-by-step for Windows, macOS and Linux.

If the clock is right, check the key itself: 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

Do I need a phone for Etsy 2 factor authentication?: No. Etsy describes an authenticator app as one for Apple or Android devices, but all it checks is the code, and any standard authenticator produces it. The Authenticator extension reads the QR code straight off the Etsy page and generates the codes in Chrome.
Do I have to turn on 2 factor authentication to sell on Etsy?: For a new shop, yes — the “Your Security” step of opening a shop asks for it, and you can choose “Authenticator App” there. The QR code appears on Etsy the same way, so the steps below work for it too. Existing sellers are not required to, but Etsy strongly recommends it.
What if I lose access to my authenticator?: Sign in with one of your backup codes, then set 2 factor authentication up again from the “Security” page. Without a working backup code, choose “I still need help” at sign-in. Keeping the extension’s automatic backups on means a reinstall does not lose the account.
Why does Etsy say my code is wrong?: Usually the computer clock is off by a minute or more. Turn on automatic date and time and try the next code. If it still fails, the account may have been added from an old QR code — remove it from the extension and set the authenticator up again.

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.