Do I need Google Authenticator for Evernote?

No. Evernote’s instructions name Google Authenticator, but say any authenticator app that supports TOTP works the same way. The Authenticator extension reads the QR code straight off the account settings page and generates the codes in Chrome.

What if I lose access to my authenticator?

On the code prompt choose “I need help getting a verification code” and use a backup code, or sign in with Google or Apple if they are connected to the account. Then reset two-step verification in Account Security. Without any of these, Evernote support asks for billing details, recent locations, devices and IP addresses — keeping the extension’s automatic backups on saves you that.

Why does Evernote say my code is invalid?

Evernote accepts a code only for about a minute, so copy the current one and enter it straight away, without spaces. If it still fails, the computer clock is probably off — turn on automatic date and time and try the next code.

Evernote Authenticator App — Set Up Two-Step Verification

An Evernote account often holds years of notes, scanned documents and saved passwords people should not have kept there. A reused password is all it takes to read them. With two-step verification on, Evernote always asks for a code from your authenticator as well — and since Evernote stopped sending codes by SMS in August 2023, an authenticator app is the way to get them.

Turn on two-step verification in Evernote

Evernote asks you to verify your email address during setup. After the QR code it shows your backup codes and asks you to paste one of them back to finish — that code stays valid. Scanners and apps that do not support two-step verification need an application password instead of your real one, created in the same section.

Sign in to your Evernote account settings on your computer.
Select “Account Security” from the menu.
Click “Enable” next to “Two-Step Verification”.
Verify your email address when Evernote asks.
Evernote shows a QR code for an authenticator app. Leave it on the screen and add it to the extension as described below — then enter the code from the extension.

Evernote’s own instructions

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

Right after setup Evernote shows a set of backup codes. Print or save them somewhere other than this computer — and not in Evernote itself, as Evernote warns. Each code works once; to get new ones, open Account Security → “Manage” next to “Two-step verification” → “Manage settings” → “View backup codes” → “Generate backup codes”. Evernote is blunt about the alternative: without a verification code or a backup code, you lose access to the account.

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 Google Authenticator for Evernote?: No. Evernote’s instructions name Google Authenticator, but say any authenticator app that supports TOTP works the same way. The Authenticator extension reads the QR code straight off the account settings page and generates the codes in Chrome.
What if I lose access to my authenticator?: On the code prompt choose “I need help getting a verification code” and use a backup code, or sign in with Google or Apple if they are connected to the account. Then reset two-step verification in Account Security. Without any of these, Evernote support asks for billing details, recent locations, devices and IP addresses — keeping the extension’s automatic backups on saves you that.
Why does Evernote say my code is invalid?: Evernote accepts a code only for about a minute, so copy the current one and enter it straight away, without spaces. If it still fails, the computer clock is probably off — turn on automatic date and time and try the next code.
My scanner or another app stopped accepting my Evernote password.: Some apps and devices cannot ask for a code. Create an application password under Account Security → “Manage” next to “Two-step verification” → “Generate New Application Password”, and enter it there instead of your Evernote password.

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.