Can I use Nexus Mods 2FA without a phone?

Yes. Nexus Mods suggests phone apps such as Authy and Google Authenticator, but all it checks is the code, and any standard authenticator produces it. The Authenticator extension adds the account from the setup screen and generates the codes in Chrome.

Will Nexus Mods ask for a code every time I sign in?

Only on a new device. After you enter the code there, you can choose to trust that device for 30 days, and it will not ask again on it until then. Do not trust a shared computer.

What if I lose my authenticator and my recovery keys?

Nexus Mods says the account is then locked for good. The one exception: Supporters and Premium members can email support@nexusmods.com with the invoice or PayPal reference of a purchase. So save the keys now, and keep the extension’s automatic backups on.

Why does Nexus Mods say my code is wrong?

Usually the QR code changed: if the setup was opened again, Nexus Mods made a new one, and the account you added first no longer matches. Add the QR code that is on the screen now and type its code in straight away. If you have two entries for Nexus Mods, use the newest.

Nexus Mods Authenticator App — Set Up 2FA and Recovery Keys

A Nexus Mods account holds your mod collections, your Premium membership and, for mod authors, the uploads thousands of players download and the Donation Points they earn. Whoever signs in with your password could replace a popular file with something else. With 2FA on, signing in from a new device needs the code from your authenticator as well as the password.

Turn on two-factor authentication on Nexus Mods

Sign in at nexusmods.com in Chrome on your computer.
Open your account settings and go to the “Security” tab.
Under two-factor authentication, which shows “NOT ACTIVE”, click “Set up 2FA” and follow the instructions.
When Nexus Mods shows the QR code, leave it on the screen and add it to the extension as described below — then enter the code from the extension to finish.

Nexus Mods’s own instructions

Add Nexus Mods 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 Nexus Mods 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 Nexus Mods and type the current code into the confirmation field. If it is about to expire, wait for the next one.
Nexus Mods 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 Nexus Mods’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 Nexus Mods recovery keys

When 2FA is first turned on, Nexus Mods gives you five recovery keys of 16 characters each. Each works once, in place of a code. Store them away from this computer: Nexus says that losing both your authenticator and the keys locks you out for good. To get a fresh set, turn 2FA off and on again in the “Security” tab — that cancels the old keys.

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 Nexus Mods 2FA without a phone?: Yes. Nexus Mods suggests phone apps such as Authy and Google Authenticator, but all it checks is the code, and any standard authenticator produces it. The Authenticator extension adds the account from the setup screen and generates the codes in Chrome.
Will Nexus Mods ask for a code every time I sign in?: Only on a new device. After you enter the code there, you can choose to trust that device for 30 days, and it will not ask again on it until then. Do not trust a shared computer.
What if I lose my authenticator and my recovery keys?: Nexus Mods says the account is then locked for good. The one exception: Supporters and Premium members can email support@nexusmods.com with the invoice or PayPal reference of a purchase. So save the keys now, and keep the extension’s automatic backups on.
Why does Nexus Mods say my code is wrong?: Usually the QR code changed: if the setup was opened again, Nexus Mods made a new one, and the account you added first no longer matches. Add the QR code that is on the screen now and type its code in straight away. If you have two entries for Nexus Mods, use the newest.

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.