Can I use Reddit two-factor authentication without a phone?

Yes. Reddit asks for a six-digit code from an authenticator app and does not care what device runs it. The Authenticator extension generates the codes in Chrome on the same computer where Reddit has you set it up.

I log in to Reddit with Google or Apple. Does this apply to me?

No. Reddit’s two-factor authentication only protects logins with a Reddit username and password. If you log in with your Google account or Apple ID, turn on two-factor authentication for that account instead.

What if I lose access to my authenticator?

Log in with one of your backup codes. If you are still logged in to Reddit somewhere else, go to Settings and generate new backup codes, or connect your Google account or Apple ID so you have another way to log in. Keeping the extension’s automatic backups on means a reinstall does not cost you the account.

A third-party Reddit app does not ask for my code. How do I log in?

Apps that use Reddit’s standard login ask for the six-digit code themselves. For those that do not, Reddit says to type your password and the current code together in the password field, separated by a colon: password:123456.

Reddit Authenticator App on PC — Set Up Two-Factor Authentication

A Reddit account carries years of posts, comments and karma, and often the communities you moderate — and a hijacked one is used to spam and scam under a name people trust. With an authenticator app on, a stolen password is no longer enough: Reddit asks for a six-digit code every time you log in with your password.

Turn on two-factor authentication on Reddit

Reddit’s two-factor authentication covers only logins with a Reddit username and password. If you log in with Google or Apple, Reddit asks you to set up two-factor authentication with them instead.

Log in at reddit.com in a web browser on your computer — Reddit does not let you turn two-factor authentication on in the app.
Click your username in the top right of the screen and select “Settings”.
Under “Account authorization”, click “Two-factor authentication”.
Enter your password and click “Confirm”.
Follow the instructions on the screen: add the QR code or key Reddit shows to the extension as described below, leaving the page open, then enter the six-digit code. Reddit may ask you to log out and back in afterwards.

Reddit’s own instructions

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

Get 2FA Authenticator for Chrome — free

Get your ten Reddit backup codes

In Settings, under “Account authorization”, click “Access your backup codes” and enter your password. Reddit generates ten backup codes, each usable once. Write them down or keep them in a password manager, away from this computer. You can generate a new set later — it replaces the old one — but only while you are logged in, so save them before you need 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

Can I use Reddit two-factor authentication without a phone?: Yes. Reddit asks for a six-digit code from an authenticator app and does not care what device runs it. The Authenticator extension generates the codes in Chrome on the same computer where Reddit has you set it up.
I log in to Reddit with Google or Apple. Does this apply to me?: No. Reddit’s two-factor authentication only protects logins with a Reddit username and password. If you log in with your Google account or Apple ID, turn on two-factor authentication for that account instead.
What if I lose access to my authenticator?: Log in with one of your backup codes. If you are still logged in to Reddit somewhere else, go to Settings and generate new backup codes, or connect your Google account or Apple ID so you have another way to log in. Keeping the extension’s automatic backups on means a reinstall does not cost you the account.
A third-party Reddit app does not ask for my code. How do I log in?: Apps that use Reddit’s standard login ask for the six-digit code themselves. For those that do not, Reddit says to type your password and the current code together in the password field, separated by a colon: password:123456.

Your codes, one click from the login page

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